Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars that typically emerge in the back corners of your mouth. These teeth usually make their appearance during the late teenage years or early adulthood, around the ages of 17 to 25. While some people may not experience any problems when their wisdom teeth come in, others may face significant discomfort and complications. Pain associated with wisdom teeth is a common issue, often leading to dental visits for treatment or even removal.
This article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of why and when wisdom teeth start to hurt, the common symptoms that accompany this pain, and the various treatment options available. Knowing what to expect and how to manage wisdom teeth discomfort can help you make informed decisions about your oral health.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Hurt?
There are several reasons why wisdom teeth can cause pain. As the third set of molars, wisdom teeth are the last to emerge, and by the time they do, there may not be enough space left in the mouth. This lack of space often leads to misalignment, impaction, or overcrowding. Here are the common reasons why wisdom teeth might hurt:
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when the teeth are unable to fully erupt through the gum line. This can happen because of limited space, improper angulation, or the presence of other teeth blocking the path. When wisdom teeth are impacted, they can push against neighboring teeth, causing pain and discomfort.
Impacted teeth may partially break through the gum, creating a flap that can easily trap food particles and bacteria. This can lead to infections, swelling, and further pain.
see also: How to Speed up Wisdom Teeth Recovery?
Eruption Pain
Even when wisdom teeth are not impacted, their emergence can still cause pain. As these teeth push through the gums, it can lead to gum irritation, redness, and swelling. This process may be uncomfortable, especially if the teeth are slow to erupt. The gum tissue may become inflamed, leading to soreness in the back of the mouth.
Crowding
If there isn’t enough room in the jaw for the wisdom teeth to fit properly, they can push against other teeth, leading to overcrowding. This pressure can cause pain and may even shift the alignment of your other teeth, resulting in a crooked or misaligned bite.
Crowding due to wisdom teeth can also make it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene, which can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Tooth Decay and Gum Infection
When wisdom teeth partially emerge, they can be challenging to clean properly, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Bacteria can easily accumulate around partially erupted teeth, causing cavities and infections.
Gum infections around the wisdom teeth, also known as pericoronitis, can cause severe pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Start to Hurt?
Wisdom teeth can begin to cause discomfort at different times, depending on how they are positioned in the jaw and how much space is available. Here are some typical stages when pain might occur:
During the Early Eruption Phase
Pain may start during the early stages of eruption, usually when the wisdom teeth begin pushing against the gum tissue.
This phase can cause mild discomfort, which may gradually increase as the teeth continue to move.
Upon Partial Eruption
If a wisdom tooth has partially broken through the gums but cannot fully emerge, it can lead to consistent pain. This is often due to the formation of a gum flap over the tooth, where food particles and bacteria can get trapped, leading to infection.
Impaction
Impacted wisdom teeth tend to cause the most severe pain. This usually occurs when there isn’t enough room for the teeth to emerge, causing them to press against other teeth or bone. Pain can be felt in the jaw, ears, and even the head, as the pressure builds.
When Wisdom Teeth Grow Horizontally
Sometimes, wisdom teeth grow sideways, pressing against the roots of adjacent teeth. This can lead to discomfort, misalignment of other teeth, and even damage to surrounding structures. Pain associated with horizontal growth tends to be persistent and may worsen over time.
Symptoms That Indicate Wisdom Teeth Problems
It is important to recognize the signs that your wisdom teeth are causing problems. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Pain in the Back of the Mouth: This is often the first sign that something is wrong with your wisdom teeth. The pain may start out mild but can become more severe as the teeth continue to push against the gum tissue or other teeth.
Swollen and Red Gums: As the wisdom teeth begin to emerge, the gums around the back of the mouth can become swollen and red. This inflammation can make it painful to eat, brush, or floss.
Jaw Pain and Stiffness: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to jaw stiffness and discomfort, making it difficult to open your mouth fully.
Bad Breath and Unpleasant Taste: Infection around partially erupted teeth can lead to bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
This is often due to bacteria trapped under the gum flap.
Headaches and Earaches: The pressure from impacted wisdom teeth can cause headaches and earaches. Pain may radiate from the back of the mouth to other parts of the head.
Treatment Options for Wisdom Teeth Pain
Managing wisdom teeth pain effectively depends on the underlying cause of the discomfort. Here are some common treatment options:
Pain Relief Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. These medications are useful for temporary relief, but they do not address the underlying problem.
Salt Water Rinse
A salt water rinse can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. It is a simple yet effective way to cleanse the area around partially erupted wisdom teeth. Simply mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds, and then spit it out. Repeat as needed.
Antibiotics
If there is an infection around the wisdom teeth, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria. This treatment can help reduce pain and swelling, but it may only be a temporary solution if the underlying issue persists.
Surgical Removal
In many cases, the best way to address persistent or severe pain from wisdom teeth is to remove them surgically. Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure that can be performed by a dentist or oral surgeon.
The decision to remove wisdom teeth depends on several factors, including the position of the teeth, the level of impaction, and the patient’s overall oral health.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth pain is a common issue that affects many people during their late teenage years and early adulthood.
Understanding why and when your wisdom teeth start to hurt can help you take the necessary steps to address the problem.
Whether the pain is due to impaction, overcrowding, or partial eruption, there are treatment options available to provide relief.
Related topics: