Sometimes, small things can cause very big problems – and this is often the case when it comes to wisdom teeth. Even though your teeth are an important part of your dental health, it’s very possible for them to cause painful issues that threaten your whole smile’s wellness. Continue reading to learn a little more about wisdom teeth, why they can cause pain, and how you can go about resolving the issue and getting your smile back on track.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also often referred to as the third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the back corners of the mouth. This typically occurs between the ages of 17 and 25, but as is always the case with teeth, it varies greatly from patient to patient.
These teeth used to serve a very important purpose for our human ancestors; they assisted them with their coarse, raw diets and helped them chew a variety of different, tough foods. But as humans evolved, so did our diets – which is why wisdom teeth aren’t essential anymore. In fact, they’re often removed prior to orthodontic treatment, in order to make room for the movement of teeth. In other cases, they could be removed if they’re causing dental complications or pain for the patient.
What Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain?
Wisdom teeth can cause a patient quite a bit of discomfort as they’re making their grand entrance. This pain is often felt behind the molars at the very back of your mouth, and sometimes the teeth might even have begun poking through the gums. The area might also be red and inflamed.
To make matters worse, wisdom teeth can sometimes become impacted as they emerge, meaning they’re not erupting properly. This can cause intense pain and even lead to possible infection, in addition to damage to the neighboring teeth.
Other causes for wisdom tooth pain include bruxism, which refers to teeth grinding and clenching, tooth decay, fractures, abscesses, periodontal infection, or even physical trauma. These teeth are just as vulnerable to issues as the rest of your pearly whites, meaning that as soon as you experience oral pain involving them, it’s in your best interest to promptly contact your dentist before matters worsen.
What Are Some Wisdom Tooth Pain Remedies?
Luckily, there are many home remedies that can combat wisdom tooth pain, including things like:
- Ice pack/cold compress – This can help temporarily dull the ache in your jaw.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers – Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can help you control the pain; just follow the dosing instructions.
- Salt water rinse – Gently rinsing your mouth with about eight ounces of water and two teaspoons of salt can help dislodge bacteria or debris that might be causing a painful infection.
Of course, you’ll still want to contact your dentist if you’re experiencing wisdom tooth pain; these are meant to be temporary solutions, rather than permanent answers. Often, problematic wisdom teeth can be removed via wisdom tooth extraction. This is one of the most common procedures in all of dentistry, and it’s certain to resolve the issue at hand. However, it’s always going to depend on your circumstances; just know that you don’t have to suffer from this discomfort!
About the Practice
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Harry Golnazarian, our team here at Elite Oral Surgery Associates has proudly served patients in Worcester and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide range of services including wisdom tooth extractions. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to set up a visit for yourself or a loved one, please give us a call or visit us online for further information or assistance. Telephone: (774) 220-7355.
