WISDOM TEETH

The wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to come through. For some, they will cause no pain or trouble. However, the eruption of wisdom teeth can cause a number of dental problems. Sometimes they only partially erupt if there is not enough room in the mouth for them to push through completely.

When will I get my wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth usually push through the gums between the ages of 17-23. For some people they never come through, this may be because they have never grown or because they are sitting underneath your gums without causing trouble.

Where are my wisdom teeth?
Most people have four wisdom teeth and they are located right at the back of the mouth. They are also called third molars.

Why am I experiencing pain in my wisdom teeth?
It can be tricky to brush and floss around wisdom teeth as they are located right at the back. Bacteria can get trapped around the teeth leading to an infection called pericoronitis. If the jaw does not have enough space for the wisdom teeth to come through, they will not be able to erupt fully and will become wedged in or 'impacted'. In this case, it is very easy for an infection to spread below the gum line.

Should I see a dentist if my wisdom teeth start causing aches?
It is always best to seek medical advice if you experience any pain or ache in your mouth. It is often difficult to assess which tooth the pain is coming from, the dentist will be able to check for you. If there is an infection, they can provide you with antibiotics to relieve the symptoms and pain temporarily.

Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?
Unfortunately once a wisdom tooth starts causing pain, the pain will keep returning until it is removed. It is very common for young people to require their wisdom teeth to be removed.