Wisdom teeth are a nuisance to some, and a complete mystery for others. When it comes to removing wisdom teeth, there are some very common and blatant signs to look out for such as toothaches or swollen red gums. However, there are several other potential problems that your wisdom teeth could be causing that you might not even be aware of! Here are 5 other problems caused by wisdom tooth complications.
1. Stiffness and pain in your jaw
Does your jaw start to feel stiff or painful when you open your mouth wide to take a bite or chew certain foods? This could be caused by an impacted wisdom tooth that’s stuck to your bone, resulting in added pressure on your jaw. The end result is the pain, stiffness, and discomfort that you’re experiencing.
2. Headaches
Headaches are a common symptom of many dental related issues. Just as impacted wisdom teeth cause pressure on your jaw, it can also travel to your head. The pain will typically be on one side of your head, the side of the wisdom tooth causing the issue. You may experience jaw pain and some discomfort in your neck as well.
3. Stabbing in your tongue or cheek
A wisdom tooth that is growing at an angle can sometimes be positioned to stab your tongue or cheek. This can be painful and create a wound in your tongue or cheek. When you eat food or talk, the wound can become irritated, get infected, and eventually start to swell up. We advise having the wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible to prevent further complications or infections.
4. Gum disease or infections
Sometimes, impacted wisdom teeth partially come through the surface, then stop. When this happens, deep pockets are made in your gums, and food debris begins to accumulate in these pockets. Normal brushing typically is not sufficient enough to remove with regular brushing and flossing, so the particles remain in the pockets and eventually rot and become infectious.
Over time, it can cause your gums to pull away from the teeth, resulting in periodontal gum disease. Even if you practice great oral hygiene, you may still be susceptible to gum disease as a result of an impacted wisdom tooth.
5. Movement or pain of surrounding teeth
When wisdom teeth grow in at an angle, it can result in overcrowding with surrounding teeth. Overcrowding can cause the neighboring teeth to shift. When the teeth start to shift, it can be painful. The pain will be coming from the actual shifting tooth in most cases, and not the wisdom tooth which can be a bit deceptive. You may also experience pain in the jaw.
Remember, pain and discomfort in your teeth or gums is not normal, particularly if it’s reoccurring. If you are experiencing any of the issues described above, contact us today to schedule an appointment for a checkup. After examining your teeth, we will be able to determine whether or not your wisdom teeth should be removed.
