Wisdom teeth are the third molars, and they are also the largest teeth in the mouth. As there is not enough space for wisdom teeth to erupt properly, they grow sideways. They are often pushed inwards near the teeth or outwards near the inner region of the cheeks. 

Side Effects of Wisdom Teeth Growing Sideways

If your wisdom teeth do not grow normally, a couple of side effects may occur. Side effects of infected wisdom teeth include:

• Difficulties in eating solid foods
• Severe pain
• Very sensitive area around the wisdom teeth
• Infection and even bleeding of the gum
• Fever and headache
• Swelling of the outer cheek associated with discomfort and severe pain
• Injury of the jaw
• Loosing of the gum
• Difficulties in brushing

When You Need to Get It Extracted

If your wisdom teeth are already ill, the solution to your problem is tooth extraction.

Your dentist or an oral surgeon can extract your wisdom tooth. One or two wisdom teeth can be removed at the same time. If an infection occurs, the extraction of your tooth will be postponed until the infection clears up with antibiotics.  

Local anesthesia is necessary when a wisdom tooth is removed. Your surgeon will open the gum tissue first and take out any bone that is covering your tooth. After the tissue is removed, the surgeon will extract the wisdom teeth growing sideways by cutting it into small pieces. To stop the bleeding, a folded cotton gauze is placed over the wound. 

In cases when more than one or all wisdom teeth are removed at the same time, general anesthesia is usually applied. 

Note: Swelling of the gums, bleeding and other uncomfortable symptoms can follow your tooth extraction. You should take a good care of your oral health and hygiene after a tooth extraction. 

Tips to Speed up Recovery Process

• Prevent a dry socket: Dry socket is a painful complication that follows a tooth extraction. Although only a small number of people will develop it, you need to follow all the instructions your doctor gave you to prevent it from happening. Do not brush the operated area, do not move your head up and down quickly, and do not drink by a straw.  

• Elevate your head when you sleep: Have you extracted your wisdom teeth growing sideways? Keep your head elevated for the first three days when you sleep will help you recover faster, because lying flat will make the blood volume increase near the wound and cause wound to throb.

• Apply ice pack on the cheek: Putting ice pack on the cheek near the extraction site will decrease your pain. 

• Do not let your mouth get dry: Try to breathe through your nose. If you have to breathe through your mouth, use a room humidifier to moisten the air.

• Massage your masseter muscles: During the extraction of your wisdom teeth, the surgeon or dentist had to open your mouth widely, causing cramping and pain of masseter muscles. If you massage the masseter muscles near the jaw joint, you will have a faster recovery.

• Drink ice coconut water: After the extraction of your wisdom teeth, you are not able to eat solid food for the first few days. While lacking of nutrients will affects your recovery process, coconut water will help you get all the necessary nutrients and electrolytes.

• What to eat after wisdom teeth removal: Eating can be difficult after a wisdom teeth extraction. Here is a list of some soft foods that you can eat:

How to Care for It to Prevent Infection

Not all wisdom teeth growing sideways need to be removed. In some cases, a removal is not recommended as the risk of a dentist-induced injury is greater than the risk of leaving an asymptomatic wisdom tooth alone. In such cases, preventing your wisdom teeth from getting infected is more important. Here are some tips for you:

1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

Good oral hygiene is very important. For preventing your wisdom teeth from getting infected, you should brush your teeth twice a day. Make small circular movements instead of brushing your teeth back and forth. Brush your teeth for about two minutes and don't forget to brush the back of your teeth as well. Here is a great video teaching you how to brush your teeth:

2. Floss Daily 

Just brushing your teeth regularly is not enough. You should floss your teeth daily. By flossing your teeth you will remove all the plaques and bacteria in the areas which can't be reached by a toothbrush. To floss your teeth correctly, you should hold the floss firmly between both hands and move it gently back and forth. Make sure to floss the area between every tooth. Don't forget to rinse the mouth after flossing your teeth. 

3. Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash

An antiseptic mouthwash will help you control levels of the bacteria inside the mouth. You can use them before or after brushing your teeth. 

4. Schedule a Dental Check

Regular dental checks are very important for your oral health because they can find your potential problems. It is recommended to get a dental check every 6 months. This is particularly necessary for your wisdom teeth growing sideways.