The human body is fascinating. Even though we no longer need wisdom teeth, and our jaws have actually evolved to be smaller, we still grow them. For many teens, there isn’t enough space in the mouth for these extra molars to come in properly. Should that happen, their wisdom teeth can become impacted.
An impacted wisdom tooth can't break through the gums. It might be trapped underneath, growing sideways, or pressing against other teeth. This is a common occurrence among teenagers and young adults. Recent studies have shown that as many as 90% of people will have at least one impacted wisdom tooth.
When impacted wisdom teeth are left untreated, pain, infection, damage to surrounding teeth, and long-term oral health issues are all possibilities. Because teens’ mouths are still developing, wisdom teeth must be monitored and treated carefully to avoid dental complications as they grow.
At LivWell Dentistry in San Francisco and San Ramon, Dr. Wenli Loo and Dr. Steve Deng frequently encounter impacted wisdom teeth in teenagers. We know how to spot problems early and address them before they get worse. This blog shows you what to look for and when it's time to bring in your teen for an evaluation.
Usually, the first thing teens notice is pain in the back of their mouth. It's a dull, intermittent ache. Over time, it gets more frequent or more intense. Chewing may make it worse. Yawning or opening their mouth wide may also be problematic.
The pain can spread toward the ear or down along the jaw, which makes it confusing because it doesn't obviously seem like a tooth issue. Parents sometimes assume it's an ear infection.
When wisdom teeth can't come in properly, the gums around them get irritated. The tissue appears red and puffy, and it’s tender when your teen brushes against it or touches it with their tongue.
Sometimes, part of the gum covers the tooth like a flap. Food and bacteria may become trapped underneath, causing increased swelling. Your teen might start avoiding that area when they brush because it hurts.
A partially impacted wisdom tooth can trap bacteria in small pockets. This can cause chronic bad breath or a bad taste that doesn’t diminish with brushing or mouthwash. Teens often change their oral hygiene habits, so this symptom is sometimes ignored.
The nerves in your jaw are connected to nerves in your head and ears. Pressure from impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes cause headaches or pain that feels like it’s coming from the ears. Your teen may complain about headaches, usually around their temples or the back of their head. They may also say their ear hurts or their jaw feels tight or stiff.
Impacted wisdom teeth apply pressure to adjacent teeth. Over time, that pressure causes crowding. Your teen might say their bite feels off or their teeth don't fit together right. It happens gradually, so you might not notice right away. We typically watch for this in kids, particularly those who've had orthodontic work for this reason.
Repeated gum infections near the back of the mouth are a sign that wisdom teeth may be impacted. These infections can cause swelling, pain, pus, and difficulty fully opening the mouth. Over time, untreated infections can spread and affect nearby teeth or bone. This is why early evaluation is crucial, even if symptoms seem mild at first.
Many teenagers experience impacted wisdom teeth at some point. Catching it early saves your teen from pain and prevents future complications. Additionally, dealing with wisdom teeth during the teen years is easier than waiting until they're older. The roots aren't fully formed yet, and the bone is more flexible, so removal is simpler, and healing is faster.
If your teen might have impacted wisdom teeth, schedule an appointment with us online or call us at 415-477-3700 today. We'll evaluate, explain your options, and ensure your teen gets the care they need.
