A wisdom tooth, also known as the third molar, is the last tooth to emerge in the mouth. These teeth usually erupt during a person’s late teens or early twenties. Interestingly, wisdom teeth were more useful to our ancestors, who needed them for chewing tough foods like roots, nuts, and raw meat. However, due to changes in our diet and evolution, these teeth have become less necessary for many individuals today.
As wisdom teeth emerge, they can often cause significant discomfort and pain. In some cases, they may even make you feel ill. One of the primary reasons for this is the lack of space in the mouth. Many people do not have sufficient room for their wisdom teeth to grow in properly, causing them to become impacted. This means that the tooth doesn’t fully emerge from the gums but instead gets trapped, often at an angle or sideways.
When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, it can lead to a range of symptoms that can make you feel unwell. The most common issues include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the affected area. The surrounding gums may become red and inflamed, resulting in difficulty in opening the mouth fully or chewing properly. In some cases, an infection can occur, leading to more severe symptoms such as a persistent bad taste or breath, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and general malaise.
It is estimated that approximately 85% of people will need to have their wisdom teeth removed at some point in their lives. Not only can impacted wisdom teeth be extremely uncomfortable and make you feel ill, but they can also cause damage to neighboring teeth. They can push against the surrounding molars, causing misalignment or crowding. Moreover, when a wisdom tooth partially emerges from the gums, it creates a pocket where food particles and bacteria can accumulate, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to your wisdom tooth, it is crucial to consult a dentist as soon as possible. They will perform a thorough examination, including X-rays, to evaluate the position of your wisdom tooth and determine the best course of action. In many cases, the recommendation will be to extract the impacted tooth to alleviate the symptoms and prevent further complications.
It is important to note that not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted. If a wisdom tooth has fully erupted, is properly aligned, and is not causing any discomfort or impact on neighboring teeth, it may not require removal. However, regular monitoring and proper oral hygiene practices are still necessary to ensure the tooth remains healthy and does not cause any future problems.
Overall, while a wisdom tooth can potentially make you feel ill, it is essential to seek professional dental advice to determine the appropriate treatment. Whether it requires extraction or can be managed through monitoring, addressing potential wisdom tooth issues promptly can help relieve your symptoms and maintain your oral health.
Can a Wisdom Tooth Cause Illness? Exploring the Relationship between Wisdom Teeth and Illness
When it comes to oral health, many individuals may wonder if a wisdom tooth has the potential to make them feel ill. This question arises due to the common symptoms associated with wisdom teeth eruption, such as pain, inflammation, and infection. Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that emerge at the back of the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. While not all wisdom teeth lead to illness, certain circumstances can increase the likelihood of experiencing dental problems or feeling unwell. In this article, we will delve deeper into the connection between wisdom teeth and illness, explore the symptoms that might arise, and discuss potential treatments or preventive measures to ensure optimal oral health.
Can a wisdom tooth make you feel ill?
Yes, a wisdom tooth can indeed make you feel ill. Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties. While some people may not experience any symptoms or problems with their wisdom teeth, others may face certain complications that can lead to feeling ill.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
One common issue associated with wisdom teeth is impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there is not enough space in your mouth for these teeth to properly erupt and grow. This can result in the tooth becoming partially or fully trapped within the jawbone.
When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it can cause a range of symptoms including pain, swelling, and infection. The pressure from an impacted tooth can also cause discomfort and even lead to headaches, earaches, and jaw pain. These symptoms can make you feel ill and affect your overall well-being.
Pericoronitis
Pericoronitis is another condition often associated with wisdom teeth. It occurs when the gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth becomes infected. This can happen when food particles and bacteria get trapped between the gum and the tooth, leading to inflammation and infection.
Common symptoms of pericoronitis include pain, swelling, bad breath, difficulty opening your mouth, and a bad taste in your mouth. The infection can make you feel unwell, causing fatigue and a general feeling of being sick.
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Wisdom teeth are more difficult to clean due to their location at the back of the mouth. As a result, they are more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. If a wisdom tooth develops a cavity or if the surrounding gums become infected, it can cause pain and discomfort, leading to feelings of illness.
Gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, can not only affect the wisdom tooth itself but also spread to neighboring teeth. This can further exacerbate the feeling of being unwell as the infection progresses.
Statistics
A study conducted by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons found that about 85% of people will require their wisdom teeth to be removed at some point in their lives. This highlights the prevalence of complications associated with wisdom teeth and the potential for them to make individuals feel ill.
Therefore, if you are experiencing any symptoms related to your wisdom teeth, such as pain, swelling, or infection, it is essential to consult with a dentist or oral surgeon to address the issue and alleviate any discomfort or illness you may be experiencing.
FAQ
1. Can a wisdom tooth make you feel ill?
Yes, a wisdom tooth can make you feel ill. When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted or infected, it can cause various symptoms that might include pain, swelling, bad breath, difficulty opening the mouth, headache, or even fever.
2. How do I know if my wisdom tooth is causing my illness?
If you are experiencing symptoms such as severe pain in your jaw, swollen gums, or difficulty chewing, it could be an indication that your wisdom tooth is causing your illness. It is best to consult a dentist who can examine your tooth and provide a proper diagnosis.
3. What are the common complications associated with impacted wisdom teeth?
Some common complications of impacted wisdom teeth include infection, gum disease, tooth decay, cysts, and damage to neighboring teeth. These complications can contribute to feelings of illness or discomfort.
4. Is it necessary to remove a wisdom tooth that is causing illness?
In most cases, if a wisdom tooth is causing significant illness or complications, dentists usually recommend its removal. Wisdom tooth extraction can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications from occurring.
5. How is a wisdom tooth extraction performed?
A wisdom tooth extraction is typically performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon. The procedure involves numbing the area around the tooth, making an incision if necessary, and removing the tooth. Stitches may be required to close the incision, and the recovery period generally lasts a few days to a week.
6. Can I prevent my wisdom tooth from causing illness?
While it may not be possible to completely prevent wisdom teeth from causing illness, maintaining good oral hygiene and regularly visiting a dentist can help identify potential issues at an early stage. This allows for timely intervention and reduces the likelihood of complications.
7. How long does it take to recover after wisdom tooth extraction?
The recovery time after a wisdom tooth extraction varies from person to person. Generally, it takes about a week for the initial healing of the extraction site, but complete healing may take several weeks. Following post-operative care instructions provided by your dentist can help expedite the recovery process.
8. Are there any risks or complications associated with wisdom tooth extraction?
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with wisdom tooth extraction. These may include bleeding, infection, nerve damage, dry socket, or temporary jaw stiffness. However, these complications are relatively rare and can be minimized with proper care and attention.
9. Can I continue to eat normally after wisdom tooth extraction?
After wisdom tooth extraction, it is recommended to stick to a soft food diet for the first few days. This helps to prevent any damage to the extraction site. Gradually, you can reintroduce regular foods as your healing progresses.
10. What should I do if I suspect my wisdom tooth is causing illness?
If you suspect that your wisdom tooth is causing illness, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with a dentist. They will be able to assess your condition, provide a proper diagnosis, and recommend the most appropriate treatment options for your situation.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that often cause pain and discomfort due to their potential for impaction, infection, or other complications. In this article, we explored various factors that can make a wisdom tooth cause illness. Firstly, the impacted position of the tooth can lead to inflammation and infection, resulting in symptoms such as swollen gums, pain, and difficulty in opening the mouth. Secondly, the presence of a partially erupted tooth can create a food trap, which can lead to the growth of bacteria and cause infection. Additionally, the angle and position of the tooth can affect oral hygiene by making it challenging to brush and floss properly, further contributing to the risk of infection.
Moreover, we discussed the systemic effects that an infected or impacted wisdom tooth can have on overall health. Bacterial infection from a wisdom tooth can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, leading to fever, swelling, and even more severe health complications. Furthermore, the constant pain and discomfort caused by a wisdom tooth can affect an individual’s quality of life, causing difficulty in eating, speaking, and sleeping.
In summary, a wisdom tooth can indeed make you feel ill due to factors such as impaction, infection, poor oral hygiene, and systemic effects. Paying attention to these symptoms and seeking timely dental intervention is crucial for preventing further complications and improving overall well-being.