53% of adults have a least one wisdom tooth, but growing wisdom teeth isn’t an automatic sign that the teeth should be extracted. In fact, as long as the teeth grow in correctly and don’t cause undue discomfort, you may keep them.
However, if you’re experiencing a great deal of pain, that may be a sign that you need to remove your wisdom teeth. If you’re on the fence about whether you should get your wisdom teeth removed, our team at Hendersonville Dental wants you to know what the signs are that they need to be removed.
You’re Experiencing Jaw Pain
As your wisdom teeth shift and grow, you may notice pain in your jaw. This pain may go away as the teeth make their way in. If this pain persists, it may be a sign that your jaw is too small to accommodate them and may be putting pressure on the bones and nerves near them. If that is the case, it might be a sign that you need to remove your wisdom teeth.
Your Gums Are Inflamed
Your gums become inflamed when food, plaque, or bacteria get under the tissue. But, much like they did when your baby teeth grew in, your gums may also become inflamed as your wisdom teeth agitate them and grow in. The gum inflammation and discomfort should disappear if your wisdom teeth grow properly. But if this pain continues, it is possible that your teeth are not growing correctly, and you need to remove your wisdom teeth to prevent future irritation.
You Have Sensitivity Near The Back Of Your Mouth
If you’re experiencing pain in the back of your mouth while brushing or eating, it might be a sign that you need to remove your wisdom teeth. It isn’t uncommon for your mouth to feel sensitive while the teeth grow. But, if this sensitivity doesn’t go away or it worsens, it might be a sign of a problem, and your best course of action is to remove the teeth.
Your Teeth Are Overcrowded
Your wisdom teeth are larger than the rest of your teeth. If your teeth have become overcrowded in your mouth since your wisdom teeth grew, it might be a sign that there isn’t enough room in your mouth for this addition. This overcrowding cannot be fixed through orthodontic procedures and can only be corrected by removing your wisdom teeth. If you remove your wisdom teeth, the overcrowded teeth should begin to migrate back to their original positions.
You’re Experiencing Persistent Bad Breath
When your wisdom teeth grow, they can create a pocket in the back of your mouth that is difficult to reach with a toothbrush. If you aren’t reaching this section of your mouth, bacteria can grow and feed on food and sugars that find their way into the pocket. This bacteria can cause a bad taste in your mouth or even persistent bad breath. If you cannot tackle this bad breath problem, it might be time to remove your wisdom teeth.
You Have Earaches And Headaches
If you’ve ignored the pain caused by the growth of your wisdom teeth, it may begin to spread to other parts of your head. The pain may radiate toward your ear canals, causing earaches. A build-up of tension in your jaw may cause regular headaches. If you’re experiencing this pain, you should remove your wisdom teeth.
You Have Regular Sinus Issues
You may experience irritation from your wisdom teeth before you know they’re growing in. As your upper wisdom teeth develop, they can rub against and irritate your sinuses. This rubbing can cause consistent sinus problems, including sinus pressure, congestion, or headaches. If you are experiencing new and constant sinus issues, visiting your dentist for X-rays to rule out wisdom tooth-related problems might be a good idea. If your dentist does find wisdom teeth, they may recommend removal.
You’re Getting Cavities Or Tooth Infections
If your wisdom teeth have grown crooked, proper teeth brushing may be difficult. Because of this difficulty brushing, you may begin to experience cavities or tooth infections when you had not before. If your wisdom teeth are making it difficult to maintain your oral health and are detrimental to your other teeth, it’s a sign that they need to be removed.
Your Dentist Suggests It
The most unmistakable sign that it’s time to remove your wisdom teeth is if your dentist tells you so. Your dentist has a clearer vision and understanding of how your growing or existing wisdom teeth will impact your overall oral health. If they advise you to remove them while you’re at your regular cleaning, there is often a good reason, and you should take their advice.
Remove Your Wisdom With Hendersonville Family Dental
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, it is time to consider if you should remove your wisdom teeth. These symptoms can be unpleasant and may prevent you from living comfortably every day. If this is happening to you, consider coming to Hendersonville Family Dental to get your wisdom teeth removed. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with our team, contact us today.