Teeth are the hard mineralized structures in our mouth useful for chewing, biting, and speaking. There are two sets of teeth in the human mouth which are called baby teeth and permanent teeth. Generally, every human being consists of 32 teeth in total including the wisdom teeth. Those 32 teeth are classified into different types varying in functions, Incissors are sharp and used for cutting and biting food they are 8 in number 4 located in the upper jaw and 4 in the lower jaw, canines are a total 4 in number 2 located in the upper jaw and 2 in the lower jaw one on each side are pointed to tear the food, premolars are total 8 four located in upper jaw four in the lower jaw (two on each side) used for grinding the food, and molars are flat for grinding and crushing the food, they are total 12 six on the upper jaw and six on the lower jaw(3 on each side). And here comes the interesting thing which is the wisdom teeth also known as third molars are the last set of molar teeth to emerge from the mouth. The wisdom teeth erupt between the ages of 18 to 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw. However, wisdom teeth are not seen in every individual few may have them few may not have them. When there is enough place in your mouth and when your teeth are aligned well wisdom teeth emerge without any complication but if not so it may be complicated by causing discomfort and swelling.
What are the problems associated with wisdom teeth?
If you are facing any complications with an emerging wisdom tooth such as swelling, or pain in the gum or tooth it is due to the overcrowding in the gums of the mouth that can also lead to infection and gum disease due to the accumulation of bacteria in the erupted wisdom teeth.
What are the symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection?
If you are having any of the following symptoms then you might have a wisdom tooth infection,
1) Difficulty in opening and closing the mouth.
2) Swelling and inflammation of the gums.
3) Pain, discomfort, and sensitivity of teeth.
4)Red and bleeding gums.
5)Stiff jaw and pain in the jaw.
6)White fluid around the teeth.
If your wisdom tooth pain lasts longer than twenty days it means you are diagnosed with wisdom teeth infection.
How do I treat a wisdom tooth infection?
1)The wisdom teeth are treated according to the severity of the infection and the position of the tooth. At starting if the infection level is low the dentist may recommend a few antibiotics and cleaning the affected area.
2)If the severity of the infection is increased then the dentist may repair the tooth by filling the cavity or by having cervices around the affected area.
3)After following the basic treatment procedure if the wisdom teeth infection is not reduced the last option is to remove the wisdom teeth. Followed by anesthesia wisdom tooth is removed by a dentist.
4) Proper care and attention are highly essential for the best recovery.
6)As your tooth will be more vulnerable to infections after surgery avoids smoking and eating foods that worsen the infection. Eat foods that are soft smooth and easy to chew.
7)Take the medications and pain relief creams and ointments timely as prescribed by the doctor.
Myths Vs Facts about wisdom teeth:
MYTH: Everyone needs to remove their wisdom teeth.
FACT: No, everyone does not need to remove their wisdom teeth, the people who experience severe infections around the wisdom teeth need to remove their wisdom teeth under the supervision of a dentist.
MYTH: Wisdom teeth always cause infection.
FACT: Not in everyone wisdom teeth cause infections, they are seen in people whose teeth are not properly aligned and when there is no optimum place for the teeth to erupt.
MYTH: Wisdom teeth extraction is necessary in young people.
FACT: Wisdom teeth infection may occur at any age even maybe in older people, so extraction can be done in older people also.
Wisdom teeth play an important role in terms of oral health while a few complications may be associated with it. Do not hesitate to consult with a doctor if you have any problem with the eruption of wisdom teeth as it is seen in many people around the world. Get yourself treated by a dentist soon after you see any signs or symptoms of wisdom tooth infections.
