Everyone has them, they break down more often than other teeth, and if you don't remove them early enough you may develop jawbone and need surgical intervention. There are many myths about wisdom teeth; we check which of them are true and which are not. We also answer the most frequently asked question - when is it worth deciding to remove the eights.

Eights, troublesome wisdom teeth

Eights are the third molars that appear last in the mouth. They erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. However, in some people they appear even before the age of 40 or not at all.

Interestingly, the eighths are considered a vestigial organ in humans. In our ancestors they were essential for grinding food, but through evolution our jaw has become smaller and often lacks space for wisdom teeth.

The consequences of this include the abnormal eruption of the eighths. They can grow in almost any direction, e.g. instead of upwards or downwards towards the gums. In addition, if there is no space for them in the mouth, they cause the remaining teeth to move, which may involve future orthodontic treatment.

Read our article "Crooked teeth - causes and how to get rid of an embarrassing smile" and find out more.

Wisdom tooth breaks down faster

This is not true, however, due to their position and shape, it is much harder, compared to other teeth, to thoroughly clean eighths. This results in the accumulation of food debris, bacteria and, consequently, tooth decay on the tooth surface. What is worse, it quickly spreads from the eighth to the other teeth.

Problems with wisdom teeth

Just the eruption of the eights can cause a lot of pain, which radiates even into the ear or eye. In addition, it can cause swelling of the gums, their bleeding and increased sensitivity. This, in turn, is associated with problems in maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Another problem that eights can cause is jawbone. Therefore, if you notice swelling at the back of your jaw, it is better to see your dentist. TMJ causes not only pain, but above all problems with opening the mouth, thus the trouble with eating, speaking and swallowing.

Wisdom teeth can also be responsible for frequent headaches, as well as sinuses, which are located above the eighths, deep in the mouth. As they grow, the roots can put pressure on the sinuses and cause sinus pain.

Remember, too, that rotten teeth are not just an oral problem. Read our article Decayed teeth a danger to the health of the whole body and find out more.

When is removal of eights a necessity?

If the wisdom teeth have erupted properly, are healthy and are not crowding the other teeth, their removal is not necessary. However, to be sure, it is advisable to consult a dentist who will check the condition of the wisdom tooth.

The situation becomes more complicated when the eights are infected with decay and root canal treatment is necessary. Then it is worth seriously thinking about their removal. Why? Because of the anatomy of the tooth itself, as well as its position, there is no guarantee that the treatment will be successful.

Dentists also often recommend removing eights if they erupt crookedly, such as growing into the cheek, but also when they crowd the other teeth, causing orthodontic problems in adults.

If you are struggling with crooked teeth make an appointment with our practice, during which we will choose the best treatment for you. And if you want to learn more about braces read our article Types of braces in the UK - which to choose?

Even if your eights have not yet fully erupted they may need to be removed. Bacteria can build up underneath the gum flap, which will cause inflammation, with serious consequences for the whole body.

This is why regular dental check-ups, during which your dentist monitors changes in your mouth on an ongoing basis, are so important. If you want to make sure that your teeth are healthy and that the eights do not destroy your beautiful smile, do not delay and make an appointment. 

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