Toothache is not a disease, but it can be excruciatingly painful. Recently, many of my friends have been experiencing toothaches, and some even say that they are growing new teeth. So why is this happening? Actually, they are all growing wisdom teeth, and the toothaches are caused by inflammation around the wisdom teeth. So you might wonder why do wisdom teeth grow when we become adults, and what exactly are wisdom teeth? And what should we do when wisdom teeth become inflamed and painful? Today, I will help you understand these basic facts.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth refer to the third molars, which are the furthest back teeth in the human mouth. They are the eighth tooth counting from the front central incisors. As they erupt very late, usually between the ages of 16 and 25, when a person's physiological and psychological development is nearing maturity, they symbolize the arrival of wisdom, hence the name "wisdom teeth". There is great variation in the growth of wisdom teeth among individuals. Normally, there should be four teeth symmetrically in the upper and lower jaws, but some people have fewer than four or even none, and a very small number of people may have more than four. The age of eruption also varies greatly, with some people having them erupt before the age of 20, while others may not have them grow until they are 40 or 50, or they may never grow at all, which is all considered normal.
How to relieve wisdom tooth gum inflammation and pain?
Method 1: Pay attention to personal hygiene and clean the oral cavity regularly. Since wisdom teeth are located at the back, it is not easy to clean them. You can choose to rinse with mouthwash or use warm salt water for mouth rinsing, as warm salt water is the most effective in relieving pain since salt itself has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Method 2: Rinse the inflamed area with physiological saline. Local irrigation with physiological saline can effectively relieve the symptoms of swelling and pain.
Method 3: Apply ice to the inflamed area. Cut the ice into small pieces and place them on the inflamed area. It can effectively alleviate the pain. If you cannot tolerate the stimulation of ice, you can place the ice outside the inflamed tooth and apply cold compress to the face. Once adapted, you can place the ice inside the mouth.
Method 4: Apply Dakin's solution ointment. If wisdom tooth eruption causes gum inflammation and pain, applying a suitable amount of Dakin's solution on the affected area can provide relief. Usually, applying it 2 to 3 times can effectively reduce gum inflammation and pain.
Method 5: Take antibiotics to relieve gum inflammation and pain. Antibiotics are effective in treating inflammation and pain caused by trauma. Taking one tablet every 6 to 8 hours can alleviate gum inflammation and pain.
Method 6: Eat a light diet and avoid eating hot and spicy foods. When experiencing gum inflammation and pain, it is advisable to avoid eating hot and spicy foods, as they can worsen the condition. Stick to a light diet and drink plenty of water.
Method 7: Avoid local irritation. When wisdom teeth are growing, any obstruction or irritation can cause gum inflammation and pain. In general, food residue remaining in the position of the wisdom tooth can trigger gum inflammation and pain. Therefore, it is important to brush and rinse your teeth frequently, and regularly observe the growth of wisdom teeth.
Choosing the right time for tooth extraction
The timing of tooth extraction is also crucial. For patients with pericoronitis caused by impacted wisdom teeth, they should seek treatment from a dentist and have the inflammation relieved before getting the tooth extracted. Patients with major organ diseases such as heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys, as well as those with immune system or blood system disorders, are advised not to have their teeth extracted to avoid worsening their condition. It is important to inform the dentist about your physical condition and let them decide accordingly. In addition, pregnant women and women during their menstruation should postpone tooth extraction. It is recommended for women planning to conceive to have their impacted wisdom teeth removed before pregnancy to prevent pericoronitis during pregnancy.
Removing wisdom teeth requires certain technical expertise, especially for wisdom teeth that are positioned very low or completely buried in the bone. The surgical difficulty and time required for extraction are greater, and there is a higher risk of complications. It is recommended to seek diagnosis and treatment from the oral department of a reputable large hospital. After wisdom tooth extraction, it is advisable to apply a cold water towel to the cheek on the side of the extraction site to facilitate hemostasis.
