Wisdom Teeth Growth

Wisdom teeth. Around the age of nine, wisdom teeth begin to erupt in the mandible. A 12-year-old’s wisdom teeth can be seen sitting beneath the gum line on X-rays of their jaw. The roots of the wisdom teeth have grown and are starting to elongate by the late teens. At this point, the tooth’s crown may begin to erupt.

WISDOM TEETH GROWTH

The last set of teeth Third molars, also referred to as wisdom teeth, are the first teeth to erupt in the human dentition. Usually between the ages of 17 and 25, these teeth start to erupt in late adolescence or early adulthood. Although each person will experience the signs and symptoms of wisdom tooth eruption differently, there are a few typical indicators to watch out for:

1. Pain/Discomfort;

WISDOM TEETH GROWTH

One of the most noticeable signs of wisdom tooth eruption is pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth. This discomfort may be intermittent or persistent and can range from mild to severe. It may be exacerbated by chewing, biting, or pressure on the affected area.

2. Swelling and Tenderness;

Swelling and tenderness in the gum tissue around the erupting wisdom teeth are common symptoms. The gum tissue may appear red, inflamed, and sensitive to touch. Swelling can contribute to difficulty in opening the mouth fully or discomfort when swallowing.

3. Gum Flap or Tissue Overgrowth;

As wisdom teeth begin to emerge, a flap of gum tissue called an operculum may partially cover the tooth, creating a pocket where food particles and bacteria can become trapped. This can lead to inflammation, infection, and discomfort.

4. Difficulty Opening the Mouth;

In some cases, the eruption of wisdom teeth may cause stiffness or limited range of motion in the jaw, making it challenging to open the mouth fully. This symptom, known as trismus, can be due to inflammation of the surrounding tissues or pressure from the erupting teeth.

5. Crowding or Shifting of Teeth;

The presence of wisdom teeth can exert pressure on adjacent teeth, causing them to shift position or become crowded. This can lead to changes in dental alignment, bite irregularities, and increased risk of dental problems such as decay and gum disease.

6. Jaw Pain or Headaches;

WISDOM TEETH GROWTH

Discomfort associated with wisdom tooth eruption can radiate beyond the immediate area of the mouth, leading to jaw pain, headaches, and even ear pain. This referred pain may be intermittent or constant and can vary in intensity.

7. Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste;

WISDOM TEETH GROWTH

Accumulation of food debris, bacteria, and plaque around partially erupted wisdom teeth can contribute to bad breath (halitosis) or an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Proper oral hygiene practices, including thorough brushing and flossing, can help alleviate these symptoms.

Summary

Regular dental check-ups and X-rays can help monitor the development and eruption of wisdom teeth and identify any potential issues early on. If you experience any of the above signs or symptoms, consult your dentist for proper evaluation and management. It’s important to note that not everyone experiences symptoms when their wisdom teeth erupt. Some people may have fully erupted wisdom teeth without any associated pain or discomfort, while others may require intervention due to complications like impaction, infection, or crowding.