Wisdom teeth are a natural part of your mouth. They break through the gum line at a different time for everyone, but often between the ages of 17 to 21. Although they are natural and everyone has them, sometimes wisdom teeth need to be removed.
Often not removing them can lead to serious oral health problems that can follow you for the rest of your life. Removing them is important, but know why is equally as important. Here are just a few of the reasons why you may want to remove your wisdom teeth.
Bacteria Buildup
Wisdom teeth are those farthest in the back of your mouth, meaning it is hard to reach them when you are brushing your teeth or even flossing. Because of this wisdom teeth are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning they tend to have a lot of bacteria buildup which can lead to anything from gum disease to cavities. If you know that it is difficult for you to clean your wisdom teeth or they feel overly sensitive it may be time for you to talk to your dentist about having them removed.
Jaw Pain
Because wisdom teeth are often so far back in your mouth there just isn’t room for them to grow in properly. Because of this some may not grow in all the way or they may grow in crooked or impacted. This can often cause jaw pain and headaches. Although some people can deal with the occasional pain, if your pain is constant it may be best for you to think about extraction because that is the only way to relieve the pressure.
Repeated Infections
Infections of the mouth can happen when a tooth is irritating the soft tissue around it and bacteria have a chance to grow. These infections are often minor and can be dealt with by your regular dentist. However, wisdom teeth can lead to constant gum and soft tissue infections. Not only are these painful, but the more you get, the worse they can get over time.
These are just a few of the most common reasons that your wisdom teeth may need to be removed. Just remember, if something doesn’t feel right in your mouth, go get it checked out. Always remember to talk extensively to your dentist or oral surgeon before going ahead with any major oral surgery or procedure.
