The connection between wisdom teeth and wisdom:
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, do not spring up from the gums until people are in their late teens, 20s, or older. They represent the last teeth to burst or emerge from beneath the gums. Some people have four wisdom teeth, while others have none. They commonly show up once we're older and wiser. Therefore, they are linked with wisdom.
Our ancestors needed a broader jaw to chew roots, leaves and branches. But since years of evolution, and eating cooked food, these extra molars have lost their job and our jaws have become smaller than the prehistoric era.
There is often insufficient room for wisdom teeth to grow easily through the gums. Therefore, they become jammed and blossom in opposite directions. Some impacted wisdom teeth are buried and do not pose any issues. Other impacted wisdom teeth, on the contrary hand, lead to serious issues.
Dr. Preet Pal Thakur, co-founder, Glamyo Health says, “If one or more of your wisdom teeth become painful, your Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon may advise you to have them extracted. Wisdom tooth extraction is a safe procedure, and elective surgery is preferable to emergency surgery.”
Here are 5 warning signs that your wisdom teeth are erupting and require medical attention:
Infection
When an impacted wisdom tooth begins to force through the gum tissue, an infection around the pinnacle of the tooth can develop. Extreme pain, swelling, and jaw issues might be triggered by infection and inflammation (swollen red gums). Food can also become locked between the wisdom tooth and the molar adjacent to it. This can result in cavities, stinky breath, an undesirable taste in the mouth and poor health.
Irritation in the gums
If your wisdom teeth are coming in, you may experience minor irritation in your gums on a daily basis. Gum disease can also foster between the second and wisdom teeth. As they share the same bone and gum tissue, so when that tissue is compromised, treatment or restoration is challenging, if not impossible. If left untreated, it can severely jeopardise the functioning of the second molars, which are vital for munching.
Crowding
A wisdom tooth can spark neighbouring teeth to shift out of place and crowd the front teeth. Cysts Sacks of fluid known as cysts can develop around the tooth and further destabilise it. You may unintentionally bite your cheek or tongue as your wisdom teeth keep shifting marginally. While jaw fracture is uncommon, it is a catastrophic outcome of an undiagnosed impacted wisdom tooth. This can lead to chronic numbness of the lower lip, chin, gums, and teeth, as well as malocclusion and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
Discomfort in other areas
Dr. Thakur says, “Wisdom teeth can place strain on nerves, causing pain around the cheekbone, eyes, and ears. Additionally, if your wisdom tooth becomes stranded beneath the gums, it can lead to an accumulation of force, which can cause severe headaches. If you have a history of migraines, this can be a complicated symptom to detect. So, always keep up with your standard check with a qualified dental professional so that they can supervise the state of your dental health.”
Visible White Specks
The most visible sign you may notice with your naked eyes is the newly pointed formations emerging at the tail of your mouth. This is the surfaced tooth attempting to break through the gum wall. When the teeth start to sprout in slightly, they become visible as small white specks just above the gums. Brushing these half teeth once a day is recommended.
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