Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge, typically appearing in the late teenage years or early twenties. Insufficient jaw space often causes discomfort and jaw pain as these molars try to erupt.
How Wisdom Teeth Cause Jaw Pain
Jaw pain associated with wisdom teeth commonly arises from several mechanisms. One frequent cause is impaction, occurring when a wisdom tooth cannot fully erupt due to lack of space or an improper angle. This can involve the tooth pressing into an adjacent molar, causing discomfort and potential shifting of other teeth.
Another common issue is pericoronitis, an inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth. A gum flap can create a pocket where food and bacteria trap, leading to infection and swelling, which causes jaw pain.
Impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to cysts or tumors. These fluid-filled sacs grow around the tooth, exerting pressure on the jawbone, nerves, and nearby teeth, causing pain and damage. Proximity to nerves can also result in radiating pain, numbness, or tingling.
Other Signs of Wisdom Tooth Issues
Other signs of wisdom tooth issues include swelling and tenderness in the back of the mouth or jaw. The gums around the affected tooth may appear red and inflamed.
Difficulty opening the mouth fully or discomfort while chewing can occur. An unpleasant taste or persistent bad breath often indicates bacterial buildup and infection. Headaches or earaches, especially on the affected side, may also signal a problem.
When to Seek Professional Help
Consult a dental professional if wisdom tooth jaw pain is severe or persistent. Spreading swelling or redness in the face or neck needs prompt attention. Difficulty swallowing or breathing indicates a spreading infection requiring immediate evaluation.
A fever alongside other symptoms suggests an active infection needing professional treatment. Pus formation or drainage from the gum area also indicates an infection requiring dental intervention. Increasing difficulty opening your mouth could point to inflammation or infection affecting jaw movement.
Management and Treatment Options
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can provide temporary relief and reduce inflammation. Rinsing with warm salt water several times daily aids in cleaning and reducing discomfort. Applying a cold compress to the cheek can also alleviate swelling and numb pain.
For infections, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control bacterial spread before further treatment. Wisdom tooth extraction is often necessary if the tooth is impacted, causing recurrent infections, or damaging adjacent teeth. This procedure removes the problematic tooth, resolving the jaw pain.
If a partially erupted tooth causes issues like pericoronitis, a minor surgical procedure to remove the gum flap might be performed. This can alleviate localized inflammation and discomfort.
When wisdom teeth are not causing immediate problems but are monitored for future issues, regular dental check-ups and X-rays are recommended. This proactive approach helps identify potential complications early.