Wisdom teeth – also known as third molars – usually erupt in the late teens or early twenties. For some people, they arrive without issue. But for many New Zealanders, wisdom teeth can cause problems, including cavities. Because these teeth sit so far back in the mouth, they are harder to clean and more prone to decay. So, what should you do if you discover a cavity in your wisdom tooth?
Why Wisdom Teeth Get Cavities
Wisdom teeth are more vulnerable to decay for a few reasons:
- Hard-to-reach location – At the very back of the mouth, they are difficult to brush and floss thoroughly.
- Partial eruption – Sometimes wisdom teeth only emerge partway, leaving a flap of gum tissue that traps food and bacteria.
- Crowding – If teeth are tightly packed, it creates spaces where plaque builds up easily.
- Difficult angles – Wisdom teeth that come through at an angle can be even harder to clean.
According to the New Zealand Dental Association, decay and gum problems around wisdom teeth are some of the most common reasons young adults need extractions.
Signs You May Have a Wisdom Tooth Cavity
- Pain or sensitivity at the back of your mouth
- Swelling or redness around the gum near the tooth
- Food getting stuck easily
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Discomfort when chewing
Because cavities in wisdom teeth can spread quickly, it’s important to get them checked by a dentist rather than waiting for pain to worsen.
What Are Your Options?
If you have a wisdom tooth cavity, treatment depends on the severity of the decay and how your tooth has erupted:
- Dental Filling
If the cavity is small and the tooth is otherwise healthy, your dentist may be able to restore it with a filling. This preserves the tooth and relieves pain.
- Extraction
If the tooth is decayed extensively, impacted, or contributing to repeated infections, your dentist may recommend removal. Wisdom tooth extractions are a very common procedure in New Zealand, usually done under local anaesthetic, and sometimes with sedation for anxious patients.
- Monitoring
Occasionally, if a cavity is minor and not causing symptoms, your dentist may suggest monitoring the tooth with regular check-ups while reinforcing oral hygiene.
Caring for Wisdom Teeth
Whether or not you have cavities now, keeping wisdom teeth clean is key:
- Brush carefully at the very back of your mouth, angling your toothbrush.
- Floss between the last molars daily.
- Use an antibacterial mouth rinse to reduce bacteria build-up.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups, especially in your late teens and twenties.
In New Zealand, many people have wisdom teeth removed preventively to avoid long-term problems. Your dentist will advise based on X-rays, your jaw size, and overall oral health.
When to See a Dentist
If you experience ongoing pain, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth, book an appointment promptly. Untreated wisdom tooth cavities can spread infection to nearby teeth and gums.
At Howick Dental Surgery, our team regularly helps patients manage wisdom tooth problems — from diagnosing early cavities to providing safe, gentle extractions when needed. If you’re worried about a wisdom tooth cavity, the best step is to book an assessment so you can get tailored advice and treatment before the issue worsens.
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