Wisdom tooth pain can be frustrating, especially if you’re feeling it for the first time. This kind of dental pain often happens in your late teens or early adulthood as your wisdom teeth start to come through.
Sometimes, wisdom tooth pain is just a bit uncomfortable. Other times, it can be so strong that it makes simple things like eating, talking, or brushing your teeth difficult.
In this article, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about wisdom tooth pain. We’ll explain what causes it, how it feels, and what you can do to feel better.
You’ll also learn about simple home remedies and when it might be time to visit a dentist. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea about managing wisdom tooth pain and keeping your mouth healthy.
So, let’s dive in and explore how you can handle this common problem with confidence!
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last set of adult teeth to come through in your mouth. These teeth, called third molars, usually start to appear when you’re between 17 and 25 years old.
For some people, all four wisdom teeth grow without any trouble. However, for others, wisdom teeth cause problems like pain or swelling.
wisdom tooth pain impaction
Causes Of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Wisdom tooth pain can happen for many reasons. These teeth often cause discomfort as they try to come through, especially if something isn’t quite right.
Let’s take a closer look at what might be causing you so much pain:
Lack Of Space
If your jaw doesn’t have enough room for your wisdom teeth, they might not come in properly. This is called impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can press against other teeth or stay stuck under the gums, causing soreness and swelling.
Growing At The Wrong Angle
Sometimes, wisdom teeth don’t grow straight. They might lean sideways or press against the tooth next to them. This can cause pain in the back of your mouth and make it harder to clean your teeth.
Poor Oral Hygiene
When wisdom teeth partially come through, they can leave small spaces where food particles get stuck. These areas are hard to clean, which might lead to red, swollen gums or even infections.
Gum Disease And Tooth Decay
If your gums around the wisdom teeth become inflamed or infected, it can cause discomfort. Tooth decay in wisdom teeth is also common because they’re hard to reach when brushing and flossing.
Pressure On Other Teeth
Wisdom teeth might push against your other teeth as they grow. This pressure can cause pain in the surrounding teeth or even your jaw.
Understanding what’s causing you pain in your wisdom tooth is the first step. If you’re dealing with any of these problems, acting early and talking to your dentist is important. They can check your wisdom teeth and suggest the best way to relieve the pain.
Managing Wisdom Tooth Pain At Home
If you’re feeling wisdom tooth pain, there are simple things you can do at home to feel better. Here are some easy ways to help manage the pain and reduce discomfort:
Saltwater Rinse
Mix a teaspoon of salt (sodium chloride) with a glass of warm water. Gently swish it around your mouth for around 30 seconds, then spit it out.
This helps clean the painful area, reduce swelling, and prevent infection. Warm salty water can also soothe sore gums and provide some relief.
Clove Oil
Clove oil has natural disinfectant properties and a numbing effect that can help with wisdom tooth pain. Dab a cotton ball with a few drops of clove oil and place it on the painful area.
Leave it there for a few minutes to ease the throbbing pain. Clove oil is a natural remedy that many people find helpful.
Ice Packs
Place an ice pack against your cheek where it hurts. This will reduce swelling and numb the area, making you feel more comfortable.
Apply the ice pack for 15–20 minutes per use, then take a break before reapplying.
Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers
Non-prescription pain relievers can help relieve dental pain and reduce inflammation. Always follow the instructions on the packaging and ask a healthcare professional if you’re unsure what’s okay for you.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean is very important when dealing with wisdom tooth pain. Brush gently around the area, taking care not to irritate the gums.
Use an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse your mouth and help prevent infection. Staying consistent with good oral hygiene can make a big difference.
When To Visit A Dentist
- Persistent or severe pain despite home remedies.
- Signs of infection, like fever, jaw pain, swollen gums, bad breath, or pus near the teeth.
- Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing.
- Pain spreading to the surrounding teeth or jaw.
If you notice any of these symptoms, getting professional care is important. Your dentist can help fix the problem and make you feel better.
Professional Treatment Options
Dentists have the necessary tools and treatments to help you feel better and prevent further issues. Here are two ways your dentist can relieve your wisdom tooth pain:
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Removing your wisdom teeth may be the best option if they are causing ongoing pain or problems. This treatment helps get rid of the source of the pain and can prevent other dental issues in the future.
Pericoronitis Treatment
If you’re not ready to have your wisdom teeth removed, a deep cleaning around the gums can help. This removes the bacteria and can help calm down the infection. It’s a simple and fast procedure that can quickly relieve pain.
The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process
If your dentist decides that you need your wisdom teeth removed, here’s what you can expect during the process:
Consultation
First, you will visit a dentist for a consultation. During this visit, the dentist will look at your wisdom teeth and the areas around them.
They will likely take X-rays to see how your teeth are positioned. This helps the dentist plan the most fitting way to remove the wisdom teeth.
Procedure
On the day of the procedure, the dentist will ensure your comfort. They may use local anaesthesia to numb the area around the tooth or give you sedation to help you relax.
This ensures you don’t feel much pain during the removal. The dentist will carefully remove the impacted wisdom tooth, taking their time to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Recovery
After the procedure, you may feel some mild discomfort for a few days. This is normal and can be managed with pain relievers recommended by your dentist.
You may also need to follow some simple home-care instructions, like resting, avoiding certain foods, and using saltwater rinses. This will help your gums heal quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can wisdom tooth pain go away on its own?
Sometimes, wisdom tooth pain may feel better for a short time. But it’s important to find out what is causing the pain so it doesn’t come back.
How long does wisdom tooth pain last?
How long the pain lasts can depend on why you have the pain. If the tooth is just coming in, the pain might only last a few days. But if the tooth is infected or stuck, a dentist might need to fix it.
Are there any risks with wisdom tooth removal?
Like any other surgery, there are risks, like infection, bleeding, or hurting nearby teeth or nerves. But these problems don’t happen often. Your dentist will ensure everything goes well and you are comfortable during the procedure.
What are the risks of not removing a painful wisdom tooth?
If you wait too long to remove your impacted wisdom teeth, they could cause more problems, such as cavities, gum disease, or even damage to other teeth. It’s better to take care of them early.
Can wisdom teeth grow back after removal?
Once your wisdom teeth are removed, they will not grow back. This is why it’s important to remove them if they are causing problems now or might cause problems later on.
Conclusion
If you’re dealing with wisdom tooth pain, don’t wait any longer. Our friendly team in Bulimba is here to help!
Contact Balmoral Dental Centre today at (07) 3113 9789 to schedule an appointment and get the necessary care. Let us help you feel better and smile with confidence again!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
Burch K. How To Know If You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed [Internet]. Business Insider. 2021 [cited 2025 Jan 24]. Available from: https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/dental/wisdom-teeth-removal
Cleveland Clinic. Wisdom Teeth Removal [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 24]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22119-wisdom-teeth-removal
McPhillips A. Wisdom Teeth Removal: What Adults Should Expect [Internet]. WebMD. 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 24]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/wisdom-teeth-adult
Johnson J. Tooth Extraction Aftercare and Healing Guide [Internet]. Medical News Today. 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 24]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326147