Are you a teenager or young adult that’s noticed an ache in your jaw or the back of your mouth? If so, you may be experiencing wisdom tooth pain. These last molars arrive years after your other teeth have already all grown in, and tend to cause problems. As a result, your dentist may recommend having them removed before they become too troublesome.
Continue reading to learn more about what causes wisdom tooth to hurt and why extraction might be necessary!
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your last molars to arrive, typically when you’re between the ages of 17 and 25 years old. They likely originally developed in our ancient ancestors because they subsisted on a diet of tough, uncooked meats, and hard berries and nuts that wore down their teeth. Without access to dental care, they may have needed additional molars as they entered adulthood to compensate for any that had previously been damaged, injured, or lost. Today, these pearly whites are considered a vestigial feature because they’re no longer necessary for our survival.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Hurt?
Many dentists recommend having wisdom teeth removed because they notoriously cause issues that can harm your dental health. They can cause discomfort by:
- Growing at inappropriate angles. Your last molars might be trying to push through your gumline crooked or at an angle that can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness.
- Impaction. If it hurts to chew or you have a stiff jaw, you might have an impacted wisdom tooth. If it doesn’t clear your gumline, it can become infected and cause aches.
- Cyst development. A fluid filled sac, or cyst, can form around your impacted wisdom tooth’s follicle which can harm your jawbone and cause discomfort.
- Overcrowding. Your most recent teeth might push their neighbors out of alignment as they grow in, leaving you feeling sore.
- Cavities. It’s notoriously difficult to keep wisdom teeth clean because they’re harder to reach, leaving them more vulnerable to tooth decay.
How Can I Address Wisdom Tooth Pain?
Thankfully, there are things you can do to alleviate any aches originating from your wisdom teeth. Some helpful solutions include:
- Cold compress. Holding an ice pack or other cold compress to the side of your face can induce a temporary numbing sensation to relieve swelling and unpleasant sensations.
- Medications. It’s usually safe to take over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol or ibuprofen to help control your pain.
- Numbing gel. There are several brands of numbing gels containing benzocaine that can be applied to your teeth and gums to ease your throbbing.
Although these tips can help you feel more comfortable, they won’t fix the underlying issue. If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, it’s best to contact your dentist so they can examine your condition and let you know whether yours need to be extracted to prevent potential problems.
Removing troublesome wisdom teeth is a simple and effective way to keep your grin happy and healthy!
About the Practice
At South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, people of all ages benefit from a team of board-certified oral surgeons who work together to deliver 5-star services to improve your dental condition. With decades of combined experience, they can handle everything from wisdom tooth extractions to dental implants and more. They take the time to get to know your unique concerns and goals so they can tailor treatment plans just for you. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate, long-lasting results. If you’re in pain and need help, you can request an appointment on the website or call (561) 203-5744.