The third set of teeth is the wisdom teeth, which commonly erupt in the late teens or early twenties. Some individuals have no distressing symptoms, whereas others have signs and symptoms when their wisdom teeth are developing. Because of limited space, these teeth sometimes fail to erupt through the gums and often become impacted or infected. Knowing the signs and signals of your wisdom teeth coming in will help handle this problem before it becomes out of hand.
This blog will examine the signs that you may be having your wisdom teeth in, as well as your experiences and ways to deal with the pain.
 Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In
 1. Swelling and Tenderness
People notice initial symptoms as they develop wisdom teeth and gum swelling. This inflammatory swelling may, at the beginning, only be slight, but as the teeth erupt, the growing tissue may cause a certain amount of discomfort. When touching the back of the mouth, you can have a sore throat, and the gums might be red or inflamed. After some time, the developing discomfort can start affecting your jaw or any of the teeth neighboring the affected one and may result in soreness, which may take days or weeks.
2. Pain in the Jaw or Gums
When the wisdom teeth appear, they exert pressure inside the mouth, leading to jaw pains. This discomfort is often located in the rear part of the oral cavity and may irradiate the auricle. One of the most frequent signs of a person developing wisdom teeth is pain, which may even aggravate as the tooth continues to emerge through the gum. For this reason, it may present different symptoms like tooth or gum diseases, so it is crucial to know the cause.
- Headaches
Another less obvious symptom of wisdom teeth eruption is frequent headaches. The movement of the jaw, particularly as the wisdom teeth are trying to emerge, can lead to tense jaw muscles, a common cause of headaches. These headaches typically manifest in the temples or behind the eyes and may worsen as the teeth develop. If you’re experiencing persistent headaches alongside other oral issues, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are on their way.
4. Difficulty Opening the Mouth
The reason is that the tissues surrounding the jaw may become tighter or swollen whenever wisdom teeth appear. This can cause problems for a person having an almost impossible time opening the mouth thoroughly or chewing without feeling pain. In difficult situations, a person cannot open his mouth fully, and his jaw feels ‘stuck.’ This means that your wisdom teeth are erupting and putting pressure on the muscles around your mouth.
 5. Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste
One way to tell if your wisdom teeth are growing is by experiencing lousy breath or, in rare cases, a foul taste in your mouth. This is often due to bacteria and food particles that can become trapped around a partially erupted tooth, leading to infections if not cleaned. If you notice a persistent unpleasant smell in your mouth, it’s essential to consult your dentist.
 6. Shifting or Crooked Teeth
Sometimes, wisdom teeth tend to exert pressure on the existing teeth when they try to erupt, which may lead to shifting or crowding of teeth. This is especially so if your mouth cannot provide enough space for the incoming teeth as expected. Sometimes, you may feel pressure from the wisdom teeth since they can shift your teeth or go out of alignment. These shifts can change the bite and the structure of the smile arch.
Complications Associated with Wisdom Teeth
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
In many cases, wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to emerge fully, leading to impaction. Impacted teeth remain trapped beneath the gums and can cause severe pain, swelling, and even infection. Impacted wisdom teeth may push against other teeth, leading to crowding and alignment issues.
Infections and Cavities
When a wisdom tooth only partially erupts, it creates a pocket where bacteria can accumulate. This leads to an increased risk of infections and cavities. These infections can spread to surrounding teeth and gums if left untreated, causing further dental problems.
Cysts and Tumors
Although rare, the development of cysts or tumors around an impacted wisdom tooth can occur. These growths can damage the jawbone and surrounding teeth, leading to severe complications if not treated promptly.
When to See a Dentist
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s essential to consult your dentist. They can evaluate your situation using X-rays to determine if your wisdom teeth are coming in correctly or if extraction is necessary. Early detection can prevent many of the complications associated with wisdom teeth.
Your dentist may recommend extraction if:
- The teeth are impacted.
- There is not enough space for them to come in properly.
- They are causing severe pain or infection.
In some cases, wisdom teeth can come in without any issues, but regular check-ups ensure that potential problems are caught early.
 Managing the Pain
While waiting for your dental appointment, there are a few ways you can manage the discomfort associated with wisdom teeth coming in:
- Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Saltwater Rinse: Gargling with warm salt water can help cleanse the gums and reduce inflammation.
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help alleviate swelling and numb the pain.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth coming in can cause a range of symptoms, from jaw pain and swelling to headaches and shifting teeth. It’s essential to monitor these signs and consult a dentist for an accurate diagnosis. Early detection can prevent complications such as infections, impactions, or alignment issues. If your wisdom teeth are causing significant discomfort, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
At Northeast View Dental, we provide comprehensive dental care and can assist with wisdom tooth evaluations and extractions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a pain-free smile!