Wisdom teeth, which are the third back molar in your mouth, are a common dental issue most people have. Typically erupting from the ages of 17–25, with over 80,000 people a year having their wisdom teeth removed, this issue can cause severe amounts of pain to your jaw or gum. In this blog, we dive into the world of wisdom teeth pain and discuss the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments for this issue.
Causes of Wisdom Teeth:
Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the back of the mouth that are not able to develop normally. Usually, most adults have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth. There are various causes of this dental concern, such as:
- Impaction: When a wisdom tooth does not have enough space to emerge, it is impacted.
- Infection: Wisdom teeth that have erupted can create pockets of space near them, which allows bacteria to enter, forming infections that result in pain, swelling, and potentially even fever.
- Crowding: As these teeth emerge, they can push against other teeth, causing crowding and misalignment. Again, this results in pain and other dental problems.
Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth:
You should be aware of the symptoms that wisdom tooth pain can cause, as they may indicate that you should consult your dentist. Among the symptoms are:
- Jaw Pain: The tooth pain can cause a dull and aching sensation in the jaw, typically at the back of the mouth.
- Sinus Pain: A wisdom tooth emerging on the upper jaw can cause issues with your sinuses, as the roots of the teeth can grow against the sinus cavity, causing pressure and pain. This can also lead to headaches and congestion.
- Gum Issues: Wisdom teeth can cause swollen, red, tender, irritated, and bleeding gums.
- Difficulty Opening The Mouth: Due to the discomfort and swelling from the pain, opening your mouth and chewing food may be difficult.
- Bad Breath: Infections around the tooth can cause bad breath, or halitosis, due to the bacteria.
- Headaches: Wisdom tooth pain not only leads to headaches but also earaches and pain near the neck.
The Various Treatments Available:
From pain relief to ice packs, there are a range of ways to treat your wisdom teeth:
- Over-The-Counter Pain Relief: Pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin can help relieve discomfort and pain.
- Topical Anaesthetics: some over-the-counter topical gels can temporarily numb the affected area, offering immediate relief.
- Saltwater Rinse: Gargling warm saltwater reduces inflammation and cleans the affected area. This also helps to promote gum health and kill bacteria in the area.
- Icepack: If you have swollen gums or a sore jaw, applying an icepack to the area can help to numb it, reducing the inflammation.
- Good Oral Hygiene: brushing and flossing gently is vital for your oral health, but ensure you are being gentle near your third molar.
- Visit Your Dentist: If the pain persists or you notice signs of infection, it’s essential to contact your dentist and get your tooth looked at. They may also suggest removing the tooth or teeth.
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and how to manage your wisdom tooth pain is essential for understanding your next steps in dealing with the pain and tooth, as well as maintaining good oral hygiene. If your pain and discomfort worsen or you notice signs of infection, please contact your dentist as soon as possible for thorough guidance and an evaluation.
If you or someone you know is having issues with wisdom teeth pain and want to consult a dentist, contact us today to book an appointment with our experienced and friendly team!