Wisdom teeth are the third molars in the very back of your mouth. Unlike your other permanent teeth, these usually come in when you’re between the ages of 17-25. You may notice pain when these teeth are trying to erupt.
Dentists sometimes recommend that these teeth be extracted, because they provide no benefits and often cause problems. While not everyone needs to have these teeth removed, if your dentist recommends wisdom teeth extraction, it’s because it will have a positive impact on your oral health.
The following are a few of the health benefits you can enjoy if you have your wisdom teeth extracted:
Reduce the Chance of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Your wisdom teeth are located at the back of your mouth, which makes they are hard to clean. This means they are susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. If decay damages a wisdom tooth, it’s more likely to develop other issues in the future. If your wisdom teeth emerge only partially through your gums, they’ll trap bacteria that can cause gum disease.
Avoid Orthodontic Issues
When your wisdom teeth erupt through your gums, they may not have enough room. This can cause them to push against other teeth, making them crooked and affecting the appearance of your smile. Teeth that are overlapping or are too close together are also harder to properly clean. This situation may also cause bite problems.
Prevent infection or cysts
Wisdom teeth can sometimes become trapped within your jaw if they fail to emerge normally. This situation can cause an infection or result in a cyst that can damage bone support or the roots of nearby teeth.
Reduce Sinus problems
A wisdom tooth that grows at an abnormal angle can have a root that extends toward your sinuses. This situation can cause pain, pressure, inflammation, and congestion.
Minimize Pain
Wisdom teeth can cause pain as they erupt through your gums. This symptom is even worse if your wisdom teeth are coming in crooked, do not have enough room to erupt properly, or cause an infection or other issues.