How do you know if your wisdom teeth are coming in 2024?

As a dental professional with years of experience, I've seen a variety of cases involving wisdom teeth, also known as third molars. Wisdom teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, but the process can vary greatly from person to person. Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate your wisdom teeth are coming in:


1. Pain and Discomfort: One of the most common signs is a feeling of discomfort or pain in the back of your mouth. This can be a dull ache that comes and goes, or a persistent pain that worsens over time.


2. Swelling: You might notice swelling in the gum tissue where the wisdom tooth is trying to emerge. This can make the area feel tender and look puffy.


3. Difficulty Opening Your Mouth: If the wisdom tooth is impacted or causing pressure, it may be difficult to open your mouth fully without experiencing pain.


4. Biting on the Inside of Your Cheek: Sometimes, a partially erupted wisdom tooth can cause you to accidentally bite the inside of your cheek or the side of your tongue.


5. Redness and Irritation: The gum tissue around the emerging tooth may appear red and irritated.


6. Bad Breath or Taste: As food particles can get trapped around a partially erupted tooth, it can lead to bad breath or a strange taste in your mouth.

7.
Infection: If the wisdom tooth is impacted, it can lead to an infection in the gum tissue, known as pericoronitis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes pus discharge.

8.
Crowding or Misalignment of Other Teeth: Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause other teeth to shift or become misaligned, especially if there isn’t enough room for the wisdom tooth to fully erupt.

9.
Difficulty Cleaning: It can be challenging to clean the area around a partially erupted wisdom tooth, which can lead to plaque buildup and potential gum disease.

10.
X-rays: Often, the only definitive way to know if your wisdom teeth are coming in is through dental X-rays. These images can show the position, development, and potential impaction of the teeth.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to consult with a dental professional. They can assess your situation and determine the best course of action, which may include monitoring the situation, extraction, or other treatments.

Look out for gum or jaw pain. Even wisdom teeth that erupt normally through your gums can cause mild symptoms. Look for mild pain, a feeling of pressure, or dull throbbing in the gums near the opening of your throat or in the nearby jaw bone.Sep 8, 2017