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Wisdom Teeth And Issues That May Develop As They Grow

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As your teeth develop, you may incur some oral discomfort. Thus, babies often experience teething pain. Still, even as you grow older, there may be some pain associated with the presentation of the teeth. However, discomfort from growing wisdom teeth may be a sign of a significant issue. 

Here is a bit of information about the wisdom teeth and issues that may arise as they grow.

What Are the Wisdom Teeth?

The wisdom teeth, which are the third molars, are the final teeth in the mouth to erupt. They typically break through the gums in the teen years or during young adulthood.

What Types of Problems Occur With Wisdom Teeth?

Problems may develop as the wisdom teeth grow. Here are some of the issues that may occur:

Pericoronitis. The gums around the wisdom teeth may become inflamed, leading to a condition called pericoronitis. The inflammation is often due to bits of food and plaque becoming trapped between the gum tissue and a wisdom tooth. Many wisdom teeth only erupt partially, leaving a portion of the tooth covered by a hood of gingival tissue.

Misaligned Teeth. If the wisdom teeth grow at an angle or if the mouth is too small to permit the eruption of the teeth, the growing third molars can apply pressure that forces the other teeth out of alignment. Eventually, a dental misalignment can result. 

Decay. Due to the position of the wisdom teeth in the rear of the mouth, many people find it difficult to clean them properly. As a result, decay may develop in the teeth. Decay in the wisdom teeth can spread to other teeth, causing additional damage in the mouth. 

How Can Problems With the Wisdom Teeth Be Avoided?

To avoid problems with the wisdom teeth, it is important to visit a dentist regularly. During routine checkups, the dentist takes X-rays of the mouth that can reveal the exact positioning of the wisdom teeth beneath the gums. Additionally, using an oral irrigator, the dentist can remove debris that may be trapped in the gums around a wisdom tooth.

Sometimes, the best option to alleviate problems with a wisdom tooth is to extract it. The removal of the wisdom teeth can maintain enough room in the mouth for the teeth to stay in a straight configuration. Additionally, the extraction can make it easier to clean the other back teeth. 

If you are encountering problems with your wisdom teeth, schedule a consultation with a clinic such as Reston Family Dental Center.


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