Wisdom teeth are a familiar topic for anyone who has undergone dental care, or even heard of it. But do you know exactly what wisdom teeth are and how they can impact your oral health?
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are a set of four teeth that grow at the back of your mouth in your late teens or early 20s. They are the last set of teeth to emerge and usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people have all four wisdom teeth, others may have fewer or even none at all.
How Do Wisdom Teeth Impact Your Oral Health?
While wisdom teeth can help you chew food and maintain your facial structure, they can also cause a host of problems if they don’t emerge correctly or if your mouth doesn’t have enough space to accommodate them. Here are some ways wisdom teeth can impact your oral health:
1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
One common issue with wisdom teeth is that they can become impacted, which means that they don’t fully emerge from the gums and can remain partially or completely covered. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and swelling, and may even lead to cysts or tumors in severe cases.
2. Crowding and Misalignment
Another problem with wisdom teeth is that they can crowd your other teeth, causing them to shift and become misaligned. This can also make it harder to clean your teeth properly, leading to gum disease and tooth decay.
3. Increased Risk of Infection
Because wisdom teeth are located at the back of your mouth, they can be harder to clean and may be more prone to developing cavities and gum disease. Infections can also occur if food and bacteria get trapped around the teeth and gums, leading to pain and swelling.
4. Extraction
In some cases, your dentist may recommend extracting your wisdom teeth to prevent these issues and maintain your oral health. This is a straightforward procedure that involves removing the teeth under local anesthesia.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth can impact your oral health in several ways, from causing pain and swelling to increasing your risk of infection and tooth decay. If you’re experiencing discomfort or other issues with your wisdom teeth, talk to your dentist about the best course of action to maintain your oral health and prevent complications in the future.
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