Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of adult teeth to emerge, usually making their appearance between the ages of 17 and 25. There are four wisdom teeth in total, located at the back corners of the mouth, two on the top and two on the bottom. While these teeth might have been crucial for our ancestors who had larger jaws and needed extra molars for grinding tough foods, they serve little purpose today. And unfortunately, for many teenagers, the arrival of wisdom teeth can mean unbearable pain.
Causes Of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Wisdom tooth pain typically signals that your jaw doesn’t have enough space for these new teeth. In The Wisdom of Wisdom Teeth, Dr. Ronald Achong states that “When a tooth is unable to fully enter the mouth, it is said to be ‘impacted.’ In general, impacted teeth are unable to break through the gums because there is not enough room present. The most common impacted tooth is the wisdom tooth.” Over generations, human jaws have become smaller, often leaving insufficient room for the full set of 32 adult teeth.
This shortage of space can cause wisdom teeth to push against neighboring teeth, leading to discomfort and pain. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause several complications, including pain, swelling, and inflammation of the gums. Additionally, wisdom teeth can crowd or damage other teeth, leading to further dental issues. Bacteria buildup around wisdom teeth can also contribute to tooth decay, making good oral hygiene essential.
Symptoms Of Wisdom Teeth Pain
When your wisdom teeth begin to cause pain, you might experience a range of symptoms. Not everyone has the same symptoms, but the most common ones include:
Pain in the Jaw or Gums: This can be constant or only noticeable when chewing or touching the area. Impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to jaw pain.
Painful Wisdom Teeth: The growth and potential impaction of wisdom teeth can cause significant pain, which may require medications or surgical intervention.
Swelling and Inflammation: Your gums might become swollen and tender, particularly around the area where the wisdom teeth are trying to emerge.
Difficulty Opening the Mouth: You might find it hard to open your mouth fully or experience pain when doing so.
Chewing Problems: Pain can make it difficult to chew food properly.
Headaches: The pressure and inflammation caused by emerging wisdom teeth can radiate to your head, causing persistent headaches.
Non-Medical Remedies For Wisdom Tooth Pain
Various remedies for wisdom teeth pain can provide temporary relief and soothe discomfort. If you’re dealing with wisdom tooth pain, relieving wisdom tooth pain might not require an immediate visit to the dentist. There are several home and natural remedies you can try to relieve the discomfort.
Home Remedies
Ice Pack: Applying an ice pack to your jaw can reduce inflammation and numb the pain.
Salt Water Rinse: Gargling with warm salt water can help kill bacteria, soothe your gums, and reduce swelling.
Cold Compress: Similar to an ice pack, a cold compress applied to the affected area can provide temporary relief.
Soft Foods: Stick to eating soft foods that don’t require much chewing to avoid aggravating the pain.
Warm Water Rinse: Rinsing your mouth with warm water can also help in soothing inflamed gums.
Natural Remedies
Peppermint Leaves: Peppermint contains menthol, which has cooling and pain-relieving properties. Place fresh leaves on the affected area for some relief.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe swollen gums and reduce discomfort.
Tea Tree Oil: This natural antibacterial agent can help kill bacteria in the mouth. Dilute it with water and use it as a mouthwash.
Cloves: Known for their numbing effect, cloves can be used as a topical pain reliever. You can place a whole clove on the painful area or use clove oil for relief.
Medical Remedies For Wisdom Tooth Pain
When home remedies aren’t enough, over-the-counter medications can provide stronger relief. For effective wisdom tooth pain relief, consider the following options:
Ibuprofen (Advil): This pain reliever can reduce inflammation and alleviate gum pain.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Effective for pain relief, acetaminophen can help manage the discomfort associated with emerging wisdom teeth.
Benzocaine: This local anesthetic can be found in products specifically designed for dental pain relief.
Aspirin: Another effective pain reliever, aspirin can help dull the pain and make it more manageable.
When To Consider Wisdom Teeth Removal
If your wisdom teeth are causing significant pain or other dental issues, it might be time to consider getting your wisdom teeth removed. Your dentist will typically recommend removing wisdom teeth if they are impacted, causing infection, contributing to shifting, or decay and gum disease. Wisdom tooth removal is essential when these teeth cause pain or complications, and consulting a dentist for a professional evaluation is crucial. Dr. Ronald Achong and Dr. Christopher Latham are licensed DMD’s and MD’s.
In The Wisdom of Wisdom Teeth, Dr. Achong wrote, “Wisdom teeth are easier to remove when the patient is younger, since their roots are not completely formed, the surrounding bone is softer, and there is less chance of damaging nearby nerves or other structures. Removal of wisdom teeth at a later age becomes more complicated as the roots have fully developed (may involve the nerve), and the jawbone is denser.” It is almost every dentist’s recommendation to get your wisdom teeth out as a teenager.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can also help prevent significant wisdom tooth pain. Brushing and flossing regularly, along with professional cleanings, can keep your mouth healthy and minimize the risk of complications when your wisdom teeth emerge.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
If non-medical and medical remedies aren’t alleviating your pain, or if your dentist identifies issues with how your wisdom teeth are emerging, removal might be necessary. Here’s what to expect from the process:
Consultation and X-Ray: Your oral surgeon will take a full-mouth x-ray to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and determine if removal is the best course of action. Come to your consult prepared with questions to ask your oral surgeon.
Procedure: The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, although sedation options are available for those who are particularly anxious.
Recovery: Post-surgery, you’ll need to follow specific care instructions to ensure proper healing and prevent infection.
Schedule An Appointment With Oral Facial Surgical Arts
Sometimes, wisdom tooth pain can become unbearable or be accompanied by other worrying symptoms, such as fever or pus. In such cases, it’s essential to seek professional help immediately. While some wisdom tooth pain may resolve on its own, persistent or severe pain should be evaluated by an oral surgeon to determine if removal or other treatments are necessary.
Wisdom tooth pain is a common issue among teenagers, but it doesn’t have to disrupt your life. By understanding the causes and symptoms you can start to manage your discomfort effectively. However, if the pain persists or becomes severe, consulting with an oral surgeon at Oral Facial Surgical Arts in Winter Garden, Lake Nona, or Clermont, Florida, can provide you with the best solution for your situation. Don’t let wisdom tooth pain hold you back – take steps today to find relief and protect your oral health.
