Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of adult teeth to emerge, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. While some individuals experience no issues, others often encounter discomfort and various dental problems. Jaw pain is a common concern, often linked to these late-erupting molars.
How Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Jaw Pain
Wisdom teeth can cause jaw pain due to their eruption path and limited space. As these molars emerge, they can press against existing teeth, causing discomfort and shifting. This pressure can also extend to the jawbone, leading to a general aching sensation.
If a wisdom tooth lacks room to fully erupt, it can become “impacted,” remaining partially or completely trapped beneath the gums or within the jawbone. An impacted tooth can grow at an awkward angle, pushing against the adjacent second molar or surrounding bone. This constant pressure can result in significant jaw pain and soreness in the back of the mouth.
Other Signs of Problematic Wisdom Teeth
While jaw pain is a primary symptom, problematic wisdom teeth often present with additional signs. You might notice swelling or tenderness in the gums around the back of your mouth. The gums may also appear red or swollen and could even bleed.
Difficulty opening your mouth fully, a condition known as trismus, can also signal an issue. Some individuals might experience bad breath or an unpleasant taste from trapped food particles and bacteria around a partially erupted tooth. Headaches or throbbing pain radiating from the back of the mouth to the ear or neck can also indicate problems.
Specific Conditions Leading to Wisdom Tooth Pain
Jaw pain from wisdom teeth often arises from specific dental conditions, with impaction being a common factor. An impacted wisdom tooth cannot fully emerge due to lack of space or obstruction, remaining partially visible or completely hidden.
Impaction types vary by angle:
Mesial (angled towards the front, most common)
Distal (angled towards the back, rarest)
Vertical (correct position but trapped)
Horizontal (lying completely on its side)
Horizontal impactions are often the most painful due to significant pressure on adjacent teeth. This constant pressure can also lead to crowding or misalignment of other teeth, contributing to pain and difficulty cleaning.
Pericoronitis, an infection and inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth, is another frequent cause of pain. Food debris and bacteria can become trapped under the gum flap, creating an environment for infection. This can lead to severe pain, swelling, pus discharge, and difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth.
Less commonly, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts or, rarely, benign tumors. These fluid-filled sacs can damage the jawbone, adjacent teeth, and nerves, intensifying pain. If a wisdom tooth pushes against a nerve, such as the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw, it can cause sharp, radiating pain, numbness, or tingling sensations.
What to Do About Wisdom Tooth Pain
If you experience persistent jaw pain or other wisdom tooth symptoms, seeking professional dental evaluation is important. A dentist can accurately diagnose the cause of your discomfort and recommend an appropriate course of action, including a thorough examination of your mouth and jaw.
Your dentist will typically take dental X-rays to understand the wisdom teeth’s position, condition, impaction, angle, and proximity to surrounding structures like nerves or other teeth. Early detection through X-rays can prevent more serious complications.
For temporary pain relief while awaiting a dental appointment, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Applying an ice pack to the outside of the jaw can also help numb the area and reduce swelling. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day can help cleanse the area and promote healing, especially if there is gum inflammation.
Depending on the diagnosis, your dentist may suggest various interventions. If the pain is due to impaction or other problems, extraction of the wisdom teeth is often recommended to alleviate symptoms and prevent future issues. This procedure can mitigate the risk of infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and bone loss. In some cases, preventative removal might be advised, especially for younger patients, as recovery is generally smoother.