For the majority of people, wisdom teeth cause very few problems. While they might cause pain when they’re coming through, they don’t cause long-lasting issues if they straighten over time. The problems start when there isn’t enough room for them in the gums. Because they grow at an angle, they often cause pressure on the other teeth. As well as the pain caused by added pressure and crowding, some wisdom teeth can leave gaps in the gums where food can accumulate. And when this happens, the risks of infections, tooth decay and gum disease increase substantially.