Wisdom tooth pain can be highly uncomfortable, impacting the back of the mouth, jaw, gums, and nearby teeth. If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort, swelling, or difficulty chewing, your wisdom teeth could be the cause.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about wisdom teeth, why they cause pain, and what you can do to relieve dental pain effectively.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Hurt So Much?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last adult teeth to develop, usually emerging between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people have no issues with their wisdom teeth, for many, these molars cause so much pain due to limited space in the jaw, misalignment, or infections.
1. Lack of Space in the Jaw
Most human jaws do not have enough room to accommodate four wisdom teeth. This lack of space leads to crowding, pressure, and pain as wisdom teeth push against surrounding teeth.
When a wisdom tooth pushes against other teeth, it can cause persistent pain and tooth misalignment.
The pressure from a growing wisdom tooth may also lead to sore gums and jaw pain.
2. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth don’t fully erupt, they become impacted, meaning they remain trapped under the gums or inside the jawbone.
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to intense pain, swelling, and potential infections.
They may grow at the wrong angle, pushing against other adult teeth or even the sinus cavity, leading to headaches and facial pain.
This inflammation can lead to a painful area in the back of the mouth that makes chewing food difficult.
Inflamed gums are more prone to infection, which can lead to toothache, bad breath, and gum disease.
4. Tooth Decay and Infection
Wisdom teeth, positioned at the back of the mouth, are challenging to clean effectively. This makes them more susceptible to decay, cavities, and gum infections.
An infected wisdom tooth can cause dental pain, swelling, and throbbing pain in the jaw and surrounding structures.
5. Pressure on the Jaw and Sinuses
For some people, wisdom teeth can cause pain beyond the gums and teeth.
If a wisdom tooth pushes into the upper jaw, it may exert pressure on the sinus cavity, causing sinus pain, congestion, and headaches.
Wisdom teeth erupting in the lower jaw may cause jaw pain and a sore jaw, making it difficult to open the mouth fully.
6. Temporary Growing Pains vs. Persistent Pain
Not all wisdom tooth pain is permanent, some people experience temporary growing pains that subside once the teeth fully emerge. However, if pain is persistent, it may be a sign of:
Impacted tooth that won’t erupt properly
Infection or gum inflammation
Tooth decay affecting surrounding teeth
If your wisdom teeth cause pain that worsens over time, a mouth X-ray can help determine whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary.
Signs Your Wisdom Tooth May Be a Problem
Not all wisdom teeth cause pain, but when they do, it’s important to recognise the signs early. If you experience any of the following, your wisdom teeth could be to blame:
Persistent pain in the back of the mouth
Swollen gums around the wisdom tooth
A sore jaw that worsens when chewing food
Throbbing pain or discomfort that spreads to surrounding structures accurately, such as the ears or neck
Bad breath due to trapped bacteria around a partially erupted tooth
Painful gums that may bleed easily during brushing or flossing.
If these symptoms persist, consulting a healthcare professional or dental team is essential to assess the condition of your wisdom teeth.
Effective Home Remedies for Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief
If you’re dealing with wisdom tooth pain and can’t see a dentist immediately, there are ways to relieve pain at home:
Try a Saltwater Rinse:
A saltwater rinse has natural disinfectant properties that help reduce swelling and fight bacteria. Mix a few drops of salt in warm water and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
Use Clove Oil for Its Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
Clove oil, known for its natural disinfectant properties, is an effective remedy for tooth pain. Soak a cotton ball with a few drops and apply it to the painful wisdom tooth for fast relief.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers:
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen can assist in minimising inflammation and relieving dental pain. These medications have anti-inflammatory properties that can ease jaw pain and discomfort.
Apply a Cold Compress:
Applying an ice pack or a cold cloth to the swollen area can help reduce inflammation and numb discomfort. Use it in 15-minute intervals for effective pain relief.
Stick to Soft Foods:
Chewing food can be painful when dealing with an inflamed gum or sore jaw. Opt for soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies to avoid aggravating the pain.
When to Consider Wisdom Tooth Removal
For many people, wisdom tooth pain is more than just temporary growing pains—it’s a sign that the teeth need to be removed.
Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removed
You may need wisdom tooth removal if you experience:
Severe pain that doesn’t go away
An impacted tooth that doesn’t fully emerge
Infections or gum disease around the wisdom tooth
Pressure on surrounding teeth, leading to misalignment
Recurring inflammation despite home remedies
A mouth X-ray can help assess whether the wisdom tooth pushes against other teeth or if dental surgery is necessary.
What to Expect from Wisdom Tooth Removal
If your dentist recommends having your four wisdom teeth removed, here’s what you can expect:
Consultation and Evaluation: Your dental team will assess your oral health, take a mouth X-ray, and discuss whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary. If you have dental anxiety, sedation options may be available.
Pain Management During Extraction: Depending on the complexity of the procedure, your dentist may use local anaesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia to ensure a comfortable experience.
Tooth Extraction Process: The dentist will make a small incision if the wisdom tooth is impacted, remove the tooth, and stitch the area if needed. The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Post-Surgery Recovery: Pain, swelling, and inflamed gum are common after extraction. Your dentist will provide pain relievers, instructions on how to reduce swelling, and care tips for a smooth recovery.
Aftercare Instructions: Follow post-surgery guidelines, including saltwater rinse rinsing, avoiding hard foods, and maintaining gum health. Ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers help with pain relief.
Healing Timeline: Most patients recover within 3 to 7 days, with swelling and discomfort peaking in the first 48 hours. Full healing may take a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the extraction.
How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Pain Last?
The duration of wisdom tooth pain depends on the cause. Pain can arise at different stages, from wisdom teeth developing to post-extraction recovery.
1. Eruption Pain: When Wisdom Teeth Start Growing
As wisdom teeth erupt, they break through the gums, which can cause sore gums, inflammation, and mild discomfort at the back of the mouth. This stage usually lasts a few days to a couple of weeks.
Pain is typically intermittent but worsens when chewing food.
If wisdom teeth have enough room to grow properly, the pain may subside naturally.
If wisdom teeth develop at the wrong angle, they may push against surrounding teeth, causing persistent pain.
2. Impaction Pain: When Wisdom Teeth Can’t Fully Erupt
This pain can last for months or even years if left untreated. In severe cases, impacted wisdom teeth may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, or infections, requiring urgent dental surgery.
Anaesthesia and Sedation – Based on the procedure’s complexity, your dentist may administer local anaesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia to minimise discomfort during the extraction.
Throbbing pain in the jaw and surrounding structures
Swollen gums and tenderness
Pressure on other adult teeth, leading to misalignment
3. Post-Extraction Pain: Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
If you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed, pain and swelling may last 3-7 days, with minimal pain persisting for up to two weeks.
Pain peaks within the first 48 hours and gradually decreases.
If severe pain lasts longer than two weeks, it could indicate infection, dry socket, or nerve damage, requiring a visit to your dental team.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches and Ear Pain?
Many people don’t realise that wisdom teeth can cause not just tooth pain but also headaches and earaches due to nerve pressure and sinus involvement.
How Impacted Wisdom Teeth Affect the Sinus Cavity
Upper wisdom teeth erupt close to the sinus cavity. When impacted, they exert pressure on the sinuses, leading to:
Congestion, sinus pain, and pressure headaches
Post-nasal drip and facial discomfort
Painful area near the cheekbones or upper jaw
Link Between Wisdom Tooth Pain and Tension Headaches
Jaw pain and inflammation can strain the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), triggering tension headaches.
If wisdom tooth pain is left untreated, it may cause chronic headaches and muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
Why Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Earaches
Nerve connections in the jaw extend to the ears, so pain from impacted wisdom teeth can radiate.
You may feel ear pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or even dizziness.
If you experience persistent pain spreading from the back of the mouth to the ears or head, consult a healthcare professional for a mouth X-ray.
Wisdom Teeth and Their Impact on Other Adult Teeth
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last adult teeth to develop and emerge in the mouth. However, because most human jaws don’t have enough room to accommodate them, they can have a significant impact on other adult teeth, causing misalignment, crowding, and even damage.
How Wisdom Teeth Push Surrounding Teeth and Cause Misalignment
One of the most common issues with wisdom teeth is that they push against surrounding teeth as they try to emerge. This pressure can lead to shifting, crowding, and misalignment, even in people who previously had straight teeth.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Push Other Teeth?
Not enough space in the jaw forces wisdom teeth to grow at an angle, often pushing into other adult teeth instead of growing straight.
When a wisdom tooth pushes into the second molar, it may cause throbbing pain, soreness, and inflammation.
As the third molars erupt, they may exert pressure on nearby teeth, leading to crooked teeth or bite changes.
This is especially concerning for people who have had orthodontic treatment (braces or Invisalign) to straighten their teeth. Without enough space, wisdom teeth can cause unwanted shifting, undoing years of orthodontic work.
The Effect of Wisdom Teeth on Orthodontic Treatment (Braces and Invisalign)
For those who have undergone braces or Invisalign, wisdom teeth erupting can disrupt alignment, causing teeth to shift back into their original position.
How Wisdom Teeth Affect Orthodontic Treatment
Braces and retainers work by moving teeth into their ideal position, but wisdom teeth push against them, causing crowding and shifting.
If wisdom teeth develop at the wrong angle, they can put pressure on surrounding structures accurately, leading to bite misalignment.
Many dentists recommend wisdom teeth removal either before or after braces to prevent relapse of crooked teeth.
If you’ve had braces or Invisalign, your dental team may suggest monitoring your wisdom teeth with regular mouth X-rays to assess whether they pose a risk to surrounding teeth.
The Role of Mouth X-Rays in Determining Potential Risks
Since wisdom teeth don’t always cause pain immediately, a mouth X-ray is essential in detecting whether they will create future problems.
What a Mouth X-Ray Can Reveal
Whether wisdom teeth are impacted and need removal
If wisdom teeth cause pain due to pressure on surrounding teeth
If wisdom teeth develop at an angle, that may affect gum health and bite alignment
Whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary to prevent future dental complications
Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t currently causing toothache or jaw pain, your dentist may recommend early removal if an X-ray shows they could affect other adult teeth over time.
What Happens If You Don’t Remove Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
If impacted wisdom teeth are not removed, they can cause serious oral health issues, even if they don’t cause pain immediately. Over time, these teeth may press against surrounding structures, leading to complications that affect other adult teeth, gums, and jaw health. Ignoring impacted wisdom teeth can result in persistent discomfort and the need for more complex dental surgery later in life. Here are some potential consequences:
Persistent Pain and Swelling – Impacted wisdom teeth can cause throbbing pain, sore gums, and inflammation, making it difficult to chew food or open your mouth.
Damage to Other Teeth – As wisdom teeth push against surrounding teeth, they can cause misalignment, toothache, and even weaken nearby teeth.
Increased Risk of Infection – Since impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, bacteria buildup can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Cysts or Jawbone Damage – In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may develop cysts that affect the jawbone, surrounding teeth, and nerves, requiring dental surgery.
Orthodontic Issues – Wisdom teeth can shift other adult teeth, disrupting previous orthodontic treatment and causing crowding or bite problems.
Sinus Problems – If wisdom teeth erupt in the upper jaw, they may exert pressure on the sinus cavity, leading to headaches, congestion, and facial pain.
If you experience persistent pain, swollen gums, or jaw discomfort, a mouth X-ray can determine whether your wisdom teeth may require removal to prevent further complications.
Ideal Foods for a Smooth Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
How to Maintain a Healthy Diet While Avoiding Pain: Soft foods reduce strain on sore jaw and help with healing.
Best Soft Foods for Recovery: Mashed potatoes, smoothies, yoghurt, and soup.
Foods to Avoid: Crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods that may irritate painful gums.
Can Wisdom Tooth Pain Be Prevented?
While you can’t always prevent wisdom teeth from erupting, maintaining good gum health and oral hygiene can lower the potential for infections and inflammation.
Here’s how to care for your wisdom teeth and surrounding teeth:
Brush and floss thoroughly to prevent tooth decay
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and mouth X-rays
Follow a healthy diet rich in vitamins to strengthen teeth and gums.
Use a saltwater rinse if you notice signs of irritation.
If you suspect your wisdom tooth may be causing pain, seeking professional advice early can help prevent complications.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Wisdom Tooth Pain
If you’re experiencing wisdom tooth pain, it’s important to address the issue before it worsens. Whether it’s due to impacted wisdom teeth, tooth decay, or swollen gums, finding relief is possible with the right care.
While home remedies like clove oil, saltwater rinses, and pain relievers can offer short-term relief, seeing a healthcare professional for an assessment is the best way to protect your oral health.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Wisdom tooth extraction. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-20395268
WebMD. (n.d.). Gingivitis and periodontal disease. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/gingivitis-periodontal-disease
Oral Health Foundation. (n.d.). Orthodontic treatment. Oral Health Foundation. https://www.dentalhealth.org/orthodontic-treatment#:~:text=What%20is%20orthodontic%20treatment%3F,pressure%20over%20all%20your%20teeth
GoodRx. (n.d.). Popular over-the-counter pain relievers. GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/pain/popular-over-the-counter-pain-relievers
Healthline. (n.d.). Saltwater rinse: Is it effective? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/salt-water-rinse
