You probably don’t remember teething as a baby. This is perhaps for the best, as it was uncomfortable, especially as the teeth broke the surface of your gums. Unfortunately, some of us experience teething as our wisdom teeth come later in life. Begging the question, “Why do your wisdom teeth come in so late?”
A Brief Explanation of Wisdom Teeth
Some people never get wisdom teeth, but most of us will get them in our late teens and early twenties. Once you lose your baby teeth and your permanent adult teeth come in, this third set of molars is the last to grow behind your adult teeth.
In the cavemen’s day, they foraged for plants, roots, and animals. They needed strong teeth. But they had no toothpaste, brushes, or floss, so their teeth rotted, and the wisdom teeth were used to replace the teeth that rotted and fell out. However, as humans evolved, the need for new teeth never mutated, and there is no reason for us to have wisdom teeth today.
The pressure from wisdom teeth coming in and shifting to make more room can cause swelling of the gums and shifting teeth that is painful.
They can emerge partially, where you can see part of the tooth (partially impacted), or fully impacted, where they are trapped and pushing against your adult molars.
The Reason Your Wisdom Teeth Come in So Late
Why do your wisdom teeth come in so late? Because there is not enough room in your mouth for them until all your permanent teeth have come in. Truthfully, as an adult, there still isn’t enough room in most mouths for the molars to emerge. Some people never get wisdom, unfortunately. Most of us do.
If you have wisdom teeth that don’t cause issues, they do not have to be removed!
Why Wisdom Teeth Can Be a Problem
Wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding in your mouth. Your mouth and jaw are made to hold twenty-eight teeth, not thirty-two. Wisdom teeth are hard to reach, making brushing and flossing difficult. Poor hygiene can lead to tooth decay, foul-smelling breath, and infected wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth can emerge sideways, causing painful crowding and shifting of your permanent teeth (impaction), and can affect tooth mobility. The shifting can cause permanent malalignment and pain, leading to orthodontic treatments like braces to straighten teeth.
The inability to properly care for these wisdom teeth can lead to discomfort and pericoronitis, a condition symptomatic by swollen, reddened gums.
Because wisdom teeth grow in a pocket or sac in the jawbone, the area inside the bed can become fluid-filled and create a cyst. The pressure of a cyst in an area with no room can cause damage to the tooth’s nerves, teeth, and jawbone. In more severe cases, a non-cancerous tumor can occur!
Your Wisdom Teeth May Be Emerging If…
While not everyone suffers from wisdom teeth, the following symptoms are signs you are getting your wisdom teeth.
- Painful swelling in your jaw
- Swollen or reddened gums
- Sensitive, sore gums with or without bleeding
- Halitosis (Foul breath)
- Jaw discomfort
- Pain while opening your mouth or chewing
- A bad taste in your mouth
How To Avoid Painful Wisdom Teeth
Just thinking of wisdom teeth makes most of us wince. But there is an easy way to avoid the discomfort of wisdom teeth.
Bi-yearly dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor your wisdom teeth through X-rays and dental exams. A dental professional will also clean your teeth and check for periodontal problems, as well as oral cancer. Monitoring the teeth will clue the dentist in on any signs of wisdom teeth, and they can be removed before they become problematic.
Keep your gums and teeth, including your wisdom teeth, healthy. Continue brushing and flossing. Use mouthwash to keep bacteria in check.
Dealing with Wisdom Teeth and Dental Issues on Vacation
If you’re going on vacation and have issues with your teeth, there is no reason to stop treatment, especially if you are vacationing in Cancun. Research before heading out to prepare if your gums are swollen and your wisdom teeth bother you. Why not enjoy fun in the sun while maintaining good oral hygiene?
Here in Cancun, Dr. Shtern and our staff offer affordable, state-of-the-art dental care. Their holistic approach is comforting, allowing you to remain calm and relaxed at every appointment. There are no language barriers for the staff, and Dr. Shtern is multilingual. The atmosphere is fun and full of soothing artwork and murals for a relaxing experience!
If you, your children, or someone you know are experiencing issues with wisdom teeth, need dental implants, require periodontal services, or are considering dental crowns in Cancun, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether you’re in need of root canal treatment or searching for a trusted dentist in Cancun, we are here to provide the care you need. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and enjoy excellent dental care at our holistic dental clinic!
