Our last set of teeth grows on each corner of our mouth when we reach the ages 17 to 26 (which is incidentally know as the Age of Wisdom, hence they are called our wisdom teeth. Since they grow last, there may not be enough room in the mouth for the each of the tooth to break. Thus, it can result in crowding with the other teeth, or it could grow at an angle under the gum causing discomfort, pain, irritation and infection.

When a wisdom tooth partially breaks the gum line, then it is partially impacted, but if the tooth never breaks through, then it is fully impacted. In any case you are unfortunate enough to suffer from either one (or even both), then you have an impacted wisdom tooth which can lead to serious health risks and complications if left untreated.

Symptoms of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth. You may already have an impacted wisdom tooth and not be aware of it. Here are some symptoms that you should take seriously, pain in the mouth or jaw line or notice tenderness and swelling in the gums with some bleeding; headaches emanating from your temporomandibular joint (which connects your jaw to your skull); bad breath and an  unpleasant breath and taste in the mouth.

If you experience any of these, do not hesitate to visit your dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent further complications.

Complications. Complications can range from moderate to serious. For one, bleeding might continue and the pain can escalate from moderate to acute. It can damage adjacent teeth especially when the molars which are unduly pushed by the wisdom tooth, causing crowding of your other teeth and further pain and infection.  Untreated impacted tooth can accelerate gum disease and tooth decay as the pain and inflammation may make it hard for you to clean your teeth properly. If left unclean, food particles remain trapped between teeth and gums encouraging bacteria to proliferate further feeding the infection. You may also develop uncomfortable cysts in the sac in the jaw where the wisdom tooth grows as this can be filled with fluids. These painful cysts can damage your jaw, nerve endings and your gums.

Home remedies. While waiting for that dentist’s appointment, here are some remedies that can be done at home to provide temporary relief and comfort.

Rinse mouth with a warm saltwater solution (1 tablespoon salt in 1 cup of water), swish and gargle this for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Salt has healing properties that can help sore gums and decrease discomfort. Do this several times a day and be sure not to swallow the water. Use soft bristle toothbrush and tooth paste for sensitive teeth and gums. There are also over-the-counter oral numbing medications and pain relievers which you can gently massage on irritated area, such as clove oil. Pour a few drops on a piece of cotton and put it in or over the area that is painful for some relief.

It is important to note that these measures are temporary and only a qualified dentist can decide what further treatment is needed.