Wisdom teeth can cause a sore throat, a common concern as they emerge. This discomfort often stems from complications.
How Wisdom Teeth Cause Sore Throats
The eruption of wisdom teeth, which are the last set of molars typically emerging between the ages of 17 and 25, can lead to inflammation. If a wisdom tooth only partially breaks through the gum, a flap of gum tissue may cover part of the tooth. This creates a space where food particles and bacteria can accumulate, leading to inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue, a condition known as pericoronitis. The inflammation can then extend to nearby areas, including the throat, causing pain and discomfort.
Infection is another way wisdom teeth can cause throat pain. When bacteria and food debris are trapped under the gum flap of a partially erupted wisdom tooth, it can result in an infection or abscess. This infection can spread from the tooth area to surrounding tissues, including the throat, leading to increased pain and inflammation. Lower wisdom teeth are particularly susceptible to this type of infection.
Pain from the wisdom tooth area can also be perceived in the throat due to referred pain. Nerves supplying sensation to the jaw and face are located near the wisdom teeth. When these teeth become impacted or infected, the irritation or inflammation of these nerves can cause pain to radiate to areas like the ear or throat.
Other Signs and When to Get Help
A sore throat caused by wisdom teeth often accompanies other symptoms. Individuals might experience pain or tenderness around the jaw, especially at the back of the mouth. Swelling and redness of the gums around the erupting wisdom tooth are common.
Difficulty opening the mouth fully (trismus) or pain when chewing are additional signs. A bad taste or odor may indicate bacterial buildup. Headaches or earaches can also occur from radiating pain. Fever and swollen lymph nodes in the neck may indicate infection.
It is important to seek professional dental attention if symptoms persist or worsen. Severe pain not relieved by over-the-counter medication, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or significant swelling in the face or neck are serious signs that warrant immediate evaluation. A high fever or chills also indicate a potentially spreading infection that requires prompt care.
Relieving Discomfort
While waiting for professional evaluation, several home remedies can help manage discomfort. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and clean the area. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the jaw can help reduce swelling and numb pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can manage pain and inflammation. Eating soft foods and staying hydrated are also beneficial.
A dentist may recommend specific interventions based on the diagnosis. If an infection is present, antibiotics might be prescribed to treat it. The dentist might also perform a deep cleaning around the affected tooth to remove trapped food and bacteria. In cases of recurrent issues or impaction, extraction of the wisdom tooth may be recommended as a long-term solution.