Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom Teeth
They’re called that because they usually come in when you’re older, around ages
17 to 21. These teeth are in the very back of your mouth. You get two on top and two on the bottom as part of a complete set of 32 adult teeth.
Due to lack of space in your mouth, sometimes wisdom teeth may still be buried under the gums, which can cause recurrent gum infections, known as periocoronitis.
The Symptoms
The symptoms you may experience are:
- Aching pain sometimes radiating to the ear
- Pain on biting in this area
- Reduced mouth opening
- Swelling
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Bad odour
How To Treat Your Wisdom Teeth At Home
- Excellent cleaning - even if it is painful to brush, the area must be kept clean to encourage healing.
- Soft diet - may reduce trauma from biting
- Painkillers - ibuprofen or paracetamol - follow packet instructions.
- Warm salty mouthwash
Wisdom tooth pain is usually due to inflammation of the gum over the erupting tooth, which can be worsened by trauma from biting. If you have difficulty swallowing, swelling in your face or cheek or difficulty opening your mouth, call your dentist. You may need antibiotics if the infection is spreading.
A examination from your dentist will be able to diagnose any problems with your wisdom teeth and devise a treatment plan for you. We always advise regular check-ups so we can see early diagnosis of dental problems which may occur and cause you pain.