Are you feeling a little extra pressure at the back of your mouth? It could be your wisdom teeth making their grand entrance! Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth. This usually happens between the ages of 17 and 25, a time traditionally associated with the onset of adulthood and the beginning of wisdom.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. Sometimes these teeth can be a valuable asset to the mouth when healthy and properly aligned, but more often, they are misaligned and require removal. 

  • Misaligned wisdom teeth can position themselves horizontally, be angled toward or away from the second molars, or be angled inward or outward. 
  • Poor alignment of wisdom teeth can crowd or damage adjacent teeth, the jawbone, or nerves. 

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

The prevailing theory about the purpose of wisdom teeth goes back to our ancestors who had a completely different diet. They needed extra molars to help grind down plant tissue.

  • Our ancestors' diet was rougher than ours, with foods like roots, leaves, meat, and nuts, which required more chewing power.
  • Over time, human diets became softer, with more cooked food. This change in diet, coupled with the discovery of utensils, has made the need for wisdom teeth obsolete.

Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth

Unfortunately, for many people, wisdom teeth cause problems. Most people have jaws that are too small for these teeth and they become impacted. An impacted tooth remains below the surface of the gum line, where it can cause numerous problems.

  • Impacted wisdom teeth can grow at various angles in the jaw, sometimes even horizontally.
  • If a wisdom tooth is impacted, it might need to be removed. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, harm other teeth, and can cause problems with overcrowding.

Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In

How can you tell if your wisdom teeth are coming in? Here are some signs:

  • Pain or discomfort behind the back molars: This is often the first sign.
  • Inflammation and redness in the gums around the back molars.
  • Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums.
  • Swelling around the jaw.
  • Difficulty opening your mouth.

Get Wisdom Teeth Help in Colorado Springs

If you're in Colorado Springs and suspect your wisdom teeth are coming in, don't hesitate to reach out to Tuttle Family Dentistry. Dr. Brian Tuttle and Dr. Stephen Bryant are here to help guide you through this process. They can evaluate your wisdom teeth and discuss potential next steps. Don't let wisdom teeth pain linger, call Tuttle Family Dentistry at (719) 282-6636 to request an appointment today.