You have to excuse me if I sound less scientific today. This was my reaction when I read this health news:
Young adults in their 20s and 30s who can't part with their third molars (a.k.a., wisdom teeth) may be at risk for chronic oral inflammation, increasing the risk of inflammation in other areas of the body as well.
This study shows that the wisdom teeth are "an area of potential chronic inflammation with little continuing observation or actually early recognition," Dr. Robert S. Glickman from New York University College of Dentistry who was not affiliated with the study told Reuters Health.
The primary health concern with wisdom teeth is infection, just like with the other teeth, Glickman explained. However, because of the unique location --- in the back of the jaws --- infection in the third molar region can spread down the neck in the lower jaw to the sinuses or up the neck from the upper jaw to the brain.
[reuters Health, Sept 23 2005]
It sounds alarming but no, thank you, doctors. My molars are just a-ok. They're neither infected nor impacted.
How about you, dear readers? What did your dentist tell you?
7 reactions:
My hubby had an impacted wisdom tooth when we are about to be married and after 3 days of our wedding (it was feb 14 2000) he had a schedule to remove it via an operation in UP-PGH where his dentist refer him to his collegue. At that time im not aware that there is such major procedure just to remove that, what i know is your regular dentist can remove it. What my hubby told me was when the tooth extracted it measures 4-5 inches, and the lady dentist had a hard time extracting it from his jaw.
Oh yes, I also know of a classmate who had his impacted molars removed in UP-PGH. I must say they have very good doctors there indeed. At 4-5 inches, any doctor would really have a difficult time removing that impaction of your husband. I horpe he's doing fine now.
I remember growing my wisdom teeth during my teens. Was that too early? Ang sakit! Although I still have them to date. I have no problems with them.
I still have all my wisdom teeth.For some reason I had them in my early 20's. I went to the dentist a couple of months ago and they told that they(wisodm teeth) were ok.They took an xray though to make sure non of them were impacted and thank God for the results :)
That's good to hear, Tito Rolly and Duke. Others aren't so lucky, though. But I say if they aren't giving you any problems, then its ok.
Hi Dr. Emer!
Interesting post for a future dentist ;)
From what I've learnt, if the third molars are ok, then no need to worry... And any tooth can lead to an infectious if it's not treated when there's a problem, not only third molars...
Thanks for the info, Karina. More reason to take care of our teeth. :)
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