Wisdom Tooth Pain - Everything You Need to Know
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
If you’ve ever experienced wisdom tooth pain, you probably have searched for wisdom tooth pain relief. In this article we dive into how to relieve wisdom tooth pain and all you need to know about wisdom teeth in general. Continue reading to learn more.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the final set of molars to develop in the mouth. They are located at the very back of the mouth on each side of the upper and lower jaws. Although many people develop four wisdom teeth, some people may be missing some or all of the wisdom teeth. In the past, their role in dental health was to aid in chewing tough foods. However, with modern soft food diets and the adaptation of smaller jaws, wisdom teeth currently do not hold a significant role in our dental health.
Typical Emergence Timeline
You may begin to notice wisdom tooth pain in your late teens to early twenties. That’s because they tend to erupt on average between the ages of 17 and 25, but this can vary depending on various factors. The emergence timeline may be influenced by genetics, the environment, oral and overall health, hormonal changes, jaw size, age, gender, and other factors.
Common Issues Associated with Wisdom Teeth
Although some individuals may never experience issues with their wisdom teeth, many might. Wisdom teeth typically become impacted, meaning they are unable to fully erupt into the mouth. This is commonly due to space limitations and overcrowding. When teeth are impacted, there is a higher risk for the development of infections, tooth decay, gum disease, cysts, and damage to neighboring teeth. A consultation with your dental professional is needed to determine the health of your wisdom teeth.
What is Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth are unable to fully erupt through the gums. Wisdom teeth may be partially or fully stuck under the gums and/or jawbone, which can lead to several dental issues. Wisdom teeth usually become impacted due to a lack of space, obstruction from teeth, bone, or other oral structures, or due to their angulation during eruption.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- Red or swollen gums: Your gums may appear inflamed. Inflammation may present as swelling and redness around the impacted wisdom tooth, along with bleeding, tenderness, and in some cases pus discharge.
- Wisdom tooth pain: Wisdom tooth pain symptoms may present as a dull ache or sharp pain towards the back of the mouth.
- Wisdom tooth pain in jaw: Jaw pain may be a result of impacted wisdom teeth, which can make it hard to chew, speak, and open your mouth.
- Facial Swelling: Swelling around the jaws, cheeks, or neck may be present.
- Bad breath: Bad breath can be a sign of infection from an impacted wisdom tooth. A persistent bad taste in the mouth may also be present.
- Fever: In some cases, you may experience a fever which can be a sign of tooth infection.
Complications of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause many issues. Most commonly, impacted wisdom teeth may cause pain and discomfort in the jaws, making chewing and opening your mouth difficult. Impacted wisdom teeth are also challenging to keep clean, leading to trapped bacteria and food particles that trigger inflammation, swelling and tenderness, cyst and tumor formation, bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and infection. Impacted wisdom teeth may also cause damage to the crowns or roots of neighboring teeth and increase the risk of tooth misalignment.
Causes of Wisdom Tooth Impaction
There are several potential causes of wisdom tooth impaction. Here's a more detailed look at possible reasons for wisdom tooth impaction:
- Lack of Space in the Mouth: One of the most common reasons for wisdom tooth impaction is due to insufficient jaw space. Modern human jaws are smaller and may not have enough room to properly accommodate all 32 permanent teeth. The lack of space can lead to overcrowding and can prevent the wisdom teeth from erupting fully into the mouth.
- Abnormal Growth Patterns: Wisdom teeth may erupt at an incorrect angle, such as horizontally, which can cause them to become trapped under the gums, bone, or neighboring teeth. If the normal eruption path of the wisdom tooth is obstructed, it may become improperly angled and become stuck.
Prevention and Management of Wisdom Teeth Issues
How to get rid of wisdom tooth pain? Here’s some simple tips to help you manage your wisdom teeth and prevent wisdom teeth issues:
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Regular dental check-ups are necessary for early detection of dental issues, including problems related to your wisdom teeth. Your dentist will perform a clinical examination and take dental X-rays to help monitor the development and overall health of your wisdom teeth.
Home Remedies for Pain Relief
If you’re looking for ways how to ease wisdom tooth pain from home, there are several effective home remedies for temporary relief, including:
- Cold Compresses: Apply an ice pack covered with cloth for approximately 15 minutes at a time to the affected area to help reduce swelling.
- Saltwater Rinses: Saltwater can help reduce bacteria and inflammation. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water, rinse, then expectorate.
- Clove Oil: Eugenol in clove oil has been known for its natural pain-relieving effects. Use a small drop of clove oil on a cotton ball and apply to the affected area.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Pain relievers including Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen can be used to help reduce pain and inflammation.
When to Seek Professional Help
What helps wisdom tooth pain? The best way to ensure wisdom tooth pain relief is to seek professional evaluation from your dentist. If you are experiencing severe or persistent pain, swelling, bleeding, trouble chewing or opening your mouth, bad breath or foul taste in the mouth, pus discharge, fever, trouble breathing, or any other concerning signs or symptoms it's crucial to see a dentist immediately. Early treatment of wisdom teeth issues can help prevent further complications and lead to better treatment outcomes.
Professional Treatment Options
There are a number of safe and effective professional treatment options that help provide wisdom tooth pain relief. After a thorough examination from your dentist, they will determine the best treatment options to address your individual dental needs. Common professional treatment options include orthodontic treatment to address overcrowding, cavity fillings or root canal therapy for erupted wisdom teeth with decay or damage, and extraction. Continue reading to learn more about wisdom teeth extraction below.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction may be recommended by your dentist if they are causing severe pain, swelling, cysts, crowding, damage to neighboring teeth, infection, or other issues. In some cases, dentists may recommend their removal to prevent anticipated future complications even when signs or symptoms are not currently present.
If wisdom teeth extraction is deemed necessary, your dentist will discuss anesthesia options with you, including local anesthesia and sedation options. You will receive all instructions on how to prepare for the surgery and manage your oral care post-extraction.
During the procedure your dentist may need to make an incision into the gums and/or bone to access your wisdom tooth, particularly if impacted. Your tooth will be gently loosened from its socket and removed. The extraction site will be cleaned and may be stitched closed to promote healing.
Post-Extraction Care
After wisdom teeth removal, it is normal to experience mild discomfort for the first few days. Your dentist or surgeon will provide instructions on pain management and oral hygiene, including medication options and how to keep the extraction site clean. You may be instructed to use a cold compress, stick to soft foods, get adequate rest, and to avoid smoking, hard and acidic foods, strenuous exercise, vigorous rinsing, and using straws. Be sure to follow all post-operative instructions from your dental professional and attend any scheduled follow-up visits.
Oral Hygiene Tips for Wisdom Teeth Care
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy wisdom teeth. Without daily oral hygiene practices, dental and systemic health issues can arise. Here’s what your need to consider:
Daily Oral Hygiene Practices
To minimize your risk of having wisdom teeth issues, it is important to brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush, making sure to reach your wisdom teeth. Although flossing may be challenging towards the back of the mouth, it is key to helping remove food debris and bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Also consider rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash or salt water to help reduce harmful bacteria.
Dietary Considerations
In general, you should avoid foods that are high in sugar, including candy, sugary beverages like soda and energy drinks, and desserts. These foods promote bacteria accumulation and lead to infection, tooth decay, gum disease, and many other health issues. You should also limit acidic foods and beverages, as these can break down tooth enamel and cause tooth decay. Speak with your dentist and medical professional about healthy dietary recommendations.
