What to Do When Your Wisdom Teeth Start to Erupt: A Guide to Managing This Milestone

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars that typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties. For many, this process can bring some discomfort and confusion about what steps to take. Understanding what’s happening with your wisdom teeth and how to care for them can help you navigate this phase with minimal stress and discomfort.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through what to do when your wisdom teeth start to erupt and how to manage any discomfort that may come with it.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of your mouth. Most people have four, but it’s not uncommon to have fewer, or sometimes none at all (Dr Kathryn never had any!). These teeth usually begin to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. However, they can come in at an angle or become impacted, meaning they don’t fully emerge through the gums. This can lead to pain, swelling, or other dental issues that require attention.

Signs That Your Wisdom Teeth Are Erupting

As your wisdom teeth begin to emerge, you may notice several symptoms, including:

• Tender or swollen gums: The area where your wisdom teeth are coming in may be sensitive or swollen.
• Pain in the back of your mouth: This is a common sign that your wisdom teeth are pushing through.
• Bad breath or a bad taste: When wisdom teeth are partially erupted, food and bacteria can get trapped, leading to unpleasant odors.
• Jaw stiffness or discomfort: The pressure from erupting wisdom teeth can cause discomfort or even jaw pain.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist to determine if your wisdom teeth are coming in normally or if there are any complications that need attention.

What You Can Do to Manage the Eruption of Wisdom Teeth

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

As your wisdom teeth emerge, it’s essential to keep the area clean. Brushing and flossing may be more challenging, but it’s important to continue to care for your teeth and gums to avoid infection.

• Brush gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the area around your wisdom teeth. Be sure to brush your gums and the back of your mouth to keep bacteria from accumulating.
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash: This can help reduce bacteria and prevent infections around the erupting teeth.

2. Manage Discomfort

Mild discomfort is common as wisdom teeth start to come in. Here are a few ways to alleviate any pain:

• Over-the-counter pain relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling. Always follow the instructions and consult with your dentist if you’re unsure about which pain reliever to take.
• Cold compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected area to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
• Saltwater rinse: Rinsing with warm salt water can help soothe your gums and promote healing.

3. Consider Soft Foods

As your wisdom teeth break through the gum, they can create irritation and discomfort. Eating soft foods will help reduce the strain on the area and make eating more comfortable. Here are some great options:

• Yogurt
• Mashed potatoes
• Scrambled egg
• Soft fruits (e.g., bananas)
• Soups and broths

Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could irritate the area or get stuck around the erupting teeth.

4. Be Prepared for Possible Complications

While some people have no issues with their wisdom teeth, others may experience complications, such as:

• Impacted wisdom teeth: This occurs when the teeth don’t have enough space to emerge fully, leading to pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth.
• Infection: When wisdom teeth partially emerge, bacteria can become trapped, leading to infections or gum disease.
• Damage to the tooth in front: impacted wisdom teeth can cause food and plaque bacteria to trap between it and the tooth in front (the second molar). If left untreated, this can lead to decay and/or gum disease in the second molar. We have seen patients put off the removal of impacted wisdom teeth so long, that the decay has progressed so far in the second molar that they needed both teeth removed.
• Cysts or tumors: In rare cases, cysts can form around an impacted wisdom tooth, causing damage to the surrounding bone.

If you experience severe pain, swelling, or infection, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.

Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. If your wisdom teeth are coming in without causing any problems, your dentist may simply monitor their progress. However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted, causing pain, or threatening the health of your other teeth, your dentist may recommend removal.

Your dentist can evaluate the position and health of your wisdom teeth through X-rays and advise you on the best treatment options. In some cases, extraction may be the most effective way to prevent long-term dental issues.

When to See a Dentist

It’s always a good idea to see your dentist if you notice any of the following:

• Severe pain or swelling
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• A bad taste or odor in your mouth that won’t go away
• Signs of infection, such as pus or fever

Your dentist will assess whether your wisdom teeth are coming in properly and guide you on how to move forward with the best treatment plan.

Conclusion

The eruption of wisdom teeth can be an uncomfortable experience, but with the right care, you can manage the discomfort and ensure your teeth come in properly. Remember to maintain good oral hygiene, manage any pain, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups. If you encounter any complications, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dental provider for advice or treatment.

At our practice, we are here to guide you through every step of your dental journey, from the eruption of your wisdom teeth to any necessary treatment. Contact us today for a consultation, and we’ll help you maintain a healthy, pain-free smile!