Wisdom Teeth: Everything You Need to Know Before They Have to Go

One of the most common reasons your Wilmington holistic and biological dentist might recommend oral surgery is because of your wisdom teeth. Unfortunately, they can be a real, even painful problem for so many people, especially as you get older. Other than when you’re getting them removed or when they’re causing you pain, it’s pretty normal to never think about your wisdom teeth. But how much do you actually know about wisdom teeth? Let’s learn a little more about them and why we even have wisdom teeth in the first place.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Your wisdom teeth are what are normally referred to as third molars that show up as we enter into adulthood. Go to the back of your mouth, and that’s where wisdom teeth come in. Sometimes they never erupt through the gums, and they remain stuck under your gingival tissue. This is where they can cause oral and overall health issues.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Painful?

Unfortunately, wisdom teeth are often painful for so many patients. This is why they are recommended to be removed so that they can no longer cause you discomfort. Here are four of the biggest reasons wisdom teeth can hurt:

• Expected growth – If you have pain in the area where your wisdom teeth should be, it’s most likely that they are starting to grow in. As they erupt through your gums, there’s a good chance there will be swelling and soreness.
• Cavities or decay – Due to lack of space in your mouth, wisdom teeth regularly grow tightly next to neighboring teeth. This tight space does not leave enough room to properly clean, making it a sweet spot for cavities and further tooth decay.
• Impaction – If a wisdom tooth becomes impacted or doesn’t erupt, it can swell, causing pain when chewing or biting and difficulty opening your mouth.
• Gum disease – Periodontal or gum disease is always something you’ll want to fix and keep under control. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that nearly 48 percent of American adults over the age of 30 have gum disease. It’s more likely to form on wisdom teeth because of their location in your mouth. There’s not enough room between the teeth to keep them clean, leading to cavities.

What Can I Do?

As you can see, your Wilmington holistic and biological dentists take wisdom teeth seriously for all of these reasons. We want you and your mouth to be pain-free and healthy.

Are you struggling with wisdom tooth pain? Is there someone in your family who will have wisdom teeth coming in soon? It’s always best to talk to a professional about your oral health. Schedule a visit with us at our holistic and biological dental office in Wilmington. At All About Smiles, we have the advanced training and technology to assess your needs and provide you with suitable options to help you stay healthy.

About The Author

Dr. Lewis Yu

Dr. Lewis Yu, who graduated with a dental degree, completed a two-year postgraduate oral surgery training in New York City and Pennsylvania. Board-certified in Naturopathic Medicine and Integrated Biological Dental Medicine, he practiced in Philadelphia and New Jersey before joining All About Smiles. Dr. Yu is affiliated with the Holistic Dental Association and Talkinternational.com.

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