As teeth develop, they should emerge perpendicularly to the gumline. This allows them to contribute to a healthy bite that works well with the teeth in the opposing dental arch. Unfortunately, however, teeth do not always grow in an ideal pattern. In fact, sometimes they grow sideways! This issue is particularly common with wisdom teeth. Why does that happen, what are the risks of this abnormality, and how can you protect your oral health?
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Grow Sideways?
The sideways growth of wisdom teeth occurs primarily because of insufficient space in the mouth. As these teeth attempt to emerge from the gumline, they may encounter resistance from adjacent teeth, causing them to grow at an angle. Plus, your jaws may not be large enough to accommodate these additional teeth, leading to misalignment. The angle at which wisdom teeth grow can vary, ranging from slight tilts to nearly horizontal orientations.
Problems Caused by Sideways Wisdom Teeth
Sideways wisdom teeth can lead to a host of oral health issues that may require professional intervention:
- When your wisdom teeth grow at an angle, they may push against adjacent teeth, leading to crowding and misalignment. This pressure can cause discomfort and pain in your jaw.
- Sideways growth of wisdom teeth can make it difficult to clean the area properly, increasing the risk of infections.
- You may develop gum disease, cavities, or abscesses as bacteria accumulate around the improperly positioned teeth.
- Impacted wisdom teeth, which fail to emerge fully or are trapped beneath the gumline, can cause swelling, pain, and other complications.
- In severe cases, cysts or tumors may develop around impacted wisdom teeth, posing a threat to your overall oral health.
Protecting Your Oral Health
To safeguard your oral health, it is crucial to monitor the development and positioning of your wisdom teeth. Regular dental checkups and periodic X-rays can help detect any issues early on and allow for timely intervention.
If your wisdom teeth are growing sideways, your dentist may recommend that you get them extracted. This procedure is surprisingly comfortable and can do much to prevent complications and support your long-term health.
Teeth do not always grow like they should! Visit your dentist to find out if your sideways wisdom teeth need to be removed.
Meet the Practice
At Meriden Dental Group, our highly skilled team performs comfortable wisdom tooth extractions in a modern setting. If you are concerned about the health or positioning of your third molars, we can evaluate the situation and recommend your next steps. Contact our friendly staff at 203-404-6800.