Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of adult teeth to emerge. They typically appear in the late teens or early twenties, generally between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people may not develop wisdom teeth, others might have one, two, or all four. A common question is whether their growth causes discomfort.
The Nature of Wisdom Teeth Pain
Pain is a frequent experience when wisdom teeth emerge, though it is not universal. The sensation can range from a mild ache to severe pain, pressure, or general soreness. Some individuals describe the discomfort as a dull, persistent ache at the back of the mouth, which might intensify when chewing. Others may experience sharp pain or throbbing.
Other symptoms can accompany wisdom tooth pain. These might include jaw soreness, swelling, tenderness in the gums, and difficulty opening the mouth. The pain may radiate to the jaw, eyes, or ears. While some discomfort is expected during eruption, persistent or intense pain can signal underlying issues.
Why Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Discomfort
Wisdom teeth often cause pain due to insufficient jaw space for proper eruption. This can lead to impaction, where the tooth cannot fully break through the gum line or grows at an awkward angle. An impacted wisdom tooth might grow horizontally, angle toward existing teeth, or remain trapped within the jawbone. An estimated 70% of individuals have at least one impacted wisdom tooth.
Impaction can cause various problems, including pressure on surrounding teeth, which can lead to shifting or crowding. This pressure can damage adjacent tooth roots or increase infection risk.
Pericoronitis, an inflammation and infection of the gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth, is another common issue. This occurs when a gum flap covers part of the tooth, trapping food and bacteria, creating an environment for infection. Symptoms of pericoronitis can include bad breath, pus, and facial swelling.
Additionally, their location at the back of the mouth makes them challenging to clean effectively, increasing susceptibility to tooth decay and gum disease. Cysts, fluid-filled sacs that can damage the jawbone, teeth, and nerves, may also form around impacted wisdom teeth.
What to Do When Wisdom Teeth Hurt
When experiencing wisdom tooth pain, several home remedies can provide temporary relief. Applying an ice pack to the jaw can reduce inflammation, swelling, and numb the area. Warm saltwater rinses are beneficial for reducing bacteria and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can alleviate discomfort. Topical numbing gels containing benzocaine can also be applied directly to the gums. Clove oil, peppermint, and aloe vera may also offer temporary relief.
While these home remedies can manage symptoms, it is important to seek professional dental attention. Severe or persistent pain, significant swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, fever, or pus indicate a prompt dental consultation is needed. A dentist can assess the situation, using X-rays to determine tooth position and identify issues like impaction, infection, or damage. Treatment may range from monitoring symptoms to recommending extraction, especially if the teeth are impacted or causing ongoing problems. Extraction is a common procedure that can prevent future complications and and protect overall oral health.