You may have heard of family, friends, and coworkers opting to get their wisdom teeth removed. While not everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth removed, there are several instances when getting them removed can really serve a good purpose for your comfort and health. If you’ve experienced any of the following signs and symptoms, you might want to ask your dentist if they recommend wisdom teeth removal. Sometimes, your dentist will also mention wisdom teeth removal if they suspect that they can cause you discomfort. They will ask you a series of questions about if you’ve had any discomfort such as pain in your jaw or headaches to understand whether or not your wisdom teeth could be a fault.
Pay close attention to any of the following red flags that your wisdom teeth might need to be removed.
1. You have pain and irritation
If you notice that you have aches and pains in your mouth or jaw, or have chronic headaches, that could be a sign that you need to get your wisdom teeth removed. Sometimes you might notice the pain as well because your gums are inflamed or you have a cavity starting somewhere on your wisdom teeth. Talk to your dentist if you think you need to check into your wisdom teeth and see if there are any issues starting.
2. You are having a hard time eating
Another big red flag of issues caused by wisdom teeth includes having a hard time eating. Pain from eating can be caused by wisdom teeth if you are getting food stuck back there or it can be the beginning of a cavity. In any case, your wisdom teeth can definitely cause you a lot of pain and if you notice that eating is difficult, you’ll want to see your dentist ASAP.
3. Your gums are inflamed
If your gums are swollen, red, and tender, you might need to get your wisdom teeth removed as well. How can my wisdom teeth impact my gums? It’s simple, really: When your wisdom teeth start to come in, it allows bacteria to get into the tissue, which can result in an infection (never fun!). If you notice that your gums are becoming particularly tender and red, then you’ll want to make an appointment for your dentist to check it out, especially if it is happening in the sixth month period between cleanings. Don’t wait!
4. You’re having sinus issues
If you’ve noticed you’ve been having some sinus issues, it might not be a cold or flu coming on. It can, in fact, be related to your wisdom teeth! When wisdom teeth grow in on the upper jaw, they can rub against your sinuses. This puts pressure on them and can lead to a lot of different issues like headaches and congestion.
Do any of these signs sound familiar? Talk to your dentist soon if you feel you might need wisdom teeth removal. Dental care is incredibly important and with our busy schedules these days, it can be hard to keep up. However, it is essential to our overall well-being! An oral surgeon can help you feel better.
Have you ever has your wisdom teeth removed? What was your warning sign? Let us know in the comments below!