When Your Wisdom Teeth Begin to Erupt, What Should You Do?
Posted on 10/15/2025 by Davis Dental Practice |
 Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars to emerge in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They're also known as the "third molars" because they're located at the back of the jaw, behind the other molars. While some people experience a smooth eruption of their wisdom teeth, others encounter problems that require professional attention.
So, what should you do when your wisdom teeth start to erupt? Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this process:
Signs and Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Eruption
Here are some telltale signs that your wisdom teeth are erupting:
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Swollen and tender gums: The gums surrounding the erupting wisdom tooth may become red, swollen, and painful. This is due to the pressure the tooth exerts on the surrounding tissues as it pushes its way through the gums. |
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Painful jaw: You might experience a dull ache or sharp pain in your jaw, especially when chewing. |
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Difficulty opening your mouth: The swelling associated with eruption can make it difficult to open your mouth fully. |
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Bad breath: Food particles can get trapped around the partially erupted wisdom tooth, leading to bad breath. |
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Visible tooth: Eventually, the tip of the wisdom tooth will become visible through the gums. |
Potential Problems with Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth can cause several problems if they don't erupt properly. These include:
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Impaction: This is the most common problem, occurring when the wisdom tooth is blocked from fully erupting by other teeth, bone, or soft tissue. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. |
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Crowding: If there's not enough space in your jaw for the wisdom teeth to erupt properly, they can crowd other teeth, leading to misalignment and bite problems. |
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Gum disease: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. |
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Cysts or tumors: In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to the development of cysts or tumors in the jaw. |
When to See a Dentist
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it's important to see a dentist as soon as possible:
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Severe pain or swelling |
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Difficulty opening your mouth |
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Signs of infection, such as fever, pus, or bad breath |
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Visible damage to your other teeth |
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Numbness or tingling in your mouth |
What to Expect at the Dentist
During your appointment, the dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to assess the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. Based on this evaluation, they will recommend the best course of action. This may involve:
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Monitoring: If your wisdom teeth are erupting normally and causing no problems, the dentist may simply monitor them over time. |
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Removal: If your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing other problems, the dentist will likely recommend extraction. This is a common procedure that can be performed in the dentist's office. |
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Restoration Dentistry: If your wisdom teeth are causing damage to other teeth, your dentist may recommend restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, or bridges to repair the damage. |
Caring for Your Wisdom Teeth
Here are some tips for taking care of your wisdom teeth during eruption:
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Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food debris that can contribute to infection. |
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Rinse with salt water: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce swelling and discomfort. |
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Use pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation. |
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See your dentist regularly: Schedule regular dental checkups to monitor the eruption of your wisdom teeth and address any potential problems early on. |
Conclusion
The eruption of wisdom teeth can be a smooth or problematic process. By paying attention to the signs and symptoms, seeing a dentist when necessary, and practicing good oral hygiene, you can manage the eruption of your wisdom teeth and maintain good oral health. Remember, early intervention is key to preventing complications and ensuring your long-term oral health.
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