My family's dental health is important to me. Unfortunately for me, it is not as important to my little ones. Getting my kids to brush and floss on a daily basis is almost like taking on an obstacle course. I talked to my family's dentist about different methods I could try to encourage them to brush and floss on a regular basis. Some of the tricks worked, some did not. After some experimentation and talking to other parents, I was able to come up with a lot of great tips for helping kids care for their teeth. I started this blog to help other parents get creative when it comes to their kids and dental care.
Bella Snyder
Wisdom teeth are a thing of the past for most people. They pose a mild nuisance when you have them taken out, but otherwise they probably don't even cross most people's minds. However, if you're of the age where your wisdom teeth are coming in, you might be wondering if it's really necessary for them to come out at all. After all, growing in teeth is a natural process. This short guide will explain the pros and cons of keeping your wisdom teeth, and whether or not it's even a possibility for you.
Most Don't Need Them
The main reason why wisdom teeth are taken out is that there's simply not space for them anymore. As generations have gone by, the average person's jaw has grown a bit smaller, meaning that there isn't as much space for four extra teeth to grow in. This can lead to overcrowding, where neighboring teeth are nudged slightly in order to make room for the wisdom teeth.
But in reality, the average person doesn't need their wisdom teeth. You've been able to chew just fine without them all this time, right? The same will be true if they're taken out.
Complications
Another big reason why wisdom teeth are typically taken out is that they don't always grow in the way that they should. Wisdom teeth sometimes grow in strange ways, like developing sideways or upside down. Obviously a tooth in this position can't grow in properly and can actually start to force the neighboring tooth completely out of alignment because it's pushing on those teeth from under the gum's surface. This can cause pain, crooked teeth, and even tooth loss. This is part of the reason why dentists encourage patients to have their wisdom teeth removed before they actually burst through the surface of the gums.
Finding Out
If you want to know if you can keep your wisdom teeth, there's an easy way to do it. Go to a dentist.
Your dentist will perform a quick examination of your mouth to look at the current amount of space behind your rear molars. They'll then take x-rays to take a look at your developing wisdom teeth to find out if they're all pointed in the right direction. If it turns out that they are and that you have enough space in your jaw, you can theoretically let the wisdom teeth grow in naturally. Keep in mind that during this time you'll want to come to the dentist's office regularly to have them checked for any issues while they're coming in.
Of course, it may turn out that you can't keep your wisdom teeth. If that's the case, then setting up a plan to have them removed right away is a good idea. The sooner they come out, the easier the surgery will be and the quicker your recovery time will be.