What is Wisdom Tooth Pain?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are typically four wisdom teeth that typically emerge as adult teeth between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth are located at the back of the mouth, one in each corner, and are the last to develop in the mouth. In some cases, a person may only have one or two wisdom teeth, while others may have none at all.

At some point in their lives, most people experience the pain and discomfort that comes with wisdom teeth. For many people, wisdom teeth emerge without issue and do not require treatment. However, in some cases, wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention methods for wisdom tooth pain.

What are impacted wisdom teeth and why do they cause problems?

Molars that do not have enough space to emerge or develop normally in the jaw, top and bottom gums are called impacted wisdom teeth. As a result, they become stuck, or impacted, in the jawbone or gums. Partially Impacted wisdom teeth can cause several problems and complications, including pain, infection, tooth decay, gum diseases, and damage to neighboring teeth.

When wisdom teeth are impacted, they can grow at an angle toward the tooth pushing or pushing against the neighboring teeth. This can cause crowding, misalignment, and damage to the adjacent teeth, leading to decay or gum disease. Impacted wisdom teeth can also become infected, leading to pain, swelling, and even more severe oral health problems if left untreated.

Additionally, the gum tissue around an impacted wisdom tooth can become inflamed and swollen, causing pain and discomfort. The inflamed tissue can also trap food and bacteria, leading to infection and decay. Furthermore, impacted wisdom teeth can cause cysts or tumors to develop in the jawbone, which can cause more severe pain and damage to the jawbone.

What You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth Pain

If you are experiencing pain in your wisdom teeth, it is important to understand the causes and symptoms of this condition, as well as the available treatments and prevention measures. Wisdom teeth pain is commonly caused by impaction, or when the teeth do not fully emerge from the gums. This can cause inflammation, infection, and pressure on surrounding teeth and gums. Other causes of wisdom teeth development associated pain include decay, gum diseases, and damage to the teeth or surrounding structures.

Common symptoms of wisdom tooth pain include pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth, sore jaw, swelling of the gums, difficulty opening the mouth, and bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. These symptoms may be mild or severe and can impact daily activities such as eating and speaking. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for wisdom tooth pain, including over-the-counter pain relievers, antibiotics, and dental procedures such as extraction or root canal therapy. In addition, practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting a dentist regularly can help prevent wisdom tooth pain and other dental problems.

Signs of Wisdom Tooth Coming In

When a wisdom tooth starts to emerge or erupt from the gum line, it can cause a variety of symptoms. These symptoms may be different for everyone, but some common signs of a wisdom tooth coming in include:

Pain or discomfort: As the wisdom tooth pushes through the gum line, it can cause pain, discomfort, or even headaches. This pain may be constant, or it might come and go.

Swelling: The gum tissue around the wisdom tooth that is emerging may become swollen, red, or tender to the touch.

Difficulty opening your mouth: If the wisdom tooth is pushing against other teeth or the jawbone, it can make it difficult to open your mouth fully.

Changes in bite: If the wisdom tooth is affecting the alignment of your other teeth, you may notice changes in your bite.

Unpleasant taste or smell: If the wisdom tooth is only partially emerged, food and bacteria can become trapped in the space, causing an unpleasant taste or smell in the mouth.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your dentist or oral surgeon for an evaluation. They can determine if your wisdom teeth are coming in and whether they need to be removed. In some cases, the wisdom tooth may need to be extracted before it causes further complications or damage to surrounding teeth.

Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the back of the mouth. While some people have no issues with their wisdom teeth, many people experience severe wisdom tooth pain and discomfort when their wisdom teeth begin to grow. Here are some of the most common causes of wisdom teeth coming in pain:

Impacted tooth: When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to emerge or grow properly, they can become impacted in healthy gums, or get stuck, below the gum line. This can cause pressure and pain around the teeth and gums.

Infection: Impacted wisdom tooth can also lead to infection in the surrounding gums, which can cause pain and inflammation.

Decay or gum disease: Wisdom teeth that have emerged can also be susceptible to decay or gum disease if they are difficult to clean or are located in a hard-to-reach area of the mouth. This can cause pain and discomfort.

Erupting teeth: As wisdom teeth begin to emerge, they can push against the area around the teeth and break through the gums, causing pain and discomfort.

Bruxism: Teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, can also cause wisdom tooth pain by putting pressure on the teeth and gums.

It’s important to see a dentist if you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain, as they can determine the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment. In some cases, wisdom teeth may need to be removed to alleviate the pain and prevent further complications.

Common Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Pain

If you feel pain in your upper jaw area or just behind your ears, then you might have wisdom teeth coming in. This is usually the first sign of growing wisdom teeth. This kind of pain can cause you to feel sick or dizzy. You might have a toothache that hurts when you eat or drink anything.

• Throbbing pain in the back of the mouth where the wisdom teeth are located.
• A person can feel jaw pain, ear pain, and neck pain.
• Pain that worsens when chewing food, biting, or opening the mouth wide.
• Swelling, redness, or inflammation around the affected area.
• Wisdom teeth cause Headaches or sinus pressure.
• A bad taste or odor in the mouth can indicate an infection.
• Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing.
• Pain or discomfort in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull.

It’s important to note that not everyone will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to see a dental surgeon for medical treatments.

Why You Might Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

There are several reasons why someone might need to have their painful wisdom teeth removed. One of the most common reasons is impaction, which occurs when the teeth do not fully emerge from the gums. This can cause pain, infection, and damage to around teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to the formation of cysts or tumors in the jawbone.

Another reason for wisdom tooth removal is overcrowding. If there is not enough space in the mouth for the teeth to emerge properly, they may grow at odd angles or push other teeth out of alignment. This can cause discomfort and affect the overall appearance of the smile.

Wisdom teeth may also need to be removed as part of orthodontic treatment, such as braces. This is because the presence of wisdom teeth can cause shifting and overcrowding of other teeth. Ultimately, the decision to have wisdom tooth removal is made on a case-by-case basis. Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate your individual situation and recommend the best course of action.

How To Find Relief: Natural Home Remedies

Wisdom tooth pain can be quite uncomfortable, but there are several home remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms. Here are some natural remedies for wisdom tooth discomfort you can try to relieve pain.

Ice Pack

Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek can help to numb the area and reduce swelling. Wrap the ice pack in a towel to avoid direct contact with your skin and only use it for short periods of time.

Salt water rinse

A salt water rinse is an effective remedy that can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish the solution around your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out it can help you to relieve pain and reduce swelling.

Peppermint

Peppermint is known for its soothing properties and can help alleviate pain relief. You can apply peppermint oil directly to the affected area or steep peppermint tea bags in hot water and use them as a compress.

Clove oil

Clove oil is a natural analgesic and can help numb the affected area. Simply apply a few drops of clove oil to a cotton ball and place it on the affected tooth.

Cold and heat therapy

Alternating between cold and heat therapy can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. You can apply an ice pack or a cold compress to the affected area for 15 minutes, followed by a warm compress for another 15 minutes.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that can help fight infections and reduce inflammation. Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to the affected area.

Crushed garlic and ginger

Both garlic and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate wisdom teeth pain. Crush a garlic clove and a small piece of ginger, mix them together, and apply the paste to the affected area.

Turmeric

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and can help alleviate wisdom teeth pain. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a small amount of water to form a paste and apply it to the affected area.

Oregano oil

Oregano oil has antibacterial properties that can help fight infections and reduce inflammation. Dilute a few drops of oregano oil in a carrier oil like olive oil and apply it to the affected area. It has natural disinfectant properties.

Medical Relief for Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief

Here are some medical treatments to help with wisdom teeth pain:

Over-the-counter pain relievers

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with wisdom tooth pain. Acetaminophen can also be used as a pain reliever but does not have anti-inflammatory properties.

Prescription pain medications

For severe pain, a dentist or doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications such as opioids. It is important to follow dosage instructions carefully and only take as directed.

Antibiotics

If there is an infection or risk of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear the infection and prevent further complications.

Local anesthesia

For more extensive procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction, a dentist may administer a local anesthetic to numb the area and reduce pain during the procedure.

Sedation

In some cases, sedation may be used to help patients relax and reduce anxiety during more extensive procedures. Sedation can range from mild to deep and may involve medications or nitrous oxide gas.

Wisdom Teeth Removal: Why Take Them Out?

Wisdom teeth extractions or wisdom teeth removal are a form of common dental surgery that involves removing a person’s wisdom teeth. While some people may not experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, others may need to have them removed to relieve dental pain caused by aching gums or overcrowding.

Before Surgery

Before surgery, the dentist will take X-rays to assess the position of the wisdom teeth and determine the best course of action. During surgery, the dentist will use a topical pain reliever or numbing agent to minimize discomfort. Most dental gels have a numbing effect that can help with wound healing.

After Surgery

After surgery, it’s important to avoid sugary foods that can interfere with the healing process. By following the dentist’s instructions, most people can recover quickly and avoid any complications.

Prevention

You can’t prevent tooth decay and cavities, but keeping regular six-month dental appointments for cleaning and checkups enables your dentist to monitor the growth and emergence of your wisdom teeth. There are a few signs that will alert you to the presence of an impacted wisdom tooth, but regular X-rays will help you detect impacted wisdom teeth before they cause symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Lines

Wisdom tooth pain can be caused by various factors, such as an impacted tooth, infection, decay or erupting tooth, and misalignment. It’s crucial to seek professional dental care if you experience any wisdom tooth pain to identify the underlying cause and receive the appropriate treatment.