Wisdom teeth, officially known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge and often cause discomfort. Many pregnant individuals experiencing new dental pain or inflammation in the back of the jaw wonder if the physical and hormonal changes of gestation have triggered these teeth to erupt. This concern is understandable, as pregnancy affects nearly every system in the body, including oral health. We will explore the biological timeline of third molars and determine if pregnancy can genuinely cause these teeth to “come in” or if the discomfort stems from a different, hormone-related cause.
The Timeline of Wisdom Teeth Development
The physical development and eruption of wisdom teeth is a process largely independent of a person’s current life stage. These teeth typically begin to emerge between the late teenage years and early twenties, generally spanning the ages of 17 and 25. By the time most individuals become pregnant, eruption has usually been completed or the teeth have settled into a state of arrested development.
If a third molar has not erupted by early adulthood, it is often due to a lack of room in the jaw, leading to impaction. Impaction means the tooth is stuck in the jawbone or soft tissue, blocking its physical path of movement. Pregnancy does not possess the biological mechanism to restart this stalled process or push a tooth fully encased in bone into an erupted position.
Separating Fact from Myth: Causal Link
It is a misconception that pregnancy can cause a new wisdom tooth eruption, or “coming in.” The hormonal fluctuations associated with gestation do not initiate the complex movement required for a fully impacted tooth to break through the jawbone and gum tissue. The underlying structure of the jaw and the tooth’s position were established long before the pregnancy began.
Any new pain experienced in the area of the third molars during pregnancy is not due to a tooth suddenly emerging. Instead, the discomfort is almost always related to an existing third molar that is already partially erupted or impacted. These teeth often create a small flap of gum tissue around the crown, which easily traps food particles and bacteria. This pre-existing vulnerability is then aggravated by the changes pregnancy brings.
Hormonal Changes and Dental Pain
The true source of discomfort is the shift in hormone levels, specifically the increase in progesterone and estrogen. These hormones cause changes in the gum tissues, making them more sensitive and increasing blood flow throughout the body, including the mouth. The heightened blood circulation leads to tissue that is more prone to swelling, bleeding, and inflammation.
This sensitivity often manifests as pregnancy gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums affecting approximately four in ten pregnant women. When this inflammation occurs around a partially erupted wisdom tooth, the flap of gum tissue covering the tooth becomes puffy and irritated. This localized swelling of the tissue is known as pericoronitis. Pericoronitis causes the throbbing, painful sensation that mimics a tooth actively “coming in,” but the problem is the inflamed soft tissue, not the movement of the tooth itself.
Seeking Dental Care While Pregnant
While the pain is caused by inflammation, it is important to seek professional help immediately. An infection in the mouth can pose risks beyond local discomfort, as untreated oral infections can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. This is a greater concern than most necessary dental interventions. It is safe and recommended to visit the dentist during pregnancy for check-ups and treatment.
The second trimester is typically considered the optimal time for routine dental procedures, such as cleanings or fillings. This timing is preferred because the risk to the developing baby is low and the patient is generally more comfortable. Dental X-rays, if necessary for diagnosis, can be performed safely with proper shielding of the abdomen and thyroid. Local anesthesia is also generally safe for necessary procedures, and a dentist can prescribe antibiotics if an active infection is present.