What are wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars to develop. They are called wisdom teeth because they form in early adulthood, a time when people are considered to have gained a sense of wisdom through maturity. They usually start to make an appearance in the late teens or early 20s, but the range is wide.
Depending on the size of the teeth and the length of the patient’s jaws, there sometimes isn’t enough space for them to grow through (erupt) fully. Sometimes they grow at an awkward angle and are therefore unable to fully erupt. If they have insufficient room to erupt, they are described as impacted wisdom teeth.
One of the most common reasons wisdom teeth become painful and infected is impaction. This occurs when there is insufficient space for the tooth to emerge properly, or if it is growing at an awkward angle, causing it to become trapped beneath the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can result in swelling and infection in the gum around them. Impacted teeth may exert pressure on surrounding teeth, leading to misalignment or damage. They can also create situations where cleaning is impossible, leading to decay either in the wisdom tooth itself or in the adjacent and much more important tooth in front of it.
If wisdom teeth only partially emerge from the gum, they can cause a variety of issues. Food particles and bacteria can become trapped around the partially erupted tooth which is impossible to fully clean and so there is stagnation beneath the gum leading to infection.
Partial eruption often leads to inflammation and infection (pericoronitis). This can result in pain, redness, and swelling in the gum flap over the partially erupted tooth. When the gum around a wisdom tooth becomes infected, it swells, leading to discomfort and, in some cases, the development of an abscess. Infection can also contribute to a bad taste or persistent bad breath. Sometimes, a fully erupted upper wisdom tooth will exacerbate the symptoms of a partially erupted lower wisdom tooth by chewing and traumatising the gum flap over it, making it sore.
Upper wisdom teeth often have room to emerge fully but they can grow at an angle that makes them grow towards the cheek, as the jaw opens, the cheek rubs on the biting surface of the tooth leading to trauma and ulceration. This makes chewing very painful.
Impacted wisdom teeth can exert pressure on neighbouring teeth, leading to misalignment or damage. Impacted wisdom teeth can also harbour bacteria in the space between the wisdom tooth and the adjacent tooth causing decay in either or both. This decay is notoriously difficult to treat because of its position (often beneath the gum at the back of the tooth). Decay can cause a severe toothache. If a wisdom tooth is at risk of causing damage to an adjacent tooth, it should be removed before this damage occurs.
Damage to neighbouring teeth may necessitate further dental treatments to address the shifting of teeth or any structural damage caused to adjacent teeth.
There are several clear signs that you may be experiencing wisdom tooth pain. These symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain and understanding them can help determine the cause and the appropriate course of action.
The pain is often felt as a dull, aching sensation in the jaw. This pain may radiate to the ear or the teeth. This discomfort can be especially noticeable when the teeth are impacted or emerging at an awkward angle.
Swelling around the jaw is another common symptom of wisdom tooth problems. It can be accompanied by redness and tenderness, which are often signs of infection or irritation in the surrounding tissues. Tender lymph nodes in the neck are common when an impacted wisdom tooth becomes infected.
If your tooth is causing pain, the gum around the tooth may become red and swollen or even bleed. These are typical signs of pericoronitis or infection in the surrounding tissues.
Pain from infection caused by impaction can make it difficult to open the mouth fully. This restriction can impact eating, speaking, and general comfort.
A wisdom tooth infection can lead to persistent bad breath or a metallic taste in your mouth. This occurs when bacteria become trapped around the tooth and cause an infection in the gums.
In some cases, pain can radiate to the sinuses or the ears. This can cause sinus pain, earache, headaches, and facial pain, making it difficult to differentiate from other related issues.
While professional dental care is essential for managing the pain, several at-home remedies can provide temporary relief while you wait for your dental appointment. These at-home remedies work best if started at the first hint of a problem.
A warm saltwater rinse can help soothe inflamed gums and reduce discomfort. Salt water has natural antibacterial properties, which can assist in reducing the risk of infection around the tooth.
How to do it:
– Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
– Swish the mixture around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
– Repeat this process until the glass is empty, and repeat the whole process three to four times a day.
If you have wisdom teeth erupting, it is important to keep your mouth super clean. If there are heavy deposits of plaque and scale around the teeth, the bacterial load in the mouth will be high and partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth are far more likely to become infected in this context. A visit to the dental hygienist for a deep clean of all the teeth will help.
Aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be applied to the gums to help reduce swelling and discomfort. Simply apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel (this can be obtained from a health food shop) to the affected area
Non-prescription pain medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling. Always follow the instructions on the label for proper dosing.
If a wisdom tooth has become infected and the symptoms are severe or there is swelling of the jaw, an antibiotic is sometimes needed. You would need to see your dentist for a prescription.
It’s important to contact your dentist if you experience wisdom tooth pain for more than a day or two to ensure proper care, assessment and to arrange for its removal, if needed.
One common concern for many people considering extraction is the potential pain associated with the procedure. The good news is that modern dental techniques make this procedure relatively painless. Most extractions are done under local anaesthesia, which profoundly numbs the area around the tooth. For those with high anxiety or in need of a complex extraction, sedation options are available to make the procedure even more comfortable.
After the procedure, some discomfort is expected as the anaesthesia wears off, but pain can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and ice packs. The recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the extraction, but most people can return to normal activities within a few days.
The duration of the pain depends on the cause of the discomfort. If the pain is caused by impaction, it may last as long as the wisdom tooth remains in its problematic position. In cases where infection or inflammation is present, pain can persist until the infection is treated or the tooth is extracted. Typically, mild discomfort may last a few days, but if the pain continues for more than a few days or worsens, it’s crucial to consult a dentist.
Can wisdom teeth pain go away on its own? Sometimes. If the pain relates to the tooth breaking through the gum but there is sufficient room for it, then once the tooth is fully erupted and in function, the pain subsides. If the pain is caused by infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear the infection. For impacted teeth, extraction is often the most effective solution. Pain management, including ice packs and painkillers, can help reduce discomfort during the treatment process and in the initial post-treatment phase.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to see a dentist:
– Severe or Persistent Pain: Pain that lasts longer than a few days or intensifies.
– Significant Swelling or Redness: Noticeable swelling or redness around the gums.
– Difficulty Opening Your Mouth: Inability to fully open your mouth or chew.
– Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste: Lingering bad breath or a metallic taste in the mouth.
– Fever: The presence of fever along with pain and swelling could indicate an infection that requires immediate attention.
Wisdom tooth pain is common and very manageable. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help you make informed decisions about how to ease the pain and when to seek professional dental care. While home remedies can offer temporary relief, persistent pain should be addressed by a dentist to avoid complications. Whether through medication, extraction, or other treatments, managing discomfort is essential for maintaining your oral health.
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