Do you have wisdom tooth pain? You’re not alone. Many people feel discomfort when their wisdom teeth start to grow. For some, they grow without any trouble. For others, they can cause pain, swelling, or other problems.
In this article, we’ll talk about why wisdom teeth can hurt, the symptoms to look out for, and how you can manage the pain. We’ll also share tips to help keep your mouth healthy. Let’s work together to make you feel better!
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to grow in your mouth. They are also called third molars. Most people have four wisdom teeth—two in the top jaw and two in the bottom jaw. These teeth usually start to come in when you’re between 17 and 25 years old.
Not everyone gets wisdom teeth, and that’s okay! For some people, these teeth grow without any problems. But for others, wisdom teeth can come with pain or other issues. Let’s learn more about why this happens and what you can do.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain?
Wisdom teeth can sometimes hurt, and this happens for a few reasons. Let’s look at the main causes:
Not Enough Room In Your Jaw
Not Enough Room In Your JawSometimes, there isn’t enough space in your mouth for wisdom teeth to come in. When this happens, the teeth may get stuck. Impacted wisdom teeth erupt at the wrong angle or stay trapped under the gums, which can be painful.
Pressure On Other Teeth
Wisdom teeth push against the teeth already in your mouth. This can cause a lot of pressure, making your other teeth feel sore or even move out of place.
Swollen And Sore Gums
Wisdom teeth that only partly come through the gums can cause swelling and redness. Food can get trapped around these teeth, which makes it easy for bacteria to grow. This can lead to pain and infection.
Cavities And Gum Problems
Because wisdom teeth are so far back in your mouth, they can be hard to clean. If plaque and food build up around them, you might start noticing cavities or gum disease, which can cause even more pain.
If you’re feeling pain in the back of your mouth, your wisdom teeth could be the reason. Keep reading to learn what you can do to feel better!
Common Symptoms Of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Knowing the signs of wisdom tooth pain is important so you can get the care you need. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
- Throbbing Pain: You might feel a pulsing or aching pain in the very back of your mouth.
- Swollen Gums: Your gums could look red, puffy, or tender around the wisdom teeth.
- Trouble Opening Your Mouth: It might be hard to open your mouth fully or chew your meals comfortably.
- Jaw Pain: Your jaw could feel stiff, sore, or achy, especially near the back.
- Bad Breath Or Taste: You might notice a bad smell or taste in your mouth.
- Headaches Or Ear Pain: Sometimes, wisdom tooth pain spreads to your head or ears.
When Should You See A Dentist?
Not everyone has trouble with their third molars, but it’s important to see a dentist if:
- You Have Severe Pain: Pain that won’t go away or feels very strong needs attention.
- You Notice Signs Of Infection: Look out for pus, swelling, or a fever.
- Your Mouth Or Face Is Swollen: Swelling in these areas is a sign that you should visit a dentist soon.
- Your Teeth Look Different: Wisdom teeth can push your other teeth and cause changes.
Your dentist can take a mouth X-ray. This shows where your wisdom teeth are and helps them decide the best possible way to help you.
Managing Wisdom Tooth Pain At Home
If your wisdom teeth hurt, there are some easy things you can do at home to feel better. These simple remedies may help reduce the pain:
Salt Water Rinse
A warm salt water rinse can be very helpful. The salt helps to clean your mouth and reduce swelling. It also works as a natural disinfectant, which can help your gums feel better. To use it, just mix a small amount of salt in warm water and swish it in your mouth for a few seconds.
Ice Packs
Putting an ice pack on your jaw can help with swelling and pain. Wrap some ice in a towel or place a cold pack on the outside of your jaw for about 15-20 minutes. This can help numb the area and make you feel more comfortable.
Clove Oil
Clove oil is a natural way to ease pain. Its ingredients can reduce pain and swelling. To use it, put a small amount of clove oil on a cotton ball and gently put it near the sore spot in your mouth. It should help numb the pain for a little while.
Over-The-Counter Pain Relief
Over-the-counter medicines can help if the pain is bothering you. These medicines reduce pain and swelling. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle to know how much to take and when.
These remedies can help you feel better while waiting for a dentist. If the pain doesn’t go away, make sure to visit a dentist for more help.
Professional Treatment For Wisdom Tooth Pain
Sometimes, home remedies aren’t enough to relieve wisdom tooth pain. If the pain is still there, a dentist can help. Here are some ways a dentist can treat wisdom tooth pain:
Wisdom Teeth Removal
If your wisdom teeth are causing you a lot of pain or problems, the dentist might suggest removing them. This is called wisdom teeth removal.
It’s a surgery that removes one or more wisdom teeth, especially if they are stuck or growing at the wrong angle. Removing them helps prevent more pain or problems later.
Managing Infections
Managing InfectionsIf your wisdom tooth has an infection, it can make the pain worse. Dentists can manage the infection by giving you antibiotics.
These medicines help get rid of the bacteria causing the infection. After the infection is treated, the dentist will decide if removing the tooth is the best option.
Monitoring Wisdom Teeth
If your wisdom teeth aren’t causing any problems right now, the dentist will keep an eye on them.
Regular check-ups help dentists watch how your wisdom teeth are growing. By checking on them, the dentist can stop any big problems before they start.
Preventing Wisdom Tooth Pain
Even though you can’t always stop wisdom tooth pain from happening, you can take steps to lower the chance of problems. Keeping your mouth healthy is a great way to prevent pain and other issues with your wisdom teeth.
Here are some helpful tips to keep your teeth and gums in great shape:
- Brush And Floss Regularly: Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day helps clean your teeth and gums. This removes food particles and plaque, which can help stop tooth decay and gum problems around your wisdom teeth.
- Visit The Dentist Regularly: Going to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings is very important. Dentists can check your wisdom teeth and make sure they are growing properly. They can also clean hard-to-reach areas around your wisdom teeth to help prevent pain or infection.
- Use Mouthwash: Using mouthwash with natural disinfectants can help keep your mouth clean. Mouthwash can reach places your toothbrush might miss, cleaning away germs and bacteria that can cause infections or pain in your wisdom teeth.
By following these tips, you can help prevent wisdom tooth pain and keep your smile healthy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No, not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, growing straight, and not causing problems, they can stay. If they cause pain, infection, or other issues, your dentist might recommend removal.
What happens if I don’t treat impacted wisdom teeth?
If impacted wisdom teeth are not managed, they can lead to problems like infections, tooth decay, and damage to other surrounding teeth. It’s a good idea to visit your dentist so they can check your teeth and stop problems early.
Can wisdom teeth cause bad breath?
Yes, they can. If your wisdom teeth are hard to clean or only partly come out, food and germs can get trapped. This can make your breath smell bad. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash can help.
Can wisdom teeth cause sinus issues?
Sometimes, wisdom teeth in your upper jaw can press on your sinus area. This might cause pressure or a stuffy feeling.
Can wisdom tooth pain go away by itself?
Mild pain might stop if your wisdom teeth come in properly and there’s enough space in your mouth. But if the pain doesn’t go away or gets worse, see your dentist.
Can wisdom teeth cause problems even if they don’t hurt?
Yes, wisdom teeth can cause problems even if they don’t hurt. They might lead to gum infections, tooth decay, or damage to other teeth. Regular dental visits help your dentist check your wisdom teeth and stop problems before they start.
How long does wisdom tooth pain last?
Pain from wisdom teeth might last a few days or weeks if they are coming in normally. But if they are impacted or infected, the pain could last until you get treatment.
What should I do if my wisdom tooth pain keeps coming back?
If your pain doesn’t stop or keeps returning, it’s time to see your dentist. They can find out what’s wrong and help you feel better.
Are there risks with removing wisdom teeth?
Yes, there are some risks, like infection or swelling, but they don’t happen every day. Dentists are careful to make the procedure safe for you. If you’re worried, talk to your dentist about your concerns.
Conclusion
Wisdom tooth pain is something many people deal with, and it can make your mouth and body feel uncomfortable. By learning what causes the pain, what signs to look for, and how to treat it, you can take steps to feel better and keep your smile healthy.
Simple home remedies might help, but sometimes you need a dentist’s care to fix the problem. Taking care of your teeth now can help you feel good for a long time. If your wisdom teeth are bothering you, talk to your dentist. They can give you advice and the care you need!
Do your wisdom teeth hurt? We’re here in St Marys to help! Our kind dental team can check your teeth, give you advice, and help you feel better.
Call Pearl Dental Care today at 02 9158 6312 to book a visit. Let’s take care of your smile together!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
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McPhillips A. Wisdom Teeth Removal: What Adults Should Expect [Internet]. WebMD. 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 17]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/wisdom-teeth-adult
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