Wisdom Tooth Pain – Recognising When To Seek Help

• October 10, 2023
• Dr. Catherine-Anne Walsh

Understanding Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are a natural part of our dental makeup. They’re the final set of molars to emerge, usually during late adolescence or early adulthood. Understanding them and the reasons why you may experience wisdom tooth pain is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, often referred to as the third molars, are the last set of molars located at the back of the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, two in the upper jaw and two in the lower. They are considered the adult teeth that typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Their primary function was to help our ancestors grind down plant tissue.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain?

Wisdom teeth can cause discomfort as they emerge and attempt to find a place among the surrounding teeth. In many cases, there isn’t enough room in the mouth to accommodate these new wisdom teeth, leading them to become impacted wisdom teeth. This means they don’t fully emerge or emerge at an angle, pressing against other teeth and causing pain.

Common Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Pain

Recognising the symptoms of problematic wisdom teeth is the first step to address and possibly prevent further dental complications. Common symptoms include:

• Swelling and Inflammation – Swollen gums around a new wisdom tooth often indicate an impacted tooth. This inflammation can be painful and might affect surrounding teeth, leading to more severe oral health issues if not addressed.
• Jaw Pain and Stiffness – Pain around the area where wisdom teeth emerge is a typical sign. Especially with impacted wisdom teeth, this discomfort arises from the undue pressure they place on the jaw.
• Difficulty in Opening Mouth or Chewing – This can stem from the inflammation, the positioning of an impacted wisdom tooth, or pressure exerted on surrounding structures, causing stiffness in the jaw and challenges in mouth movement or food consumption.

Wisdom tooth pain can occur when they don’t have enough room to emerge correctly and they start pushing against other teeth.

Complications from Ignoring Wisdom Tooth Pain

While some may experience minimal symptoms, neglecting painful wisdom teeth can lead to more serious complications.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Wisdom teeth that only partially emerge create pockets where food particles can become trapped, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Furthermore, as they push against surrounding teeth, gaps might form, leading to gum disease. Both conditions can result in bad breath and further oral complications if not addressed.

Cysts and Tumours

In rare cases, an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to cyst formation around the tooth. If these cysts aren’t treated, they can hollow out the jaw and damage surrounding teeth and tissues. Even rarer are tumours that might necessitate more complex procedures or dental surgery for resolution.

Alignment and Crowding Issues

When wisdom teeth do not have enough room to emerge correctly, they can start pushing against other teeth. This pressure can result in misalignment or crowding of teeth, disrupting an individual’s bite and potentially leading to the need for orthodontic treatment.

Home Remedies and Temporary Relief

While a permanent solution might require dental intervention, there are some ways to potentially relieve dental pain at home:

• Cold and Warm Compresses – Applying cold reduces swelling, while warmth soothes the pain. They’re great for quick, temporary relief, especially during intense discomfort.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers – Medications like ibuprofen can offer a brief respite from pain and inflammation. Ensure you follow dosage instructions.
• Salt Water Rinses – Gargling with warm salt water can help with swelling and infections due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Clove Oil – Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anaesthetic. Applying a small amount to a cotton ball and dabbing it on the affected area can numb the pain. However, be cautious not to swallow it.

If wisdom tooth pain is severe and persistent, it may indicate the need for an extraction to resolve the issue.

When to Seek Professional Help

Wisdom tooth problems might sometimes be more than just a minor inconvenience. Recognising when to consult a dentist is crucial.

Persistent or Severe Pain

Occasional discomfort due to emerging wisdom teeth might be common, but persistent or severe pain is a red flag. It could indicate an impacted tooth, infection, or other serious dental complications. Such symptoms should prompt an immediate visit to a dentist, as they might suggest the need for wisdom teeth removal.

Signs of Infection

Infections related to wisdom teeth can manifest as pus, a foul taste in the mouth, or persistent bad breath. These signs, combined with swelling or pain, indicate a possible abscess or infected tissue around a wisdom tooth. In such scenarios, prompt dental care becomes crucial to prevent complications.

Difficulty Eating or Swallowing

When problematic wisdom teeth interfere with regular activities like eating or swallowing, it’s a clear sign of their adverse impact on oral health. Such difficulties can stem from swelling, infections, or the position of the impacted tooth. Delaying treatment can lead to weight loss, dehydration, and other health concerns.

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FAQs

Below you can find our FAQs about wisdom tooth pain. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information, or you can use the online form above to book an appointment.

How can I stop my wisdom tooth from hurting?

While methods such as over-the-counter pain relievers, cold or warm compresses, and saltwater rinses can offer temporary relief from wisdom teeth pain, they’re not permanent solutions. If the pain remains consistent or intensifies, it might be time to consider wisdom tooth removal. Always consult a dentist for guidance.

How long does wisdom tooth pain usually last?

The pain associated with wisdom teeth can be of varying durations. Sometimes, when new wisdom teeth are emerging, the discomfort may persist for several days to weeks. In contrast, if a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, the pain might endure much longer. Often, getting the wisdom teeth removed can alleviate prolonged discomfort.

How do you know if wisdom tooth pain is serious?

Indicators of serious wisdom tooth pain include persistent severe pain, challenges in swallowing, noticeable signs of infection, or if the pain doesn’t subside even with home remedies. Such symptoms can hint at the need for wisdom tooth removal or other professional dental treatments.

Does wisdom tooth pain come and go?

Indeed, wisdom tooth pain can exhibit an intermittent pattern. As wisdom teeth break through the gums, they can cause pain that comes and goes. However, if the pain is consistent or becomes more intense, it’s essential to seek dental attention.

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