Ask a Dentist

Q: Is It Normal To Constantly Want To Chew Things With My Wisdom Teeth When They're Coming In?

A wind-up toy in the shape of dentures sitting beside fake food.

Wisdom teeth (third set of molars) usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Your Winnipeg dentist will see them on an x-ray when you’re getting a regular check-up, or you’ll feel them as they come in.

Just like when you were a baby, the growth of your wisdom teeth can make you want to put pressure on the gums to help the tooth push through. People often chew gum or soft candies, but there are better ways to manage the discomfort.

Numbing gels is another way to ease the discomfort. Growing extra teeth can cause swelling in the gums, which can be uncomfortable for a lot of people. Using a numbing gel, such as Orajel, will reduce the swelling by numbing the area until the gums are no longer inflamed. Swollen and sore gums aren't the only physical discomfort in wisdom tooth growth. Swelling in the jaw, neck and shoulders are also common, as are headaches. Taking Ibuprofen or using an ice pack can help relieve some of these symptoms while they occur.

Wisdom teeth can take a long time to erupt and are usually not painful the entire time. If you think your wisdom teeth are coming in, visit your dentist immediately to ensure they aren’t causing damage to your other teeth. We also want to monitor them to ensure they aren’t developing an infection.

If the wisdom teeth are causing issues they may need to be removed. Call us or schedule an appointment online to see one of our Winnipeg dentists so they can assess your wisdom teeth and perform an extraction if needed.

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