Having wisdom teeth come in is a polarizing experience. Sometimes, it can happen spontaneously and without incident. Some people might not even notice their wisdom teeth until they erupt. However, from impacted wisdom teeth to slow, painful eruptions, it’s common for people to have trouble with wisdom teeth starting to come in.
That’s why it’s a good idea to know the first signs of wisdom teeth coming in.
What Wisdom Teeth Are For
Interestingly, the fact that wisdom teeth are named so has nothing to do with their function. They have no actual purpose.
Wisdom teeth in the modern era are more an inconvenience than a utility. Impacted wisdom teeth are a major problem for a lot of people. And after all, wisdom tooth extractions are among the most commonly performed dental procedures. So why do they exist?
Wisdom Teeth: Why Do They Take So Long To Come In?
Research as recently as October 2021 suggests that wisdom teeth are additional rear molars that grow in much more slowly than other molars. This has to do with the later timeline of development for adult humans compared to other mammals. Our jaws grow much more slowly, which means it takes time for a space to emerge for those molars to grow into. This, unfortunately, can take place well into adulthood.
That’s why it’s a good idea to inform yourself about the first signs of wisdom teeth coming in or erupting. This can allow you to monitor the growth of your wisdom teeth.
The First Signs of Wisdom Teeth Coming In
Depending on your genetics, your wisdom teeth might come in without any signs at all. But there are some common symptoms that people experience:
- Swollen gums near the rear molars.
- Cuts appearing on the gums in the back of your mouth.
- A throbbing sensation near the back of your mouth. This could also feel like constant pressure.
- Jaw pain that seems to be strongest near the back of your mouth.
- Headaches and possibly earaches are common when the wisdom teeth are trying to erupt but don’t have the room to do so.
The most telling sign of wisdom teeth coming in is to look for small, hard white spots behind your rear molars. These spots are the top edges of a wisdom tooth erupting through the gums. Although it’s difficult to see, you can use a flashlight and look in a mirror to try and spot them.
Conclusion: Keep An Eye Out And Contact A Dentist If Needed
The first signs of wisdom teeth coming in are usually pretty clear, and mild pains and aches are common while attempting to push their way out through the gums. However, if you experience severe pain, that’s your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. In this case, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. They will examine your teeth and let you know if your wisdom teeth are coming in properly. If there are any problems, your dentist will give you the best advice on removing them, if necessary.
At Nimmi Shine Dental, we pride ourselves on being the epitome of excellence for dentistry in California. Our experienced team provides honest, gentle, and affordable care to all patients and takes special care to ensure their trust.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions about getting your braces and make the best recommendations for your individual needs. Feel free to call our dentist in San Diego at 858-999-8550 or our dentist in Temecula, CA, at 951-695-1027.