Health Tips

Feeling immense pressure all the way at the back of your mouth? It could possibly be one of your wisdom teeth coming in. It may be a bit worrying if it’s the first time you’re experiencing this. So, let’s look into the details to learn more about them to clear the air!

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third or last molars an adult can have. Molars are the largest and strongest teeth located at the back of the mouth. One can get a total of four wisdom teeth at most- two on the top and two on the bottom.

The “arrival” of the dreaded wisdom teeth is a popular topic, especially among young adults. This is because wisdom teeth usually start showing up in those that are between 17 and 25 years of age.

For some, the emerging of these teeth causes no pain at all, given that they align properly with the other teeth in the mouth, as they should. However, it’s a different experience for each individual. While some may experience nothing in particular, others may go through intense pain which would result in requiring professional help.

Why are they called “wisdom” teeth?

Does the emergence of these teeth bring along with them a profound sense of wisdom?

Is there a reason to be excited to finally have these teeth coming in?

Do only wise people have wisdom teeth coming in?

Well, in reality, wisdom teeth go by their given name solely due to the fact that they appear somewhat later in life when one is presumably more “mature” and “wiser”. 

What’s the function of the wisdom teeth?

In the early days, our ancestors used to depend on comparatively rougher food like nuts, roots, reed plants, leaves and tough meat for survival. Thus, it’s perceived that the wisdom teeth served an important purpose in those times and helped in chewing down these rugged foods.

In addition, as our ancestors had larger jaws, the emergence of wisdom teeth did not present a significant issue as there was enough space in their mouth for the teeth to come out.

Why do wisdom teeth hurt?

If there’s not enough space for the wisdom teeth to come out, the teeth become impacted and hence, lead to pain. In some cases, half of a wisdom tooth may emerge whereas, the other half is unable to.

When the wisdom tooth is impacted in any way, it may grow at an abnormal angle which can cause complications. For example, it may grow towards the back of the mouth or towards the second molar that sits in front of it. Some may even grow within the jawbone and not emerge. Hence, in such a case, the dentist would have to make an incision to remove it.

These impacted wisdom teeth can cause swelling, infections, tooth decay, overcrowding and inflamed gums as well.

What to do if a wisdom tooth is coming in and it hurts?

If you are experiencing pain due to a wisdom tooth that’s emerging, you can opt for some home remedies to manage it at first, for instance:

1. Ibuprofen: This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) painkiller can help reduce the inflammation of gums and associated discomfort
2. Oral Aid: A dental gel that helps reduce the pain in the area can really help. There are over-the-counter dental gels that are available and will contain benzocaine as an active ingredient
3. Clove oil: According to studies, using clove oil as a topical treatment can help alleviate pain as it presents a numbing effect. Add a few drops of clove oil onto a cotton ball and rest it on the area that is painful or inflamed. Remove the cotton ball after 5 to 10 minutes. Apply every 3 hours for pain relief.
4. Ice pack: Place an ice pack on the jaw area where the pain is present and hold it in place for 15 minutes or so, until the pain subsides.

If the pain does not subside or if you experience symptoms like recurring headaches or bloody saliva, it is important to schedule an appointment with a dentist to treat it or remove it if needed, for permanent relief!

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/wisdom-teeth-pain-relief#Outlook Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/symptoms-causes/syc-20373808 Impacted wisdom teeth

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319461#removal Ways to relieve painful wisdom teeth

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279590/ Should you have your wisdom teeth removed?

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4979926/ Problems with erupting wisdom teeth: signs, symptoms and management

https://www.verywellhealth.com/molar-definition-of-molar-1059429 The Functions of Molar and Wisdom Teeth

https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-do-we-have-wisdom-teeth-1059377 Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Written by

Ms Zaain Ahmed Naseem