Why Are Wisdom Teeth Painful?

Are your wisdom teeth beginning to give you trouble? Wisdom teeth were likely a useful tool for our distant ancestors, but today, they seem to only cause issues. There are a variety of reasons why your wisdom teeth could be hurting. Continue reading to learn more about wisdom teeth, why they hurt, and what you can do to get some relief.

5 Reasons Why Wisdom Teeth Hurt

There are various causes of wisdom tooth pain. Here are some of the possible culprits that you could be looking at:
• Growing Pain: The pain that you are experiencing could be your wisdom teeth erupting. As they break through the gums, they can result in swelling and soreness.
• Tooth Decay: Since wisdom teeth don’t usually have much space, they are often very close to their neighboring teeth. This can make it challenging to keep them clean and notice cavities.
• Impaction: If your wisdom teeth become impacted, it can result in swelling, pain, jaw discomfort, and difficulty opening the mouth.
• Cyst Development: When a wisdom tooth is impacted, cysts can form. This can cause pain of the tooth and jawbone.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease is more likely to form on wisdom teeth because their location and lack of space make them more challenging to clean.

How to Deal with Wisdom Tooth Pain

Having your wisdom teeth removed is the best way to prevent and eliminate any wisdom tooth replaced issues and pain. Talk to your dentist to see if this is the right option for you. Until then, here are some tips to manage your pain:

• Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress or an ice pack can help to temporarily numb the area, reducing discomfort.
• Pain Relievers: Anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen, can help to temporarily reduce pain. Be sure to closely follow the directions on the packaging.
• Benzocaine: There are a variety of over-the-counter mouth-numbing gels that contain benzocaine. This can help to numb and dull gum pain.
• Salt Water: Using a mixture of salt and water, rinse your mouth. This can help to dislodge lingering food particles and kill bacteria that could be worsening your discomfort.

Wisdom tooth pain can be frustrating, so it’s worthwhile to get your third molars checked by your dentist. This way, you can put together a plan to keep your smile healthy!

About the Author

Dr. Carroll R. Butler is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than 28 years! He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School at San Antonio. Currently, he is a proud Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and a member of the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. He is also a Mentor of the Kois Center. To learn more about wisdom tooth extraction or to schedule a consultation at his office in Kerrville, visit his website or call (830) 257-4900.