What can you do about wisdom teeth pain?
After your 17th birthday and before your 25th, you may typically notice your final set of teeth begin to emerge right at the back of your jaw. Known as “wisdom teeth ”or “third molars”, the eruption of these teeth may be accompanied by discomfort. In this blog, we’ll discuss what causes wisdom teeth pain, what the most common signs are, and what you can do to ease the pain.
Causes of wisdom teeth pain
Impaction:
When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to come through properly, they can get stuck. As it comes through your gum, or even before, it may be pushing on the adjacent teeth, which can be very uncomfortable.
Inflammation and infection:
When a wisdom tooth gets part way through the gum, the tooth and gum can trap food and bacteria, which can lead to a condition known as pericoronitis. This inflammation and infection of the gums can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort.
Misalignment:
Wisdom teeth can grow at an angle or in a direction that pushes them against other teeth, nerves, or the jawbone. This pressure causes pain and discomfort, which may even be experienced as referred pain elsewhere along the path of the nerve
Cyst formation:
In some cases, a cyst can form around an impacted wisdom tooth, putting pressure on the tissues around it and causing pain.
Common symptoms of wisdom teeth pain
Pain or discomfort:
When you have wisdom tooth pain it is usually a dull ache in the back of the mouth, which may radiate into surrounding areas.
Swelling:
Swelling and reddening of the gums can also happen around the wisdom tooth.
Difficulty chewing:
When you bite down on food with the affected side, you may experience pain or soreness.
Bad breath:
A bad smell or taste can be caused by the growth of bacteria around wisdom teeth that have only partially come out. As it is difficult to clean partially erupted teeth, the site becomes a haven for bacteria which feed on trapped food debris.
Jaw stiffness:
Your jaw may feel tight or stiff, especially when the mouth is opened and closed.
Remedies for wisdom teeth pain
Cold compress:
Putting a cold compress on the outside of your cheeks for 15 minutes at a time can help numb the area, reduce swelling, and relieve pain temporarily.
Good oral hygiene:
It’s important to keep the area clean. Gently brush your teeth and gums and use an antibacterial mouthwash to avoid infection and pain.
Warm compress:
Once the initial swelling goes down, a warm compress can help relax muscles and ease any pain that is still there.
Pain medication:
Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help with light to moderate wisdom tooth pain. Always take the recommended dosage, and if you have concerns, talk to a healthcare professional.
Saltwater rinse:
Warm saltwater rinses can help reduce swelling and clean the area around your wisdom teeth, which can give you temporary relief.
Topical anaesthetics:
For quick pain relief, you can apply over-the-counter benzocaine-based gels to the affected area. Follow the product instructions carefully.
Soft diet:
Stick to soft foods or liquids so you don’t put more pressure on your wisdom teeth when they are aching.
Elevated sleeping position:
When you sleep with your head slightly raised, blood flow to the area is reduced, which can help relieve pain.
When to seek professional help
While these remedies can help temporarily, you should see your dentist if you have persistent discomfort, swelling, or signs of an infection. Your dentist can examine the problem and recommend the most effective way to treat it, which might include extraction if necessary.
Wisdom teeth pain is a common experience, but with the right care and treatment, you can reduce the pain and improve your oral health. By knowing the causes and signs of wisdom tooth problems, as well as using effective remedies, you can get through this phase with more comfort and confidence in your oral health.
