Dealing with wisdom tooth pain can be extremely challenging, often making simple activities like eating or speaking feel difficult. Whether your discomfort comes from emerging wisdom teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, or swollen gums, finding the right wisdom tooth pain relief is essential for maintaining ideal oral hygiene and protecting your smile.
In this article, we will discuss why wisdom teeth cause pain, how to relieve it, and when it might be time to consider wisdom teeth removal.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Hurt So Much? A Closer Look at the Causes
Wisdom teeth frequently trigger dental discomfort and pain when they start to grow. While some people may have no issues at all, many experience complications that require attention. Here are the main reasons why wisdom teeth can cause pain and other dental problems:
1. Not Enough Room in the Jaw
Most adult mouths do not have enough space to accommodate four extra molars. Human jaws have become smaller over time due to changes in diet and evolution, and this reduced space can cause wisdom teeth to grow in at odd angles or become crowded. When there is not enough room, the teeth may fail to erupt properly, leading to pressure and pain.
2. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
2. Impacted Wisdom TeethAn impacted tooth is one that does not have the space to emerge or align correctly fully. It might remain stuck beneath the gum or only partially erupt. Impacted wisdom teeth may press on adjacent teeth, irritate the gum tissue, and even cause cysts or infections around the tooth. This is one of the most common causes of wisdom tooth pain and often leads to surgical removal.
3. Pressure on Surrounding Teeth
As wisdom teeth try to break through, they may press against other teeth, particularly the second molars. This pressure can cause discomfort, shifting of your bite, and misalignment. Over time, this strain may affect your ability to chew comfortably and may require orthodontic treatment if the position of other teeth is compromised.
4. Partially Erupted Teeth
When wisdom teeth only partially break through the gums, they can leave behind a small flap of gum tissue that easily traps food and bacteria. This area is difficult to clean properly, which increases the risk of infection, inflammation, and decay. The result is pain, swelling, and sometimes a condition called pericoronitis (infection of the gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth).
5. Increased Risk of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Since wisdom teeth are positioned at the far end of the mouth, reaching them with regular brushing and flossing can be quite challenging. As a result, plaque and food debris can build up around them, contributing to tooth decay and gum infections. These dental issues can also spread to neighbouring teeth if not addressed promptly.
6. Inflammation and Swollen Gums
As wisdom teeth emerge, they often cause the gums to swell, particularly if the eruption is slow or irregular. This inflammation can make it difficult to chew, speak, or clean your mouth effectively. Swollen gums are more vulnerable to infection and may bleed easily, further contributing to discomfort.
7. Cyst Formation
In advanced situations, an impacted wisdom tooth may cause a cyst to form, which is a fluid-filled pocket that cause damage to the nearby structures. If left untreated, this cyst can damage the jawbone, nearby teeth, and nerves. Though less common, this condition can become serious and may require surgical intervention.
8. Infection from Trapped Bacteria
Because the wisdom tooth area is difficult to keep clean, it can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. This can lead to infections that cause significant pain, bad breath, and even systemic symptoms like fever or swollen lymph nodes. The gum around the area may turn red, feel tender, and become sore, making it difficult to eat or talk comfortably.
9. Jaw Stiffness and Difficulty Opening the Mouth
Impacted or inflamed wisdom teeth can strain the jaw muscles and joints, causing stiffness, discomfort when chewing, and limited mouth opening, a condition referred to as trismus. This may interfere with your ability to eat and speak as you normally would and may require dental or surgical intervention.
Common Symptoms of Painful Wisdom Teeth
Recognising the early signs of wisdom tooth pain can help you seek appropriate pain relief quickly. Watch for these symptoms:
- Tender, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Jaw pain that radiates toward your ear
- Red, inflamed gum tissue near the new tooth
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- Pain when chewing, especially harder foods
- A visible tooth erupting through the gums
If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to consider temporary pain relief options or speak with a dental professional about further care.
Home Remedies to Relieve Wisdom Tooth Pain
While visiting a dentist is the best long-term solution, several home remedies can provide short-term wisdom tooth pain relief.
1. Saltwater Mouth Rinse
Using a warm saltwater rinse is a simple and reliable method to ease dental discomfort. Combine half a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water, then gently swish the solution in your mouth. This helps minimise bacteria, calm irritated gums, and support overall gum health.
2. Clove Oil Application
Clove oil is a natural option often used for its soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits and mild numbing effect. To use it, dab a few drops onto a cotton ball and gently press it against the sore area. It can be effective for relieving gum pain, though it should be applied in moderation to prevent irritation.
3. Cold Compress Therapy
Holding a cold compress against the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes can help reduce swelling and relieve the pain from emerging wisdom teeth. Cold therapy is particularly effective for sudden, severe pain.
4. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Non-prescription medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can ease acute dental pain and reduce swelling. Always use these medications as directed, and consult a dentist if you have any questions.
Dental gels containing a numbing agent can also be applied to painful gums for faster, temporary relief.
How to Keep Up Good Oral Hygiene During Wisdom Tooth Pain
Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital when dealing with painful wisdom teeth. Brush your teeth carefully, using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the affected area. A warm salt water rinse after meals can help keep your mouth clean and minimise swelling.
Choosing soft foods like yoghurt, smoothies, or mashed potatoes will reduce pressure on swollen gums. Soft foods are gentler on the mouth, making them easier to chew without aggravating the discomfort from a sensitive or affected tooth.
It is also important to limit sugary snacks, as they can contribute to tooth decay around new wisdom teeth.
When It Is Time to See a Dental Professional
Although home remedies can offer temporary relief, they do not address the root cause of painful wisdom teeth or impacted teeth. You should see a dental professional if you experience:
- Severe or persistent pain
- Symptoms of infection may include a fever or the presence of pus around the affected area
- Swelling that does not improve
- Difficulty moving your mouth
- Pain that spreads to your ear, throat, or neck
- Bad breath that does not go away with good oral hygiene
A dental professional will typically use a mouth X-ray to evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and recommend the best course of action, which may involve wisdom teeth removal.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a routine procedure where one or more of the final four teeth are extracted from either the upper jaw or lower jaw. Depending on how the teeth are positioned and how much they affect other teeth, the procedure might be simple or slightly more complex.
Dentists usually recommend removal when wisdom teeth are:
- Impacted and cannot break through the gums
- Causing pain and swelling
- Leading to decay in nearby teeth
- Contributing to poor gum health
In Australia, the initial cost of removing a wisdom tooth typically starts at around 350 AUD, though the total price may increase based on how complex the extraction is.
Managing Pain After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Following a wisdom teeth removal, you may experience some pain and discomfort. Thankfully, there are reliable methods to help manage the discomfort:
- Apply a cold compress in the first 24 hours to reduce swelling
- Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as instructed
- Choose soft foods to prevent irritation to the area where surgery was performed.
- Practise gentle oral hygiene, avoiding the extraction area
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to keep the site clean
- Avoid using straws or smoking to protect the healing clot
Closely following your dentist’s aftercare advice will help you heal faster and relieve dental pain more effectively.
How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Pain Usually Last?
If your wisdom teeth erupt normally without complications, you might feel mild pain or discomfort for a few days to a week. In these cases, home remedies and careful oral hygiene should be enough to relieve the pain.
However, if the pain becomes more intense, does not subside after a week, or is accompanied by swelling or infection, it is crucial to see a dentist. Problems like impacted wisdom teeth will not resolve without professional intervention and could eventually cause more serious dental issues.
Tips to Prevent Future Wisdom Teeth Pain
While you cannot always avoid problems with wisdom teeth, routine dental visits and good oral hygiene can help you catch issues early. Routine mouth X-rays allow dentists to monitor the development of wisdom teeth and suggest early removal if necessary.
Eating a healthy diet, brushing and flossing daily, and limiting sugary foods are excellent habits that protect gum health and help reduce the risk of complications from new wisdom teeth.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Smile and Relieving Wisdom Tooth Pain
Wisdom tooth discomfort can disrupt your daily life, but the good news is that it does not have to be permanent. Whether you’re managing temporary symptoms at home or considering professional removal, understanding your options is key to protecting your oral health. By keeping up with your oral care routine, paying attention to symptoms, and acting early when issues arise, you can avoid further complications. If you’re dealing with wisdom tooth pain and not sure what steps to take, don’t wait. Schedule a dental appointment today at (08) 7078 8263 for professional guidance and treatment options.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References:
- Colgate. (n.d.). How a salt water mouth rinse benefits oral health. https://www.colgate.com/en-gb/oral-health/mouth-sores-and-infections/how-a-salt-water-mouth-rinse-benefits-oral-health
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Wisdom teeth: Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/symptoms-causes/syc-20373808
- GoodRx. (n.d.). Popular over-the-counter pain relievers. https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/pain/popular-over-the-counter-pain-relievers
- Johnson & Johnson. (n.d.). 9 tips to boost your oral hygiene routine. https://www.jnj.com/health-and-wellness/9-tips-to-boost-your-oral-hygiene-routine