Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last adult teeth to appear, typically emerging between ages 17 and 25. Often, insufficient jaw space prevents proper eruption, leading to various issues. Pain is a common symptom of problematic wisdom teeth, and this discomfort can be intermittent.
Why Wisdom Tooth Pain Comes and Goes
The intermittent nature of wisdom tooth pain stems from several factors related to their eruption and position. One common reason is partial eruption, where the tooth slowly pushes through the gum tissue. During active movement, this pressure causes discomfort, which may then subside as the tooth pauses its eruption. This gradual emergence leads to fluctuating pain.
Another frequent cause is pericoronitis, an inflammation of the gum flap (operculum) that covers a partially erupted wisdom tooth. This tissue can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection flare-ups. Pain from pericoronitis can intensify due to chewing trauma or bacterial activity, then temporarily lessen as inflammation reduces, only to recur. This cycle of inflammation and remission contributes significantly to the on-again, off-again pain.
Pressure changes within the jaw can also lead to temporary discomfort. As the wisdom tooth attempts to emerge, it may exert pressure on neighboring teeth or the jawbone. This pressure can cause pain that varies with jaw movement or changes in surrounding tissues. Minor infections also contribute to the intermittent pain cycle. The body’s immune response might temporarily contain a low-grade infection, reducing pain, but the infection can flare up again if conditions, such as trapped food or bacteria, persist.
Other Signs of Wisdom Tooth Issues
Beyond pain, other indicators suggest wisdom tooth problems. Common signs include swelling, tenderness, or redness around the gum area behind the last molar.
Difficulty opening the mouth, known as trismus, can occur due to inflammation or muscle spasms from impacted wisdom teeth. This limited jaw movement makes eating or speaking challenging.
An unpleasant taste or bad breath may also signal an issue, often linked to trapped food particles and bacteria, indicating infection. Referred pain, such as headaches or jaw pain extending beyond the immediate tooth area, can also arise.
This discomfort can radiate to the jaw, ears, or neck. In some cases, a wisdom tooth pushing against adjacent teeth can lead to crowding or misalignment of other teeth.
When to Seek Professional Dental Care
Consult a dental professional if wisdom tooth pain becomes persistent or worsens. While some eruption discomfort is expected, severe or continuous pain may indicate an underlying issue. Signs of infection, such as fever, pus discharge, or severe swelling, warrant immediate dental attention. Difficulty swallowing or breathing alongside these symptoms indicates a more serious situation.
Seek professional help if pain or swelling interferes with daily activities like eating, sleeping, or speaking. Difficulty with oral hygiene due to pain or limited mouth opening can increase the risk of decay and other complications. Even with mild or intermittent symptoms, a dental check-up is beneficial, as a dentist can use X-rays to assess wisdom teeth position and development to prevent future problems.
Potential Complications of Ignoring Wisdom Tooth Pain
Ignoring wisdom tooth pain can lead to several long-term oral health complications. Tooth decay is a significant risk, as wisdom teeth, especially if partially erupted, are difficult to clean, leading to cavities in the wisdom tooth or adjacent second molar.
Chronic inflammation and infection can result in gum disease (periodontal disease) around the wisdom tooth and neighboring teeth, damaging gum tissue and supporting bone. In some instances, fluid-filled sacs called cysts can form around an impacted wisdom tooth. Though rare, these cysts can expand and damage the jawbone, adjacent teeth, and nerves.
An impacted wisdom tooth can exert pressure on the second molar, potentially leading to root resorption or other damage. Severe infections can progress to abscess formation—a localized collection of pus causing intense pain and swelling. Untreated abscesses can spread infection. Constant pressure from an impacted wisdom tooth may also weaken the jawbone, increasing the risk of damage.