Many people experience canker sores, which are small, painful ulcers that develop inside the mouth. Issues with wisdom teeth, the last molars to emerge, are also common. While these two oral health concerns might seem unrelated, a connection can exist between them. This article will explore the potential ways wisdom teeth can contribute to the formation of canker sores.
The Nature of Canker Sores and Wisdom Teeth
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that form on the soft tissues within the mouth, such as the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, or at the base of the gums. They appear as white or yellowish sores with a distinctive red border and can cause discomfort when eating or speaking. While their exact cause is not fully understood, various factors can trigger their development.
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the final set of teeth to emerge at the very back of the mouth, between the ages of 17 and 25. While some individuals experience no issues, wisdom teeth often encounter problems during eruption, such as impaction (trapped within the jawbone or gums) or unusual growth angles. These issues can lead to pain, swelling, and other oral health complications.
How Wisdom Teeth Can Trigger Canker Sores
Wisdom teeth do not directly cause canker sores, but they can contribute to their development through several mechanisms. One way is through mechanical irritation. An erupting or misaligned wisdom tooth can rub against the soft tissues of the cheek, tongue, or gum, creating friction and trauma. This repeated irritation can lead to canker sore formation.
Inflammation and infection are another contributing factor. Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create a flap of gum tissue, known as an operculum, which can trap food particles and bacteria. This trapped debris can lead to pericoronitis, an inflammation and infection of the gum tissue surrounding the tooth. The irritation and inflammation from such an infection can make oral tissues more susceptible to canker sores.
The pain and discomfort associated with wisdom tooth eruption or complications can also induce stress, which is a known trigger for canker sore development. Emotional stress can influence the body’s immune response, making individuals more prone to developing these oral lesions. Stress can also lead individuals to bite their cheeks or lips, causing minor oral injuries that precede canker sores.
Recognizing the Connection and Seeking Relief
Observing the location of the canker sore can help determine if it is related to a wisdom tooth. Sores appearing near the back of the mouth, particularly where a wisdom tooth is erupting or causing irritation, may indicate a connection. Accompanying symptoms like wisdom tooth pain, swelling, or difficulty opening the mouth can further suggest this link. If canker sores recur in the same area adjacent to a problematic wisdom tooth, it indicates a strong relationship.
For temporary relief, several home care measures can be helpful. Rinsing the mouth with a saltwater solution (one teaspoon of salt in half a cup of warm water) can help soothe the sore and reduce inflammation. Applying over-the-counter topical gels or pastes designed for mouth sores can also provide pain relief. It is also advisable to avoid abrasive, acidic, or spicy foods that further irritate the sore.
It is important to seek professional dental advice if canker sores are unusually large, persist for more than two weeks, or recur frequently. A dentist can assess the condition of the wisdom tooth and determine if it is causing the canker sores. Signs of infection, such as fever, significant swelling, or difficulty swallowing, warrant immediate dental attention. In some cases, addressing the underlying wisdom tooth issue, such as removal, may be necessary to resolve recurring canker sores.