Wisdom teeth are thought to be the evolutionary answer to chewing roots, raw meat, and berries. Now, however, their only purpose is to cause problems, such as swelling. If you are experiencing swelling around your wisdom teeth, then it’s essential to make an appointment with your dentist.
A dental professional can get to the bottom of the problem, and come up with a solution that eases your pain and discomfort. Read on to learn more about wisdom teeth swelling, the causes, and how to take care of it.
What Causes Wisdom Teeth Swelling?
There are three primary reasons why you may have gum irritation and swelling around your wisdom teeth. When those teeth start to grow in, gum tissue can become inflamed. Then, as the teeth erupt through the surface, food can get trapped under the gum. If the teeth recede into the gum line, further gum irritation can occur.
Infection and how your body deals with it could also be another cause of the swelling. When your teeth break through your gums, you will likely experience pain and discomfort. Think back to children who are a little bit grumpy when they’re cutting their first teeth. Your body thinks there’s an injury and sends nutrients and oxygen-rich blood to the area. The blood vessels expand as a result, and swelling follows.
If you weren’t able to cut your wisdom teeth, then impaction could be the cause of the swelling. Your jawbone and teeth can stop the growth, and pockets of fluid or cysts form around the tooth. If you don’t see your dentist, the problem can get worse. In rare cases, cysts can even turn into tumours. There is often not enough room in the back of your mouth for those additional two molars to grow, so it’s not uncommon for impaction to occur.
How to Reduce Swelling of Your Wisdom Teeth
If food around your wisdom teeth is causing the swelling and discomfort, then rinse your mouth out with a dentist-recommended oral rinse or salt water. If you see your dentist, they can also remove the trapped food, clean the area, and provide a healthy foundation for healing.
You can also try ice chips or packs, a cold compress, and anti-inflammatories. If, however, your swelling is from impaction or other growth-related problems, your dentist might recommend extraction.
Wisdom teeth swelling can last for several days – depending on the severity and whether you have remedied the problem. If you are in pain for a long time, and the problem is getting worse, then don’t delay any longer. Wisdom teeth are not vital teeth, and if they are causing problems, extraction may be the best option.
