3 Reasons To Have Your Teen's Wisdom Teeth Removed Before They Cause Problems

Wisdom teeth are often referred to as the third molars, and they are the last teeth that develop in the mouth. They typically appear between the ages of 17 to 21, and most dentists recommend having them removed even if they are not causing any problems. If your teen child's wisdom teeth are coming in, here are three good reasons you may want to follow your dentist's recommendation to extract them.

Wisdom Teeth Are Not Necessary

The foods people eat today do not require the same types of teeth as what was needed centuries ago, and this is why dentists will tell you that wisdom teeth are not needed. A wisdom tooth is generally the biggest molar of all, but most people still have two molars on each side of their mouth and on the top and bottom. In other words, a normal person will have eight molars already, not counting the wisdom teeth. Therefore, the wisdom teeth are not needed for survival.

Many experts believe that people are evolving because of the differences in food and culture today. These experts believe this because 35% of people today are born without any wisdom teeth at all. Because of this, it is believed that eventually no one will be born with wisdom teeth, and this is primarily because there is no need for these teeth.

They Can Become Infected

Pericoronitis is a condition that can occur when wisdom teeth do not erupt properly. This condition refers to an infection that forms within the gums located by an impacted wisdom tooth. When the wisdom teeth grow in, there is not always enough space for them to erupt. If this happens, the teeth will be considered impacted, which basically means they are trapped inside the gums.

When a tooth is impacted, there may be a small opening that leads to the tooth. This opening is large enough to allow bacteria and food to enter in, and this is what can lead to pericoronitis. This infection can be extremely painful and can cause a fever and swelling. This condition is often treated with antibiotics and with tooth extraction.

The Wisdom Teeth Can Cause A Lot Of Problems

It's also important to realize that infection is not the only problem the wisdom teeth can lead to. If the wisdom teeth grow in sideways, they can place pressure on the other teeth, which will cause the other teeth to shift. In addition, if the wisdom teeth grow in straight and are left in a person's mouth, they can be prone to cavities. This primarily occurs because they are so hard to reach, which makes it very difficult to keep them clean. As a result of this, your teen might have a higher risk of developing gum disease if he or she keeps these teeth. Gum disease develops when plaque is left on the teeth too long. The plaque will spread from the teeth onto the gums, and this is what causes gum disease.

To avoid these problems, your dentist may recommend removing your teen's wisdom teeth right now. While this is optional, you should know that it is much easier to have wisdom teeth removed when a person is young rather than waiting until the person is older. When the wisdom teeth first appear, their roots are much smaller than they are after a person has had the wisdom teeth for many years. This means that teens will have fewer problems getting their wisdom teeth removed compared to older individuals.

If you're trying to decide if it's time to have your teen's wisdom teeth removed, contact an experienced dentist like Kyle J Frisinger DMD in your area. They can advise you on whether now is the best time to extract those teeth.