Is your teenager or young adult between the ages of 15-25? Do they appear to be holding their jaw or complaining of increased discomfort in a particular area of their mouth? If so, it could be that an impacted wisdom tooth is the culprit. Knowing the warning signs your teen might be displaying will help when it comes to identifying the right dental professional to extract these third molars. From wisdom tooth pain to bad breath, read on to find out what you need to know to ensure your child’s oral health doesn’t experience further damage.
3 Warning Signs That Indicate an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it means it has not erupted. As a result, various signs can occur that will signal the need for dental intervention. These can include:
- Increased Pain and Discomfort: The average toothache can be bothersome; however, when a tooth remains beneath the gums and is potentially misaligned or pressing against a nearby, healthy tooth, the pain can become intense and radiate throughout the jaw. While it can be commonly mistaken for congestion if the upper wisdom teeth are impacted, the most convenient way to tell a difference between the two is to determine if your teen is complaining of headaches, earaches, swollen gums, tender glands, and difficulty opening their mouth. If so, you will need to get them in to see a local dentist as soon as possible.
- Swollen Jaw and Gums: Apart from inflammation of the jaw and gums, you and your teeth may also begin to notice that these soft tissues around their teeth begin to bleed. This most often occurs while brushing or flossing.
- Development of Halitosis (Bad Breath): If you begin to notice that your teenager is developing bad breath, it could be that a wisdom tooth that is partially erupted is not being cleaned as it should. Because these are much harder to reach, bacteria can develop and cause halitosis.
The Reasons Behind Wisdom Tooth Extractions in DuPont
Some individuals never experience the feeling of having their wisdom teeth extracted. Why? Because their third molars erupt with no problems. However, for most teenagers and young adults, it is common to have these teeth removed because of one of the following reasons:
- Their wisdom teeth are impacted and resulting in intense pain throughout the mouth and jaw.
- They have a narrow jaw that does not allow for additional teeth (i.e. third molars) to erupt successfully.
- Wisdom teeth that are partially erupted are not receiving adequate care and causing cavities or gum disease to develop.
Should you notice any of the warning signs attributed to impacted wisdom teeth, it is time to schedule an appointment with your child’s dentist. Ignoring these symptoms and possible treatment will only add to worsening problems, such as tooth and bite misalignment, tooth decay, and gum disease.
By keeping a watchful eye on your teen’s oral health and knowing whether their wisdom teeth are becoming a problem, you can avoid many common and costly pitfalls. If necessary, talk to your child’s dentist during their next appointment and inquire about the current status of their wisdom teeth.
About the Practice
Dupont Family Dentistry has four dental professionals who all strive to meet the same goal, which is to help patients achieve happier, healthier smiles. From general cleanings to wisdom teeth removal, every patient will receive a personalized treatment plan to ensure their dental needs are met with the highest level of care. Whether extraction is necessary because of impaction, crowding, or sinus congestion, our team will carefully determine the best method to remove your child’s wisdom teeth and put them on a path to a successful recovery. Contact us at (253) 964-7000 if you believe your teen may need a wisdom tooth extraction.