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Not sure if you have wisdom tooth pain symptoms? Here’s all you need to know about wisdom tooth pain, its causes, and how to alleviate the pain.
Wisdom teeth have a reputation for being problematic, and you can count yourself lucky if you sail through the experience without suffering any discomfort. They are the last molars to come through, usually in the late teens or early twenties. There are usually four wisdom teeth, two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw, although some people may have fewer or none.
Unfortunately, by the time they finally make an appearance, most people have their full quota of teeth, and there is no more space in the jaw. As a result, a wisdom tooth may find itself jostling for space with other teeth and coming through the gums at an awkward angle or, worse still, getting stuck in the gums (impacted). Some people experience constant pain from their wisdom teeth, whereas others only feel discomfort or pain when touching the area or chewing their food.
Wisdom tooth pain symptoms
If you have yet to get your wisdom teeth, you may be wondering if you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain. As wisdom teeth start to come in, they can be very painful. But how can you recognise this specific type of pain?
- Wisdom tooth pain occurs at the back of the mouth, behind your molars.
- Take a look in the mirror, and you may even see that your wisdom teeth have started to poke through your gums.
- The area may be tender, red, and inflamed and hurt when you touch it.
- Some people may not experience any form of wisdom tooth pain.
If you already have your wisdom teeth, they may be causing you all sorts of other problems. Impacted wisdom teeth can be difficult to brush. Bacteria and food can get stuck between the wisdom tooth and the neighbouring tooth, leading to tooth infections and tooth decay. Symptoms of wisdom teeth infection include:
- Swollen and sore lymph nodes beneath the jaw
- Bad breath
- Pus oozing from the gum
- Inflammation close to the wisdom tooth
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Fever
Other wisdom tooth pain symptoms include ulcers caused by crowded wisdom teeth in the upper jaw leaning sidewards and rubbing the cheek. This may also affect your ability to chew.
Causes of wisdom tooth pain
There are several reasons for your wisdom teeth to cause you pain. It could be that your jaw is small, and your wisdom teeth can’t fit in properly. Or a wisdom tooth has got stuck in the gums and has caused an infection. No matter the cause, painful wisdom teeth can impact your oral health and should be treated right away. Sometimes wisdom teeth pain can come on without warning, taking you by surprise. In other cases, wisdom pain can come on slowly and gradually, causing you to either shrug it off or mistake it for something else. If you suspect you may be suffering wisdom tooth pain symptoms, an essential first step is to make an appointment with your dentist. They will take x-rays to evaluate the area and to confirm that it is indeed wisdom tooth pain. Your dentist may advise early wisdom tooth removal if there is insufficient room in your jaw for it to come through or if you’re experiencing infection, pain or damage to other teeth. Say you are scheduled for wisdom tooth extraction, but you have to wait a week or two. Here are some home remedies to help ease your pain.
Remedies to ease wisdom tooth pain at home
Over the counter painkillers – Medication such as Ibuprofen can temporarily ease discomfort associated with painful wisdom teeth. Saltwater –Rinsing your mouth with diluted saltwater will clean your mouth and dislodge any bacteria or food particles that could be causing your discomfort. Ice pack – Try placing an ice pack covered with a cloth against your face on the side of the painful tooth to help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
Treatment for wisdom teeth infection
Infections in wisdom teeth can usually be treated by:
- Improving your oral hygiene in that area
- A professional dental clean
- A course of antibiotics
That said, the infection may keep recurring if those pesky wisdom teeth are not removed. People with other health problems, especially a weakened immune system, could suffer complications from these infections.
Are you having problems with your wisdom teeth?
Don’t suffer in silence. If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain symptoms, the friendly, caring dentists at Beyond Dental Care are here to help. We have a unique brand of caring, gentle dentistry, and should you require wisdom teeth extraction, you should feel no discomfort. Get in touch today to schedule a consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
