Most pediatric dentists will recommend wisdom teeth removal well before a patient experiences any of the symptoms, especially since that’s usually what’s best for the individual’s oral health. But it’s not unheard of for some people to get wisdom teeth symptoms well before surgery is recommended, particularly if they haven’t had a dental X-ray in a while. The pediatric dentists at Maui and Oahu-based Pedodontic Associates want you to be aware of wisdom teeth symptoms so you know when to call your oral health care provider.

Watch out for:

• Oral Pain: Pain at the back of the mouth, especially behind the molars, is often associated with wisdom teeth growth. The longer they go without being removed by a pediatric dentist, the more the pain will increase, as wisdom teeth often grow in misaligned, crooked, or eventually impacting against other teeth.

• Swelling & Infection: In later stages, as wisdom teeth begin to erupt through the gums, redness and swelling are common symptoms. A bacterial infection in this newly torn tissue is also a possibility. An infection is often accompanied by inflammation, bad breath, or a foul taste while chewing food.

• Impaction: Wisdom teeth may become impacted by either the jawbone or neighboring teeth, which trap them in place while their roots continue to grow. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause excruciating pain and many health problems, including cysts, tumors, and bone or nerve damage.

Wisdom teeth are evolutionary vestiges, a throwback to a time when humans had larger jaws and ate tougher food. Since we no longer live like prehistoric people and most of us don’t even have room for wisdom teeth, the best treatment for the above symptoms is wisdom teeth removal by a pediatric dentist. It’s a very common procedure that benefits both oral and general health, so there’s nothing for your child (or you) to be afraid of!

If you live on Maui or Oahu, Pedodontic Associates would love to hear from you. Call (808) 487-7933 for their Aiea location, (808) 735-1733 for their Honolulu office, or (808) 877-0066 for the Kahului pediatric dentistry practice. To learn more about their dental care services, visit their website.