Story by Chomnapas Wangin Team Content www.thaihealth.or.th  

Some information from: Better Teeth Thailand Project

Illustration by Natthaporn Chumleu Team Content www.thaihealth.or.th / Archive

               The cries of pain from wisdom teeth create problems for many people. Some endure the pain in agony because they fear visiting the dentist, while others may not even realize that the tooth causing the pain is a wisdom tooth.

 

                Wisdom teeth are real teeth that cannot emerge normally; they are buried in the jawbone beneath the gums in the molar area. These teeth are the innermost ones and cannot be seen with the naked eye unless they protrude above the gums. An X-ray is needed to visualize them.

                Many people wonder how to care for wisdom teeth. Dr. Nanmanas Yaembutr, a specialist dentist in the adolescent dental health development group at the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, provides information that proper management of wisdom teeth is crucial for maintaining dental health. In some cases, if left untreated, they can lead to cysts or various types of tumors. What should you do if you have wisdom teeth?

 

1. Is it necessary to have wisdom teeth surgically removed?  Yes, because they can cause decay in adjacent teeth, gum inflammation, or if left untreated for too long, cysts can form in the jawbone.

 

2. Is it necessary to remove wisdom teeth before orthodontic treatment?  Whether to remove wisdom teeth before or after orthodontics depends on the discretion of the orthodontist. In some cases, wisdom teeth can be beneficial for orthodontic alignment, but in most cases (80%), they are removed to avoid crowding during tooth movement.

 

3. What foods are suitable for those who have had wisdom teeth removed?  Spicy, hot, and strongly flavored foods should be avoided, especially alcohol, as it can delay healing. Suitable foods include rice porridge and soft foods.

 

4. Can you have wisdom teeth removed while on your period?  Yes, even though you may lose some blood during your period, the amount lost during wisdom tooth extraction is not significant enough to cause fatigue, so it can be done normally.

 

5. What conditions prohibit wisdom tooth extraction?  Generally, conditions that require caution include blood disorders and diabetes. Consultation with a dentist is necessary to assess individual cases, as some may need follow-up care after extraction or require blood-thinning medications and monitoring blood sugar levels for diabetic patients.

 

6. Are there any medications or vitamins to avoid before wisdom tooth extraction?  Yes, in some cases, such as patients on blood thinners, these can affect the treatment of underlying conditions. Patients should inform their dentist of all medications they are taking to ensure safe treatment.

 

7. What characteristics of wisdom teeth indicate they should not be removed?  If the dentist determines that extraction may affect nerves or cause more harm than good, they will take X-rays to assess the situation. If extraction is not possible, the dentist may schedule regular check-ups.

 

8. Should you avoid spitting blood after wisdom tooth extraction?  Yes, for the first hour after extraction, you should not spit blood, as this can prevent blood clots from forming and lead to continuous bleeding. Therefore, during the first hour, you should swallow any blood or saliva to help stop the bleeding.

 

9. Do all people develop wisdom teeth?  No, not everyone develops wisdom teeth; it depends on genetics and jaw structure. Wisdom teeth arise from a mismatch between the size of the teeth and the jaw, such as having a small jaw with large teeth.

 

10. How to observe the development of wisdom teeth?  They usually occur with the last molars in the mouth, typically between the ages of 15-25. Therefore, it is essential to monitor for signs, such as bumps at the back of the gums, and consider getting an X-ray if a tooth appears partially erupted or tilted, or if there is gum swelling, as these are common signs of wisdom teeth development.

                Nevertheless, the problems caused by wisdom teeth can significantly impact both oral health and overall well-being, making it difficult to eat. Therefore, if you suspect or feel any abnormalities related to your gums and teeth, you should promptly visit a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

 

As we can see, dental care is crucial for indicating oral health. Allowing cavities, wisdom teeth issues, or gum disease to develop can lead to severe oral health problems. The Office of the Health Promotion Fund (ThaiHealth) recognizes the importance of oral health care and dental maintenance from the first tooth, thus supporting the ‘Better Teeth Thailand’ project for improved living conditions and care for ‘oral and dental health’. They have collaborated with the Good Teeth for Young Children Network to promote the importance of brushing children's teeth from the first tooth. For parents interested in dental health information, you can follow up at http://betterteeththailand.com   or follow the Good Teeth activities starting from the first tooth at the project page https://www.facebook.com/deklekfundee/

Thank you for the information from www.thaihealth.or.th