Wisdom teeth are the last of the batch in your mouth. There are four, each one sitting pretty in each quadrant of the mouth: upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right. These teeth pop up when you’re between 17 and 26. Apart from making sure you can chew, these teeth also help with jaw support and the pronunciation of certain words.
As you can tell, you’re probably much better having them than not. But how about when they begin to give you trouble? As difficult as it sounds, they may need to go. Here are signs you need wisdom teeth removed and what to do afterward.
The pain might start off mild, like a dull ache, but it can quickly escalate into something sharper or more persistent. That’s a tell-tale sign your wisdom teeth could be impacted, meaning they’re stuck under the gums or growing at an awkward angle.
If this is the case, you might feel pain when chewing or brushing near the back of your mouth. Some people also notice the discomfort radiating toward their ear or jaw, making it hard to pinpoint what’s actually wrong.
What should you do next?
Don’t ignore it. Book a dental appointment as soon as you can. The dentist will likely take an X-ray to see if the teeth are causing the issue. If they are, they may recommend options such as removal or any other necessary remedies.
Make sure you choose a dental expert experienced in wisdom teeth extractions in case that’s the ultimate solution. A skilled professional can provide the right care to relieve your pain, prevent infection, and avoid complications, ensuring your long-term dental health.
Swelling or Redness in the Gums
If your gums near the wisdom teeth look swollen or red, that’s another sign things might not be right. This is especially common if the tooth hasn’t fully come through the gums yet (also called “partial eruption”). The area becomes a hotspot for bacteria, leading to inflammation or even infection.
Swollen gums can also make it harder to eat or even talk without irritation. Some people even report a slight fever or a bad taste in their mouth if an infection develops.
What should you do next?
First, clean the area as best as you can. A soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle rinsing with warm saltwater can help reduce bacteria. Avoid poking the area with your tongue or fingers (as tempting as it may be).
If the swelling doesn’t go down, or you notice pus (yes, gross, but important), it’s time to call your dentist. They might prescribe antibiotics if there’s an infection or recommend removing the wisdom tooth to stop it from happening again.
Jaw Stiffness or Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
Ever wake up and feel like your jaw’s been glued shut overnight? Or maybe you try to yawn, but your mouth won’t open all the way without pain. That kind of stiffness, especially near the back of your mouth, can be tied to your wisdom teeth.
This happens because impacted or improperly growing wisdom teeth put pressure on your jaw. Over time, this can cause the muscles and joints in the area to get inflamed, leading to that stiff or “locked” feeling. That discomfort might even extend to your temples, making it feel like a headache is brewing.
What should you do next?
First, don’t push through the pain. Trying to force your mouth open or chewing harder will probably make things worse. Stick to soft foods for now and avoid anything that requires heavy chewing.
Also, applying a warm compress to the side of your jaw can ease the tightness temporarily. But ultimately, you need to see a dentist. They’ll check if your wisdom teeth are putting pressure on your jaw or causing inflammation in the joint. If they are, removal might be the best option to prevent further issues.
Frequent Headaches or Ear Pain
If you’ve been dealing with unexplained headaches or a dull ache near your ears, your wisdom teeth might be the culprit. Impacted teeth can press on nerves or even cause tension in your jaw muscles, which connects to your head and ears.
What should you do next?
Start by paying attention to when the pain happens. Does it get worse after chewing, talking, or clenching your jaw? If so, that’s a strong hint your wisdom teeth might be the issue.
In the short term, try alternating between warm and cold compresses on the side of your face to ease the tension. But long-term, you’ll need to consult your dentist or oral surgeon. They might recommend removing the teeth to relieve the pressure on your nerves and muscles.
Recurring Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste
You brush. You floss. You even use mouthwash. Yet, that funky breath or strange taste in your mouth just won’t go away. Sound familiar? Your wisdom teeth might be to blame.
When wisdom teeth only partially erupt (or don’t come through at all), they create pockets in your gums where food particles and bacteria hide. Over time, this can lead to an infection or just a buildup of gunk that’s hard to clean out.
For example, you might notice that even after a thorough brushing, your breath still smells off, or there’s a lingering bad taste that no amount of water can rinse away. That unpleasant taste? It could be from trapped debris or even pus forming if there’s an infection brewing around the tooth.
What should you do next?
First, try cleaning the area gently with a soft toothbrush or a water flosser, focusing on the back of your mouth. Warm saltwater rinses can also help flush out bacteria and debris.
If the bad breath or taste keeps coming back, it’s a sign you’re not reaching the root of the problem. Call your dentist. They can examine your wisdom teeth and recommend whether removal is the best solution to prevent infection and improve your oral hygiene.
Teeth Crowding or Misalignment
If your once-straight teeth are suddenly shifting out of place, your wisdom teeth might be the troublemakers. These late bloomers don’t always have enough room to grow properly, so they push against your other teeth, causing them to move.
For instance, you might notice that your bottom teeth, which were straight after braces, are now overlapping or crowding. Or maybe your bite feels different, like your teeth aren’t lining up the way they used to when you close your mouth.
Crowding isn’t just a cosmetic issue, either. When your teeth shift, it can create tight spaces that are harder to clean, upping your risk for cavities and gum disease.
What should you do next?
If you notice changes in your smile, don’t wait. Book an appointment with your dentist or orthodontist. They’ll likely take an X-ray to see if your wisdom teeth are pushing on your other teeth.
In the meantime, focus on keeping your teeth and gums clean. A water flosser or interdental brush can help reach those tricky areas. But if your wisdom teeth are the root of the problem, removing them is often the best way to stop further misalignment.
Cysts or Growths Near Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes lead to cysts—fluid-filled sacs that form in the jawbone near the tooth. While rare, cysts can damage nearby teeth, bone, or nerves if left untreated.
Sometimes, these cysts grow slowly and don’t cause pain right away, so they’re only spotted during a dental X-ray. In more serious cases, they can cause noticeable pressure or even make your jaw feel tender.
What should you do next?
If you suspect something unusual—like swelling, lumps, or pressure, call your dentist for an evaluation. They’ll take X-rays to check for cysts and decide on the best course of action. In many cases, the solution is to remove the wisdom teeth causing the problem. If a cyst is present, an oral surgeon might also need to remove it to ensure the area heals properly.
Cavities or Decay Around Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are in the hardest-to-reach corners of your mouth, which makes them a magnet for plaque and bacteria. When they’re partially erupted or misaligned, cleaning them properly becomes even trickier. This sets the stage for cavities—not just in the wisdom teeth themselves but also in the neighboring molars.
Over time, decayed wisdom teeth can cause infections or pain that spreads to the rest of your mouth. And once the decay reaches the root, things get more complicated, requiring extractions or even root canals for the nearby teeth.
What should you do next?
Start by inspecting the area around your wisdom teeth. If you’re noticing pain, sensitivity, or anything unusual, schedule a dental visit ASAP.
To minimize damage while you wait, focus on extra-thorough oral hygiene. Use fluoride toothpaste and consider adding an antibacterial rinse to your routine. But if cavities are forming or decay is significant, your dentist will likely recommend removing the wisdom teeth to protect the rest of your teeth.
Closing Thoughts
Troublesome wisdom teeth can cause more harm than you may immediately realize. Don’t ignore any of the tell-tale signs you’ve encountered in this guide. If you notice any of these signs, take action quickly. Start with a dentist’s visit to get the care you need. Addressing the issue early can prevent bigger problems and protect your smile.
