Wisdom teeth are mysterious and sometimes painful coming-of-age gifts. Not everyone gets them, but those who do may experience symptoms preceding their arrival that can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.
Have you been feeling a little extra tenderness when biting down or experienced swelling in your gums? If so, it could be an early warning sign your wisdom teeth are coming in.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss five early warning signs of incoming wisdom teeth so you can get ahead of any potential issues and protect your oral health.
1. Pain and discomfort in the back of the mouth
This pain can be localised to where you would expect your wisdom teeth to come in, but it can also radiate further out and cause mild to moderate discomfort. It can be caused by pressure from below as teeth try to emerge or bacteria that’s built up around an emerging tooth.
2. Pressure and movement of other teeth
When wisdom teeth start coming in, they can push up against existing teeth and cause a feeling of pressure in the jaw and teeth. They may also cause some movement in some of your teeth as well.
3. Gum swelling
As a wisdom tooth comes through, the gum over the top can become swollen. If food or bacteria get caught under the gum around the tooth it can also become red and irritated. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also worsen over time as more inflammation builds up, causing further pain and irritation.
4. Jaw stiffness or tenderness
As wisdom teeth try to emerge, they may cause discomfort in the jaw. This can lead to a feeling of stiffness or tenderness when moving your jaw during activities like chewing food, talking, or yawning.
5. Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth can be an indication of wisdom tooth emergence. These are often caused by food becoming trapped around the impacted tooth, leading to bacteria buildup and potentially resulting in unpleasant odours or tastes.
In conclusion, when your wisdom teeth start to come in, they can cause a range of symptoms that may affect your oral health and comfort. It’s important to be mindful of the earliest warning signs and address any issues before they escalate. If you’re experiencing any of the issues discussed in this blog post, we highly recommend making an appointment with your dentist.
At Beaches Dental Mona Vale, our team of experienced dentists will provide you with the care and attention you need to manage any problems related to wisdom teeth, whether it’s through oral surgery or other suitable treatment options. Don’t let wisdom teeth get the best of you – take control of your oral health and book an appointment today.