Wisdom tooth pain is a common concern for many people, often causing discomfort in the back of the mouth as your third molars emerge. While it’s a natural part of growing up, wisdom tooth pain can sometimes be severe and even debilitating.
This article will explore the causes of wisdom tooth pain, its associated symptoms, and effective ways to relieve it. You’re not alone, whether you feel throbbing pain, swollen gums, or discomfort around your wisdom teeth. There are many ways to find relief and maintain your dental health.
What Is Wisdom Tooth Pain?
Many people feel pain when their four wisdom teeth, also called third molars, start to come through. These teeth are the last adult teeth to appear, usually between 17 and 25 years old.
For some people, the process of their wisdom teeth coming through is easy, but it can cause discomfort or even strong pain for others.
The pain often occurs in the back of your mouth, where your wisdom teeth are. The degree of pain can depend on several things and can be felt in the gums, jaw, or even teeth next to them. It’s important to understand what’s causing the pain so you can find the best way to make it feel better.
Common Symptoms Of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Wisdom tooth pain can show up in different ways. Some people feel just a little discomfort, while others may feel very strong pain.
Below are some of the most common symptoms of wisdom tooth pain:
Pain And Discomfort
You might feel pain in the very back of your mouth where your wisdom teeth are coming through.
This pain can be mild at first but may get worse over time as the tooth continues to emerge or if it gets stuck under the gum line.
Swollen Gums
If your wisdom tooth is in pain, the gums around it may swell up and feel soft or puffy. This swelling can sometimes make it hard to keep your mouth clean and can lead to discomfort when touching the gums.
Toothache Or Throbbing Pain
When your wisdom tooth is coming in or causing pressure, it can affect the teeth next to it. This can result in a toothache or throbbing pain that might spread to your other teeth, making it uncomfortable to bite or chew.
Jaw Pain Or A Sore Jaw
Your jaw might feel sore or stiff, especially when you try to chew. The pressure from a wisdom tooth pushing through the gums can cause tension in your jaw. This can lead to soreness or discomfort during daily activities like eating or talking.
Bad Breath Or An Unpleasant Taste
If food or bacteria get trapped around your wisdom teeth, it can cause bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
This is more common if the tooth is partially erupted or impacted, as it can be difficult to clean the area properly.
Bleeding Gums
The gums surrounding teeth may become tender, and they could bleed when you brush them. This is because the area is inflamed or irritated, often due to trapped food or bacteria.
If you experience this, it’s important to be gentle when brushing to avoid worsening the pain.
Sinus Cavity Pain
Wisdom teeth in your upper jaw can sometimes cause pain or pressure in the sinuses. This can feel like a stuffy nose or sinus headache, making breathing difficult or uncomfortable in the upper jaw area.
Causes Of Wisdom Tooth Pain
There are many reasons why you might feel wisdom tooth pain. Some of the most common causes include:
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: An impacted tooth is one that can’t fully come through the gum because it is blocked by the teeth around it or doesn’t have enough space in your mouth. When this happens, the tooth may push against the nearby teeth.
- Wrong Angle: If your wisdom teeth grow in at the wrong angle, they might not have enough space to come out properly. When this happens, it can cause your other teeth to move or shift, leading to discomfort or pain in your mouth.
- Gum Infection: When wisdom teeth come through and only partially emerge from the gum, the area around them can get irritated, which can lead to an infection. Gum disease around wisdom teeth is not easy to manage and may need professional care from a dentist.
- Tooth Decay: Food and bacteria can get stuck around a wisdom tooth that is not fully out. This can lead to decay, which can make the tooth hurt. Keeping the area clean is important to prevent this from happening.
How To Relieve Wisdom Tooth Pain
There are several ways to manage wisdom tooth pain at home while waiting for your dental appointment or treatment.
These remedies can help make you feel more comfortable, but it’s important to remember that they are temporary and don’t fix the cause of the pain.
Here are some simple and effective ways to relieve wisdom tooth pain:
Cold Compress
A cold compress or ice pack can help reduce swelling and numb the pain around the area where your wisdom tooth is causing discomfort.
Simply wrap an ice pack in a cloth and place it on the outside of your cheek for 15-20 minutes at a time. This can provide relief and reduce the swelling near your tooth.
Pain Relief Medication
Over-the-counter pain medications can help manage wisdom tooth pain and reduce swelling.
Always stick to the instructions on the medication label and only take the recommended amount. This can help you feel better until you see your dentist.
Clove Oil
Clove oil has natural numbing properties that can temporarily relieve pain in your gums. To use it, apply a few drops to a cotton ball and rub it on the affected area.
Clove oil also has natural disinfectant properties, which may help with mild pain and discomfort around the wisdom tooth.
Salt Water Rinse
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water is an easy and natural way to reduce swelling and promote healing. Salt water can also help clean the area around your wisdom tooth and prevent infection.
Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water, swish it for 30 seconds, and then spit it out. Repeat a few times a day.
Soft Foods
If chewing is painful, try eating soft foods that won’t irritate your wisdom tooth area. Mashed potatoes, soups, smoothies, and yoghurt are easy to eat and gentle on your teeth and gums.
Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, as these can cause more discomfort.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Some foods have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling and promote healing. Consider adding foods like turmeric, ginger, and green leafy vegetables to your diet.
These foods are known for their healing effects and can support your body as it recovers from discomfort.
Hydration
Drinking water is necessary for health and can prevent dry mouth, which can worsen pain. Staying hydrated also promotes good oral health by keeping the mouth moist and helping to flush out bacteria.
Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day to keep your mouth and body feeling fresh.
Wisdom Tooth Removal: When It’s Necessary
Sometimes, the pain from your wisdom teeth can be very severe and last for a long time. When this happens, wisdom tooth removal might be the best solution.
Wisdom tooth removal can help reduce pain, prevent infection, and stop future dental problems.
Reasons For Wisdom Tooth Extraction
There are multiple reasons why a dentist may suggest wisdom tooth removal. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Impacted wisdom tooth causing pain and infection
- Tooth decay or gum disease around the tooth
- Misalignment of the teeth caused by the wisdom tooth
- Prevention of future dental problems
What To Expect During Wisdom Tooth Removal
When you have your wisdom tooth removed, it’s typically done under local anaesthesia. This means that you will stay awake during the procedure but won’t feel much pain. Local anaesthesia numbs the area around the tooth so you won’t feel huge discomfort.
Sometimes, your dentist might use sedation, especially if the procedure is complicated or you have dental anxiety. Sedation will help you relax or put you to sleep during the procedure.
Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
After removing your wisdom tooth, you might feel some pain or discomfort as the anaesthesia wears off. This is normal, but it usually goes away after a few days. To help your recovery, it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully.
If you experience severe pain or it persists for more than a few days, contact your dentist. They can offer you advice and treatment to help you heal.
Natural Remedies For Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief
Natural remedies can temporarily relieve pain, but remember to see a dentist if the pain persists.
Here are some of the natural remedies you can choose:
- Garlic: Garlic is known for its natural healing properties. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects can help minimise swelling and ease discomfort.
- Peppermint Tea: Peppermint tea has a refreshing effect that can help soothe the pain and alleviate swelling. This can bring comfort and help reduce the ache.
- Tea Bags: Used tea bags, especially black tea, can also help relieve wisdom tooth pain. Black tea contains tannins, which may help reduce inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does wisdom tooth pain last?
The pain can last from a few days to a few weeks. If the pain doesn’t go away or gets worse, it’s important to see a dentist for help.
Can wisdom tooth pain go away without treatment?
Sometimes, wisdom tooth pain may go away by itself. But if the pain is caused by an impacted tooth, infection, or decay, you will likely need professional treatment to feel better.
What are the risks of removing wisdom teeth?
Like any surgery, wisdom tooth removal can have some issues, such as infection, nerve injury, or dry socket. Yet, these risks are uncommon, and your dentist will do everything possible to reduce them and make the process precise.
Conclusion
Dealing with wisdom tooth pain can be tough, but remember that there are ways to feel better. You can try over-the-counter pain relief or talk to your dentist about treatments like wisdom tooth removal.
Keeping your teeth clean and getting the right treatment can help stop future problems with your wisdom teeth.
Taking care of your wisdom teeth now will help keep your smile healthy. If you think your wisdom teeth are causing pain, talk to a dentist for the best advice and care.
If you’re feeling wisdom tooth pain, don’t wait! Contact Maroondah Dental Care at (03) 9007 2532 to speak with a friendly dentist who can help you find relief.
We are here in Croydon to guide you through the best treatment options and ensure your smile stays healthy.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
McPhillips A. Wisdom Teeth Removal: What Adults Should Expect [Internet]. WebMD. 2024 [cited 2025 Feb 4]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/wisdom-teeth-adult
Horne S B. Wisdom Teeth Removal, Pain Relief, Cost, Recovery, Symptoms [Internet]. MedicineNet. 2023 [cited 2025 Feb 4]. Available from: https://www.medicinenet.com/wisdom_teeth/article.htm
Cleveland Clinic. Impacted Wisdom Teeth [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2022 [cited 2025 Feb 4]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22296-impacted-wisdom-teeth
Valeii K. 15 Remedies for Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief [Internet]. Verywell Health. 2024 [cited 2025 Feb 4]. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/wisdom-teeth-pain-relief-8612564