Wondering how to know when your wisdom teeth need to go? If you're starting to notice sensitivity around the back area of your mouth, it's important to be able to monitor and recognize when it's time to visit your dentist. If you experience any of these signs, schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have an examination to determine if it's time to have those wisdom teeth extracted.
Swollen Sensitive Gums
Wisdom teeth are the last remaining molars that complete your set of adult teeth. These usually begin to erupt around the age of 18. However, these teeth can remain buried under the gumline for some patients and never emerge. But when wisdom teeth do begin to grow in, it is common for them to get trapped under the gums in awkward positions. This can cause sensitivity, swelling and pain, particularly towards the back portion of your mouth. Whether you notice this on one side or both, schedule an appointment immediately with the dentist.
Frequent Headaches
If you or a family member is suddenly suffering from frequent headaches, this could also pinpoint that the wisdom teeth may need to be extracted soon. As wisdom teeth get trapped underneath the gums, they create tension and pressure, which can lead to the onset of headaches. If this is something that you don't typically suffer from and suddenly develop on a frequent basis, contact your dentist.
Stiffness and Pain in Jaw
The pressure build-up caused by these teeth can also create pain and stiffness in the jaw area. This is a big sign that your wisdom teeth need to go because it highlights a problem with overcrowding, which can also impact the rest of your teeth if left ignored.
Evidence of Infection
As you run your tongue along the back of your mouth, you may notice a part of the tooth that feels like it's erupting from the gumline. When this happens, it can leave your mouth very vulnerable to infection. That partially erupted tooth can easily harbour food particles and bacteria, which can be difficult to clean correctly when brushing. As bacteria grows, it can cause a serious infection. This can be detrimental to your oral health and your overall health if not addressed immediately. Although your dentist will usually be the one to tell you when it's time to have your wisdom teeth removed, it's also very beneficial for patients to be able to identify this on their own. Being unaware of these tell-tale signs can cause unnecessary suffering and complications in the future. That's why it is imperative to visit your dentist as often as recommended for regular check-ups so they can continue to monitor the condition of your oral health.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, contact us at (613) 258-7373 today to schedule an appointment. Our friendly and professional team will take a look and help make your pain a thing of the past.