Some incidents happen in life when you least expect them, such as getting into an accident, building a friendship, or growing a wisdom tooth. You might’ve heard most people jokingly tell you that wisdom teeth bring intelligence. Well, as a matter of fact, the one thing they can most likely bring is pain. If you are also someone who is growing a wisdom tooth and wondering when wisdom teeth come in, what to expect, and why we have them, then this article is for you. Here, I will discuss all you need to know about wisdom teeth. So read till the end to get all your queries answered.
What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do We Have Them?
Wisdom teeth are the last of the molars to grow. There is no exact age when they start developing, as it varies from person to person. Usually, they emerge in late teens or early twenties, when a person is around 17 to 25 years old. Typically, a person grows four wisdom teeth in their lifetime. However, some people may only develop one or two, and others may not develop any at all.
The reason why we have wisdom teeth is quite interesting. Many centuries ago, humans had different eating habits. They used to eat uncooked plants and meat, which is why they had a bigger jaw and more teeth than we do now. However, with natural human evolution, our jaws started shrinking, leading to a reduction in the number of teeth. Still, the extra teeth grow many years later than our other teeth, and are called the wisdom teeth.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth? Truth Uncovered
Most of the patients that I deal with ask a few common questions, like whether everyone has wisdom teeth. The answer to this is simple. No, everyone does not have wisdom teeth; however, most people do, and it’s completely normal. The role that wisdom teeth play is distinct for everyone.
For some people, their wisdom teeth erupt normally without causing any pain. In such cases, they can actually help chew better. However, in other cases, wisdom teeth may get fully or partially stuck in the jaw, leading to pain and discomfort. In this situation, expert help should be sought to get them removed and prevent further complications. Remember, just like having wisdom teeth is normal, not having them is completely normal too.
How To Care for Wisdom Teeth Like a Pro (Easy Steps)
If you are growing your wisdom teeth and are wondering how you can care for them, then there are a few easy steps you can follow.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene
Maintaining oral hygiene is the first step towards ensuring good oral health. To make the eruption of wisdom teeth more manageable, you must brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. Though it may not seem like it, adopting this small habit can bring about great changes for your oral health.
Saltwater Rinses
Saltwater rinses are a tried-and-tested remedy for reducing tooth pain. While your wisdom teeth erupt, regularly do saltwater rinses to ease the pain and make the experience more comfortable.
Diet Changes
This is very important. During the time your wisdom teeth erupt, you need to make certain diet changes. This means you must avoid all kinds of sticky and hard foods to prevent pain and discomfort. Only eat soft and easily chewed foods to have a better experience.
Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups are a must. If you are in the process of developing wisdom teeth, make sure to have regular appointments with your dentist. An early assessment and evaluations helps prevent pain as well as more expensive and surgical treatments later on.
Common Problems with Wisdom Teeth and What I Suggest
As a dental care expert, many patients come to me with problems that they face due to the eruption of wisdom teeth. The following are some of the most common ones.
- Food getting stuck in teeth
- Pain and discomfort while chewing
- Decayed wisdom teeth
- Inflammation or redness in the area surrounding the wisdom tooth
If you face any of these issues and the pain gets unbearable, a prompt wisdom tooth extraction is what I suggest. Not only can it help you get permanent pain relief, but it can also help improve your quality of life and prevent the surrounding teeth from getting damaged or decayed.
Dentist-Approved Tips for Happy, Healthy Wisdom Teeth
With years of expertise as a professional McKinney dentist, there are some tips that I am happy to share with my readers. If you want to have healthy and happy wisdom teeth, there are a few simple practices that you can incorporate into your regular oral care routine.
The most important one is regular dental checkups. Visit your dentist at least twice a year so they can pinpoint any abnormalities and treat them on time. Additionally, always use a soft-bristle toothbrush. Avoid going too harshly on your teeth, even for cleaning purposes.
Lastly, make sure to consume less sweet foods. When you consume too much sugar, the food gets stuck to your teeth, particularly molars and wisdom teeth, which provides the ideal condition for cavity-causing bacteria to thrive. This can lead to tooth decay and exacerbate the experience. Following these easy tips can surely bring about great outcomes for your back chompers.
Why LiT Dental is Your Go-To for Wisdom Teeth Care
Having wisdom teeth can be a painful experience for some people. If you are one of them, then LiT Dental can surely be your trusted getaway. With hands-on experience in the field of dentistry, I can assist you in making the eruption of wisdom teeth easier, as well as provide you with painless tooth extractions.
Not just this, you can trust LiT Dental for all kinds of reliable cosmetic as well as general dentistry procedures. From teeth whitening to dental root canals, I offer it all. So, the next time you start stressing about your pearly whites, reach out to me, and I’d be more than happy to help!
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- Comprehensive Exams
- Gentle Cleanings
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CONCLUSION
Wisdom teeth are the last of the molars to grow. They emerge in late teens or early twenties. For some people, wisdom teeth erupt normally without causing any pain. However, in other cases, they may get fully or partially stuck in the jaw, leading to pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing any kind of aches and niggles with your wisdom teeth, relying on LiT Dental can be an absolute game-changer for your oral health.
Call LiT Dental now at (972) 369-7811 to schedule your appointment.
