The third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are the final set of teeth to develop, typically erupting between the ages of 17 and 25. Discomfort associated with the emergence or presence of these molars is frequent. Many people experience issues because the jawbone has often finished growing by the time these teeth try to emerge, leaving insufficient space.
How Wisdom Teeth Trigger Headaches
Wisdom teeth can cause headaches primarily through referred pain. The back of the jaw, where these molars are located, is densely packed with nerves and muscles. When a wisdom tooth causes irritation or inflammation, pain signals travel along interconnected nerve pathways and are felt elsewhere in the head.
This nerve connection is governed by the trigeminal nerve system, which handles sensation in the face, jaw, and head. Pressure or inflammation near the tooth irritates this nerve, causing the brain to misinterpret the signal’s origin. The resulting sensation is often perceived as a tension-type headache, felt in the temples or across the forehead. Jaw tension resulting from the pressure can also strain surrounding muscles, contributing to pain that radiates upward into the skull.
Recognizing the Specific Signs of Referred Pain
Headaches linked to wisdom teeth often present with specific symptoms. One common sign is jaw stiffness, known as trismus, where muscles tighten, making it difficult to open the mouth or chew comfortably. The pain may also be distinctly unilateral, localized to the side of the head or face corresponding to the problematic wisdom tooth.
Pain radiating behind the eyes or to the ears can also indicate a dental origin due to closely situated nerve branches. Tenderness or swelling in the lymph nodes underneath the jaw can accompany the headache, signaling an underlying infection or significant inflammation. Observing these concurrent symptoms helps determine if the head pain originates in the mouth.
Primary Causes of Pain Development
The discomfort that leads to headaches stems from specific biological mechanisms occurring at the back of the jaw.
Tooth Impaction
One frequent cause is tooth impaction, which happens when the tooth fails to fully erupt through the gum line. The tooth may become stuck beneath the gum or jawbone, sometimes growing at an angle, physically pushing against the adjacent molar or the bone itself. This constant physical pressure creates inflammation and chronic tension, which is then transmitted as referred pain to the head.
Pericoronitis
Another common mechanism is pericoronitis, the inflammation and infection of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth. When the tooth only partially breaks through the gum, it creates a flap of tissue where food particles and bacteria become trapped. This localized infection causes severe swelling and pain that can radiate systemically, often manifesting as a throbbing headache or facial pain. The infection can also trigger a systemic inflammatory response, which may include fever and generalized discomfort.
Cyst Formation
In rarer instances, an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to the formation of a cyst, a fluid-filled sac. These cysts develop around the crown of the impacted tooth and can grow large enough to cause pressure on the jawbone and surrounding nerves. This pressure can lead to bone damage or nerve compression, resulting in persistent and radiating pain.
When to Consult a Dentist or Oral Surgeon
If a person suspects their headaches are related to their wisdom teeth, they should seek professional evaluation. Schedule an appointment if the pain is persistent and lasts for more than 48 hours without relief from over-the-counter medication.
Immediate consultation is necessary if the headaches are accompanied by signs of a spreading infection. These signs include severe facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, or the inability to fully open the mouth. A dental professional can use X-rays to assess the tooth’s position, determine the underlying cause of the pain, and recommend the appropriate course of action.