How to Know You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

At the very back of your mouth, you have a third set of molars called wisdom teeth. In the distant past, humans had larger jaws and mouths that could easily fit these teeth. They were beneficial in chewing and grinding their rough diet. But nowadays, wisdom teeth often cause problems for modern humans. We have smaller jaws and mouths, so these late-blooming teeth often grow in crooked and overcrowd the mouth. Thus, many patients need them removed.

Here are some possible signs that indicate you may need your wisdom teeth removed:

Jaw Pain

If your wisdom teeth don’t have room to grow in, they can get impacted. This means they’re stuck beneath your gums. This often causes pain or pressure in your jaw and the back of your mouth. You may feel pain when you chew too.

Swollen, bleeding gums

You likely know that gum disease causes swollen gums due to bacteria. Erupting wisdom teeth can also cause gum pain. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in and as they try to break through your gums, they can cause inflammation, tenderness, swelling, and even bleeding.

Earaches or headaches

Your wisdom teeth are close to your ears so if these molars become impacted, you may feel radiating pain and pressure in your ears. The strain on your jaw can cause headaches as well.

Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

As your wisdom teeth erupt, they can create crevices where bacteria and food debris build up. Because the wisdom teeth are so far back in your mouth, they are tricky to clean and keep safe from bacteria and tooth decay. You may notice bad breath or even a bad taste in your mouth.

Gentle Wisdom teeth removal in Estero, FL

Wisdom teeth can cause a lot of problems if they become impacted or grow at an angle, so we always check these molars during routine exams. Unless you’re one of the few people who are born without wisdom teeth, you may need one or more of them removed at some point. If you have questions about extractions or are experiencing any of the symptoms above, please contact us today!

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