What are wisdom teeth and who grows them and why do people dread them? As strange as it may sound, only some people get to grow wisdom teeth usually between the ages of sixteen and twenty four. Wisdom teeth are a third range of molars that appear in the rear part of the mouth and can become extremely bothersome if they affect the presence of the other teeth in the area. Most people actually have their wisdom teeth extracted because of the overall damage and the pain they are exposed to when tooth growth affects chewing and the normal function of the other teeth. The name of wisdom teeth comes from the fact that they erupt at an age beyond childhood, when personality and a certain “wisdom” is considered to be achieved already.
The most common oral health problems that are associated with wisdom teeth include infections of the gums. Such conditions are favored by the position of the teeth in an area where it is pretty difficult to reach with the tooth brush, food accumulates on the jaw side and makes the perfect environment for bacterial growth. Besides the overall discomfort, such infections of the wisdom teeth can be pretty dangerous as they can easily get extended to the throat or the ears. Tongue problems are also pretty commonly associated with the incorrect eruption of wisdom teeth.
Whenever the tongue brushes up against improperly grown wisdom teeth, a certain sensitivity appears in the area. It is possible not to experience anything other than discomfort for a specific period of time, but it is very likely that at a certain moment the condition should become so painful that it almost numbs the tongue. The only solution for such a condition is the extraction or the removal of the wisdom teeth that are responsible for the issue in the first place. Furthermore, if you are undergoing any tooth straightening processes, it is also a good idea to have the wisdom teeth removed as they could inflict extensive damage on the others.
Why do some people experience problems with wisdom teeth and some others don't? The answer to this question lies in the different jaw size; people with a larger jaw are less likely to have improperly grown wisdom teeth, unlike those that have a smaller bone support. Another “generality” here applies to the fact that people who have grown crooked teeth in the first place, are very likely to suffer more when wisdom teeth appear. However, cases are special and completely different from one individual to another, and only a dentist or an orthodontist can pass a valid opinion on the matter.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Wisdom tooth pain
By: BONECHILLIN | 30-03-2008
How can i get my wisdom tooth from hurting......Please help
I need to know what the IV is going to be like ...
By: xxlnw07xx | 18-10-2007
Im a 14 year old female, and I am getting all 4 my impacted wisdom teeth taken out in about a month. They are all still under the gums and I will need to get stitches. Im worried about the IV I have to get. I'm a baby when it comes to needles and have a very low pain tolerance. I wanted to be put completely under but my oral surgeon does not perform that in his office.I just don't want to feel or hear anything durring my surgery. He says I will have a sensation of whats going on but I won't care. Some how my conscience is telling me other wise. Any advice? I really want to know exactly all the details of what this IV is going to be like.
Can wisdom teeth cause ear aches?
By: romano | 21-06-2006
I've been having some slight ear aches recently. A doctor checked me and said everything was OK, and suggested that it could be something with my jaw joints and not my ears. He gave me some cream that didn't help at all. Now I think that maybe it has something to do with wisdom teeth -- I think the top wisdom teeth are very close to the ears, no? Is it possible that the nearest tooth is causing me pain in the ear?
Q&A Powered by:
More from Muna wa Wanjiru
Bank Rolls
By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 26/09/2008 | Collecting
When we say bank rolls people always assume it means a ward of cash or how the old school gangsters in movies used to say cash back in the day.
Male Yeast Infection
By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 26/09/2008 | Women's Health
Yeast infections are not considered to be sexually transmitted diseases, but they can be passed on from a female to a male partner through sexual intercourse. So, although its not a common thing, male yeast infections do occur.
Chronic Yeast Infections
By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 26/09/2008 | Women's Health
Having a yeast infection once is bad enough for those who get them. Now imagine those who have chronic yeast infections. They have to keep dealing with it over and over again.
US Airlines
By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 24/09/2008 | Flights
The United States boasts a big number of airlines that double as domestic and international airlines. These US airlines boast big fleets or aircraft from those that sit more than two hundred passengers to little aircraft that sit less than twenty people.
When to Buy Plane Tickets
By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 24/09/2008 | Flights
The major item you require when doing any type of air travel are a plane tickets. This could either come as an electronic ticket or as a paper ticket.
Symptoms Associated With Alzheimers
By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 24/09/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Alzheimer is the most common form of dementia. This incurable, degenerative, and terminal disease was first described by German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer in 1901. Although each sufferer experiences it in a unique way, there are many common symptoms.
Color Quiz
By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 23/09/2008 | Psychology
Color quiz is a quiz taken to see how one reacts to color and how one feels when they view the color. The quiz also helps us understand the colors around us.
Local Hospitals
By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 23/09/2008 | Medicine
Local hospitals can be found in large cities, metropolitan areas, and small towns or even in rural areas. It simply refers to hospitals that are found in your locality, or around where you live.
Health 
About the Author:
| Posted: 16-02-2008 | Comments: 
