• Wisdom tooth pain may feel like an annoying ache or sharp pain in the back of the mouth, jaw, or ear. You may also have difficulty opening your mouth or speaking, as well as headaches.
  • Tooth eruption is naturally painful because the tooth has to break through the gums. The process of eruption can also make the tooth more susceptible to infection.
  • Impaction can also cause other painful dental conditions like cysts, tumors, and infections.

  • Stop wisdom teeth pain at once. Book a wisdom teeth removal dentist with Authority Dental. Same-day appointments available. We accept walk-ins.

Does the growth of your wisdom tooth cause you a lot of pain? Here's everything you need to know.

What does wisdom teeth pain feel like?

Wisdom tooth pain may feel like a tiresome ache or a sharp pain in the back of the mouth, jaw, or ear. In some cases, the pain may be accompanied by difficulty opening the mouth or speaking, as well as headaches.

Why do wisdom teeth hurt when they come in?

Pain you experience during tooth eruption is not necessarily related to dental problems. Yet, depending on the presence of other symptoms, the pain may indicate a serious condition.

Tooth eruption

Most third molars are the last teeth to erupt between the ages of 17 and 21 years. The process of eruption is naturally painful because the tooth has to break through the gum. Additionally, the structure of a growing wisdom tooth makes it more susceptible to infections. 

Tooth impaction

Tooth impaction happens when teeth cannot erupt through the jawbone or gums due to insufficient space or misaligned jaw bone. The pressure from the growth of an impacted tooth can cause pain in surrounding teeth, gum, cheek, jaw and radiate to your ear.

Cysts and tumors

Cysts and tumors may form when impacted wisdom teeth are left untreated. Cysts are generally non-cancerous sacks filled with fluids, and tumors are the abnormal growth of tissues that may become malignant. Both conditions can cause damage and infection to the surrounding teeth and anatomical structures which lead to pain and discomfort.

Gum disease

Gum disease or periodontal disease is one of the leading factors of wisdom teeth pain. Primarily, poor oral hygiene and hereditary factors result in gum or periodontal disease. Tooth debris leads to plaque and calculus buildup and attracts bacteria leading to swollen and infected gums around wisdom teeth. 

Decay

Wisdom teeth are extremely susceptible to decay. Poor oral hygiene, location of molars, anatomy of the teeth and other factors lead to decay by bacteria adhering and damaging tooth structures. Pain occurs when decay extends to the pulp and nerves of the tooth. 

Wisdom teeth pain medical treatment

Primarily, emergency dentists recommend extracting wisdom teeth to eliminate pain, but there are other treatments depending on the condition. 

Extraction

Tooth removal also known as dental extraction is a procedure commonly recommended to treat wisdom teeth pain. During the procedure, the dentist uses local anesthesia and/or sedation. For impacted teeth, the procedure may include sectioning the wisdom tooth into smaller pieces. After the removal, the extraction site is cleaned and sutured if needed. The recovery time varies between a few days to weeks.

Medications

Medication is often used to treat wisdom tooth pain by reducing the inflammation and infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are recommended medications for wisdom teeth pain. Antibiotics are prescribed when infection is present. Steroids may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation.

Surgery

Soft tissue impacted wisdom teeth are wisdom teeth that are covered by gum tissue. Pain that occurs due to this condition may require flap surgery. An incision is made on the gums to expose the wisdom teeth and allow the teeth to erupt properly. 

Wisdom teeth pain treatment at home

There are several ways wisdom teeth pain symptoms are treated at home for temporary relief. With wisdom teeth pain, it is highly recommended to see a dentist for proper diagnosis and long-term solutions. 

Saltwater rinse

Warm salt water rinses help reduce inflammation and pain. Mix 1 tablespoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish the salt water in your mouth for 30 seconds and then spit it out. Repeat this process several times a day.

Warm compresses

Soak a clean cloth in warm water and place the cloth on the affected area for a few minutes. Repeat this process several times throughout the day.

Hydrogen peroxide

In a small bowl, mix equal parts of warm water and hydrogen peroxide. Dip a cotton swab in the solution. Apply it directly to the affected area. Leave the cotton swab for a few minutes and then rinse your mouth with warm water. Repeat this process several times a day until the pain from the wisdom teeth subsides.

Tea bags

Place two tea bags in a cup of hot water for several minutes. Place the tea bags on the outside of the cheek where you feel the wisdom teeth pain. Leave the tea bags there for about 10 minutes and then remove them. Repeat as needed.

Clove oil

Place a few drops of clove oil on a cotton swab. Rub it gently on the wisdom teeth. Massage the mixture onto the gums around the wisdom teeth.

FAQ

Can wisdom teeth appear at 30?

Although uncommon, it is possible for wisdom teeth to appear at 30. Majority of patients have their wisdom teeth erupt in their late teens or early twenties.

Can wisdom teeth stop aching on their own?

Occasionally, wisdom tooth pain stops on their own. Situations such as when wisdom teeth complete eruption with sufficient space and necrotic pulp which is a dead nerve in the tooth may stop pain. Even if pain stops, visit a dentist to ensure no other treatment is needed.

Can wisdom teeth make you sick?

Yes, wisdom teeth can make you sick. Impacted or decaying teeth can cause severe pain, inflammation and infection that can affect other parts of the body.