If you have ever experienced issues with your teeth, then you know how painful and uncomfortable it can be. Many things could be causing the problem, such as infection, irritation from brushing too hard, or decaying teeth as a result of poor oral hygiene. Another common problem a lot of people face is impacted wisdom teeth, which can cause mild to severe pain. If you have any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign that you are suffering from impacted wisdom teeth and may need to have them removed by your dentist.
1.   Red and Swollen Gums
It’s important to note that this could also be a sign of gum disease, so either way, you need to see your dentist as soon as possible for a correct diagnosis. However, impacted wisdom teeth can also be a cause of red and swollen gums, and the tooth is trying to break through but is unable to do so because of the angle it is growing in. This will result in irritation and inflammation of your gums, which will likely be sore and tender, too.
2.   Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
Another thing you might notice if you have impacted wisdom teeth is that it is difficult to open your mouth properly. This is likely because it’s too painful to do so, and this can be a result of swollen gums. Not only is this very uncomfortable, but it might be affecting how well you can eat and drink. If you are experiencing this problem, contact your dentist to find out more about third molar extractions, as this might be the only solution if your wisdom teeth are impacted.
3.   Jaw Pain
You may notice only a mild, throbbing pain in your jaw that comes and goes as your wisdom teeth grow, slowly putting more pressure on your other teeth. This pain will likely get worse as time goes by, but if you are noticing that it is happening more frequently, seeing a dentist so that they can potentially x-ray your jaw to see if it is your wisdom teeth causing the issue is a good idea.
4.   Bad Breath
Again, bad breath can be a sign of numerous oral problems like gum disease, a build-up of plaque, or failing to clean your teeth properly. The cause of the foul odor is a bit of food stuck between your teeth that are decaying and allowing more bacteria to thrive. It could even be due to a bad diet or excessive smoking. However, bad breath can also be a sign of impacted wisdom teeth if they have become infected. If this is the issue, you will also experience some discomfort and possibly have a bad taste in your mouth as well.
5.   Swollen Jaw
If you can see that your jaw is swollen and the area is warm to the touch or pinkish/red, this is likely due to an infection in your mouth or because of irritation caused by impacted wisdom teeth. You can take anti-inflammatory medications or put on a cold compress to help reduce the swelling, but you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible for treatment before the problem gets worse.
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, there is a good chance that you have impacted wisdom teeth. Visit your dental clinic for further inspection and diagnosis, as well as discussing treatment options.
