Dental Health Week Day 3

Dental Health Week Day 3

The moniker ‘wisdom teeth’ stems from ancient Greek where the word ‘odontias sophias’ can be translated to teeth of wisdom. This name is symbolistic of the relationship between the typical eruption date (around ages 17-25) and when young adults are considered to be more mature and wiser.

Wisdom teeth are an evolutionary left over from when humans had larger and broader jaws to grind down on tough meat and fibrous, uncooked food sources. However, as diets evolved and have become “softer”, our jaws have decreased in size from lack of mechanical use resulting in less space for these third molars. Wisdom teeth are often referred to now as a vestigial organ. Meaning no longer required for survival (similar to the appendix).

Wisdom teeth typically will emerge between ages 17 -25. In most cases people will have 4 but in some lucky cases there can be 3, 2 or even none. Complications arise when there is insufficient space for them to erupt into the mouth resulting in impaction or only partial eruption.

Possible complications

  • Pericoronitis: Also referred to in this case as a gum infection. When impacted against the molar in front or when partially erupted with a gum flap over the top of the wisdom tooth,  bacteria and food debris can become trapped. This creates the perfect breeding ground for infection (pericoronitis).

  • Decay: An impacted wisdom tooth against the molar in front can cause a little gap for bacteria and food to get trapped and can be impossibly hard to clean. Long term this can result in decay between these two teeth. Unfortunately if left unassessed or treated earlier enough, there is a higher chance of losing both teeth.

  • In rare cases, an impacted wisdom tooth can slowly develop cysts (fluid filled sac). This can cause damage to bone, facial nerves and the root tips of adjacent teeth.

When to see a dentist

If you have any of the following symptoms associated with your wisdom teeth, it is recommended to see your dentist.

  • Severe pain

  • Swelling, especially if involving the face or lymph nodes

  • Difficult with opening or closing mouth from swelling or pain

  • Bad taste or pus

  • Fever

 Develop swelling that causes difficulty with breathing or swallowing this is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY, proceed immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 000.
If you are in pain and waiting to see your dentist, over the counter medication such as Ibuprofen and Paracetamol can help manage pain. Always follow the written instructions on the medication box. Do not take if previously suffered from adverse effects or if you have been directed by your GP or health specialist not to use it.
A cold compress may also help with the pain.
Maintaining health of wisdom teeth

  • Regular check ups and dental hygiene appointments

  • Radiographs or x-rays. The dentist can not make a proper assessment or treatment plan appropriately unerupted or partially erupted wisdom teeth without radiographic assessment. In the case of wisdom teeth, a radiographic image called OPG (orthopantomogram) is routinely recommended every 4-5 years.

  • It is important to brush the gum thoroughly to keep it healthy. Including to regularly clean under any gum flaps with floss or piksters, especially after meals.

  • To reach your wisdom teeth with a tooth brush it is easier to close your jaw until nearly closed, then swing the bottom jaw to the side you are brushing on.

  • If the gum does get inflammed it can be helpful to use an antibacterial mouth rinse for a few days. We recommend Peroxyl mouth rinse

  • This post was written by our hygienist, Magdalena. To make an appointment with Magdalena, or any of our other hygienists or dentists, you can phone our reception staff. Or visit our on line booking site.