Wisdom teeth: what they are and why they cause trouble

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come through, at the very back of the mouth. Many people have no trouble with them. Others have pain, swelling or infection, and some need them taken out.

What are wisdom teeth?

They are the third molars, one at the back of each side of the upper and lower jaw, so most adults can have four. They usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. Some people have fewer than four, and some never get any.

Why do they cause trouble?

By the time they come, there is often not enough room. A wisdom tooth may:

• come through only partly, with a flap of gum over it
• grow at an angle and push against the tooth in front
• stay stuck under the gum or in the bone. This is called an impacted tooth.

What problems can they cause?

• Gum infection. Food and bacteria get trapped under the gum flap, and the gum becomes red, swollen and sore. See wisdom tooth pain and swollen gum.
• Decay. Wisdom teeth are hard to clean, so cavities can form in them or in the tooth in front. See signs of a cavity.
• Damage to the next tooth, from pressure.
• Pain in the jaw or around the tooth, or a stiff jaw.
• Rarely, a fluid-filled sac, called a cyst, can form around an impacted tooth.

Do all wisdom teeth cause problems?

No. Many come through straight, can be cleaned well and never cause trouble. They do not need to be removed just because they are wisdom teeth. Read do wisdom teeth need to come out?.

How do you find out?

The dentist looks in your mouth and usually takes an X-ray. It shows how many wisdom teeth you have, which way they lie, and how close they are to the tooth in front and to nerves in the jaw.

What can you do?

Keep the area clean. Brush gently at the back of the mouth and rinse with warm salt water after food. If a tooth is coming through, ask your dentist to check it.

When to see a dentist

Come in if you have pain, a swollen or bad-tasting gum at the back, or trouble opening your mouth. Same-day help is needed if the swelling spreads to the face or neck, or you have a fever or trouble swallowing. Read dental emergency: when to go today.

Dental care is available at both our clinics, in Sayan and on Chhaprabhatha-Variyav Road. Use the booking button below to ask for an appointment.