Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the back of the mouth, and the last teeth to come in. Wisdom tooth pain is a common dental issue, especially among individuals aged 17 to 26. As these third molars start to develop, they can significantly cause pain & discomfort. Whether you’re experiencing pain in the back tooth, wisdom tooth swelling, or recurring jaw pain due to a wisdom tooth, we’re exploring the root cause and wisdom tooth treatment options for pain in the back tooth.
In this piece, we will explore wisdom tooth pain causes, solutions, over-the-counter medications, and when to visit a dentist. Let’s dive in!
What are Wisdom Teeth and Their Types?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people develop all four, others may have fewer or none at all. These molars were historically useful for grinding hard foods, but due to changes in diet and jaw size, they’re now often problematic.
Wisdom teeth are the last set of adult teeth to grow between the ages of 17 and 26. While some individuals develop all four on time, others may have fewer or none at all. These molars are a natural part of the adult dentition, but not essential for chewing or speaking. Due to less use, wisdom teeth can cause problems:
- Because of the limited space in the mouth for them to grow.
- While growing, they can get trapped in the bone or beneath the gums.
- They can grow against odd angles and push nearby teeth to make space, causing pain and infection.
Types of Wisdom Teeth Based on Eruption and Alignment:
- Erupted Wisdom Teeth: Fully emerged through the gum, usually not problematic if aligned
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Stuck in the bone or gums due to a lack of space, often painful
- Partially Erupted Teeth: Partly visible but may trap food and bacteria, leading to infection
- Misaligned Wisdom Teeth: Grow sideways or at odd angles, pressing on other teeth
What Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain?
Several factors can trigger wisdom tooth pain. The significant causes of wisdom tooth pain include:
- Impaction: When the tooth fails to emerge fully, it presses on adjacent structures, causing intense jaw pain.
- Infection (Pericoronitis): Trapped food and bacteria around partially erupted teeth can cause an infected wisdom tooth.
- Crowding: As the wisdom tooth pushes in, it can shift other teeth, causing pain and misalignment.
- Tooth Decay or Cavity: A wisdom tooth cavity often goes unnoticed due to its location, becoming painful when decay worsens.
- Gum Irritation or Cyst Formation: Some wisdom teeth develop fluid-filled cysts that damage surrounding structures.
Common Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Problems
Knowing the symptoms of wisdom tooth pain early can help prevent infection. Common signs & symptoms of a wisdom tooth problem include:
- Pain in the back tooth
- Swelling
- Redness in the gums near the erupting tooth
- Jaw stiffness
- Difficulty speaking or opening your mouth
- Pain that radiates to the ear, throat, or head
- Bad breath or foul taste
- Worsening pain at night (common with inflamed tissues)
- Fever
- Lymph node swelling in advanced infections
Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief: Medications and At-Home Remedies
Finding immediate relief from tooth pain can feel like an impossible thing. We’re sharing medications and at-home remedies to get relief. It’s advised to always consult a dentist before starting any wisdom tooth pain medicine. Here are some ways to ease wisdom tooth pain.
Medications
- Ibuprofen or Paracetamol: Helps reduce pain and inflammation
- Antibiotics: Prescribed in case of infection or abscess
- Topical gels: Numbing agents like benzocaine offer short-term relief
Wisdom Tooth Pain Home Remedy Options
These wisdom tooth pain home remedy options are helpful, but remember, they offer short-term relief and don’t address the root cause.
- Salt Water Rinse
- Cold Compress
- Clove Oil
- Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
When to See a Dentist?
Not all wisdom tooth pain requires emergency treatment, but sure signs should not be ignored.
- Severe or persistent pain
- Visible swelling or pus
- Fever or difficulty swallowing
- Recurring episodes of pain
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
Wisdom Tooth Extraction and Post-Treatment Care
Some amount of pain after wisdom tooth removal is normal and can be managed easily. If the pain stems from impaction, crowding, or decay, wisdom tooth pain removal through extraction may be necessary. The procedure includes the following steps:
- Performed under local or general anesthesia
- May involve minor surgery if the tooth is impacted
- Quick recovery for simple cases; complex extractions may need 1–2 weeks
Conclusion
Wisdom tooth pain can be highly discomforting and unbearable. However, it can be easily managed with professional help and timely care. Wisdom tooth cavity, wisdom tooth growing pain, or recurring jaw pain due to wisdom tooth, identify the leading cause to avoid long-term dental issues. Always consult a dentist for proper evaluation and treatment, as in oral health prevention is always wiser than a cure.
FAQs
How to deal with wisdom tooth pain?
Relieve wisdom tooth pain by rinsing with warm salt water, using a cold compress, or taking OTC pain relievers. If pain, swelling, or infection persists, consult a dentist for evaluation or extraction.
What does wisdom tooth pain feel like?
Pain in the back tooth often starts with symptoms like jaw soreness, gum swelling, or difficulty chewing.
What causes wisdom tooth pain?
Wisdom tooth pain is usually caused by impaction, infection, cavities, or pressure on nearby teeth, often leading to pain in the back tooth and gum inflammation.
How to reduce wisdom teeth pain?
For short-term relief, consider using wisdom tooth pain medicine like ibuprofen, rinsing with saltwater, applying cold compresses, or trying home remedies like clove oil.
Why does wisdom tooth pain come and go?
The pain may flare up and settle due to shifting teeth, gum irritation, or intermittent infection, common in partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth.