Our third molars, or the wisdom teeth, are among the last teeth to erupt inside the oral cavity. Unlike the other permanent teeth which erupt in earlier years, wisdom teeth appear between the ages of 17-21 – when one is expected to gain sufficient wisdom – and hence their name.
Despite their name, wisdom teeth are most notorious for causing problems during and after their eruption, often requiring emergency wisdom tooth removal. This is mainly because they erupt at the back of the mouth, making it difficult to clean them optimally. Another reason is that since they are last to erupt, sometimes there is insufficient space available in the jaws for them to erupt in optimal alignment. As a result, they have higher chances of getting partially or entirely impacted within the jawbone. This leads to a higher risk of developing gum problems and teeth cavities.
That is why the Canadian Dental Association recommends taking special care of your wisdom teeth. The good news is that with little maintenance, you can ensure optimal health of your wisdom teeth. This article describes five ways to take extra care of your wisdom teeth and enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile.
Brushing and Flossing
Whether it’s your wisdom teeth or any other tooth in your mouth, the importance of regular brushing and flossing in ensuring their health cannot be overemphasized. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth – especially the difficult-to-clean wisdom teeth – at least twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily.
Using an Interdental Brush
An interdental brush contains specially designed bristles that can penetrate the tight spaces between the teeth more quickly than a conventional one. That is why interdental brushes help clean the hard-to-reach areas around them.
Adding a Mouthrinse to your Oral Hygiene Routine
When it comes to looking after your wisdom teeth, you can never be too careful. Adding a fluoride mouth rinse, or any other mouthwash recommended by your dentist, will go a long way in ensuring that they remain free of cavities and other problems. Here is a list of oral hygiene products approved by the Canadian Dental Association.
Consider Using a Water Flosser
A water flosser is an appliance that helps to ensure optimal interdental cleaning. It generates a pressurized stream of water that penetrates the tight spaces between the teeth, especially the back ones, and effectively removes food debris. One such appliance, the Waterpik, has obtained the seal of approval of the Canadian Dental Association and is 50% more effective in improving gum health than conventional, string dental floss. Besides, it can remove 99.9% of plaque deposits from the teeth.
Visiting your Dentist Regularly
No matter how meticulous you are in cleaning your teeth, dental problems may still arise, especially around the wisdom teeth, where underlying dental issues may not be easily visible. When you visit your dentist from Northstar dentists of Nazareth regularly, they will use special instruments and equipment to diagnose any underlying problems with your wisdom teeth and treat them before they can grow bigger and cause permanent problems. If required, they will also perform professional teeth cleaning, removing plaque or tartar deposits that may lead to gum inflammation or teeth cavities around wisdom teeth.
Once erupted, wisdom teeth usually work in harmony with your other teeth and help you eat and speak. On the other hand, if they get impacted within the jawbone, they can cause severe problems like teeth cavities and inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues (pericoronitis). However, there is no need to worry – these problems are avoidable. Simply follow the tips mentioned above, and you won’t have to worry about your wisdom.
