What Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain?

If a wisdom tooth is causing you grief, you’re not alone. Although the third molars once served an important role in grinding and gnawing tough foods, nowadays, they often cause more harm than good. Human jaws have narrowed over the years, which means there may not be enough room in the mouth for them to erupt correctly. This can lead to various issues, including pain. Your dentist will find the source of your discomfort to determine if extraction is necessary.

Common Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain

Wisdom teeth generally erupt between the ages of 16 and 24; however, they can erupt at any time. Typically, people have 4 wisdom teeth: two on the top and two on the bottom. However, it’s not unusual for people to only have 2. Some people may not have any. 

No matter the number, it’s normal for your mouth to be sore and tender as they push through the gum tissue. You may even see inflammation. Any discomfort should improve as your teeth emerge.

In some situations, wisdom tooth pain can come out of nowhere or gradually worsen. It’s time to contact a dentist. They’ll take a look at your mouth and review X-rays to determine if there are any complications, which may include:

• Cavity: Wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding, increasing your risk of tooth decay. It can be difficult to clean the tight spaces between the neighboring teeth, leading to decay.
• Impacted Tooth: A tooth can be partially or fully trapped in the gum tissue or bone. The tooth will need to be extracted. If your tooth isn’t fully visible from the surface, it will need to be surgically removed. 
• Cyst: A cyst can form from an impacted tooth, which can cause pain and damage to the jawbone and tooth. 
• Gum Disease: Gum disease can occur near the wisdom teeth because the back of the mouth can be difficult to keep clean. Plaque can accumulate, leading to an infection. 

Managing Wisdom Tooth Pain

A painful wisdom tooth isn’t anything to ignore. It’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist. In the meantime, you can help control your pain by following a few tips:

• Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress or suck on ice chips to help numb the area and reduce swelling.
• OTC Pain Relievers: Take an OTC pain reliever to reduce your discomfort.
• Salt Water: Rinse your mouth with salt water to kill bacteria and reduce pain and inflammation. 
• Soft Foods: Eat foods that require minimal chewing to avoid increasing your discomfort.

Your dentist will examine your mouth to create a personalized treatment plan to stop your pain for good. 

About Dr. Jason Kaopua

Dr. Kaopua earned his dental degree at Oregon Health & Sciences University and has regularly continued his training in advanced services, like dental implants, sleep apnea, and laser dentistry. If you’re experiencing wisdom tooth pain, request an appointment through his website or call his office at (425) 307-4826.