A Wise Decision: The Impact Wisdom Teeth Can Have on Your Oral Health

While teeth are something that everyone needs, you may not actually need every single tooth that grows in your mouth. Wisdom teeth are extra molars that typically grow in around the late teens to mid-20s. Although it is believed that the purpose for these additional teeth was to help your ancestors chew leaves, nuts, and other coarse food, wisdom teeth aren’t really needed in the modern day — and most people’s jaws are actually too small to accommodate them. Here are more than enough reasons why you should say goodbye to wisdom teeth.

Less Pain and Discomfort

As wisdom teeth grow in, they can cause a lot of aching and throbbing in the mouth, which can make it difficult to eat. Your jaws may become tender or swollen and may even begin to bleed. You may have trouble opening your mouth, you may experience a funny taste in your mouth, or you may even suffer from bad breath because of wisdom teeth.

Lower the Risk of Periodontal Disease

Because of how far back they are, wisdom teeth can often be difficult to clean. Teeth that are not properly cleaned will eventually have plaque buildup, which can lead to periodontal disease. This infection of the gums and the surrounding areas can lead to lost teeth and, in the worst cases, even lung and heart diseases. If caught early enough, periodontitis may be treated and even reversed. However, if left untreated, the results can be damaging to your jaw bone and can cause the loss of gum tissue. By removing wisdom teeth, you are better able to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. 

Prevent Overcrowding

Another issue that wisdom teeth can cause is overcrowding in the mouth. If there is not enough room in the mouth, wisdom teeth can’t fully erupt and become trapped below the gum tissue by bone or other teeth. This overcrowding can cause serious problems as it can misalign the placement of your other teeth, which can lead to them being crooked or even damaged. Having crooked teeth is not only a cosmetic issue, but it can also cause health issues like gum disease, enamel wear, and bad breath.

Even if your wisdom teeth are not giving you any discomfort, most dentists would still recommend that you have them extracted. That is because of the host of problems that can be caused by keeping these extra molars. Although wisdom tooth extraction can have a painful recovery process, your teeth and your health will thank you later.

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