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If your wisdom teeth haven't come through your gums properly, they are impacted. But this doesn't mean that they will bother you.

You will have symptoms if your impacted wisdom teeth cause problems such as an infection, a cavity or gum disease. If you do have one of these problems, you might have:

• Pain or tenderness in your gums or jawbone
• Bad breath
• Redness or swelling in your gums around where the tooth is blocked
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth when you bite near the area
• A headache or jaw ache.

More rarely you might have:

• Swollen glands in your neck
• Problems opening your mouth.

Sometimes you may have no symptoms, but might still have a problem with your wisdom teeth, such as:

• Decay that doesn't cause any pain
• Root resorption. This happens when your body's cells attack and destroy the root of your tooth
• A cyst (a sac filled with fluid)
• A tumor.

Sometimes as your wisdom teeth come through, your gums may feel sore or tender. This is temporary and should disappear once the tooth is in position.

If your gums do get sore, some dentists recommend using a mouthwash. You could also try painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. But see your dentist if the soreness doesn't go away.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.