When wisdom teeth emerge and irritate the cheek, it can be an uncomfortable experience. This common dental issue affects many as their third molars develop. Understanding the reasons for this irritation and how to address it helps manage discomfort.
Why Wisdom Teeth Bite Your Cheek
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop and typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. The most common reason these teeth bite the cheek is due to insufficient space in the jawbone. Human jaws have often evolved to be smaller, leaving inadequate room for these late-arriving teeth to erupt properly.
When there isn’t enough space, a wisdom tooth may erupt at an improper angle, often growing sideways or angling towards the cheek. This misdirection causes the tooth’s chewing surface or sharp edges to repeatedly rub against or bite the cheek tissues. Existing teeth can also be pushed forward, leading to overcrowding, which further complicates the eruption path of the wisdom tooth and increases cheek irritation.
Immediate Steps for Relief
If a wisdom tooth bites your cheek, several temporary measures can alleviate irritation. Rinsing the mouth with a warm salt water solution soothes inflamed tissues and reduces swelling. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around the affected area for 30 seconds before spitting.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, manage pain and reduce inflammation. Applying a cold compress to the cheek also provides relief by numbing the area and decreasing swelling. Place an ice pack wrapped in a cloth against the affected side of your face for 15 to 20 minutes.
Adjusting your diet to avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods prevents further aggravation of the irritated cheek tissue. Opting for softer foods minimizes accidental cheek biting while eating. These immediate steps offer temporary comfort, not long-term solutions.
Professional Assessment and Solutions
Consulting a dental professional is necessary when a wisdom tooth consistently bites the cheek. A dentist performs a thorough oral examination and typically takes X-rays to assess the wisdom teeth’s position and development. These images provide a clear view of the tooth’s orientation within the jawbone and its proximity to surrounding structures.
The most common solution for a wisdom tooth causing cheek biting is extraction. This procedure is often recommended when the tooth is impacted, meaning it is trapped within the jawbone or gum tissue, or if its eruption angle causes persistent irritation and potential cheek damage. Extraction prevents ongoing trauma, which can lead to chronic inflammation, ulceration, or infection.
In less common instances, if the issue is minor and the tooth is healthy and well-positioned, a dentist might consider reshaping the tooth. This involves smoothing sharp edges or reducing the tooth’s height to prevent cheek contact. However, this approach is less frequent for persistent cheek biting. Delaying professional evaluation can lead to complications like chronic pain, infection, or cysts around an impacted tooth.