Your wisdom teeth are your third set of molars, which are located at the very back of your mouth. Unfortunately, they are notorious for causing problems! If your wisdom teeth are causing pain and discomfort, you might wonder why they are doing so and how you can deal with the problem. This blog post provides some relevant information.
Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain
There are several reasons why your wisdom teeth might cause discomfort:
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth may not have enough space to fully emerge, which can cause them to become trapped beneath the gumline or push against neighboring teeth.
- Infection: Bacteria and food particles often get trapped around partially erupted teeth, leading to an infection known as pericoronitis. This condition can cause swelling, redness, and a bad taste in your mouth.
- Cavities: Wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, which makes them prone to decay and cavities. This can result in sensitivity or pain.
- Crowding: When wisdom teeth try to come in, they might push other teeth out of alignment, causing discomfort and pressure in your jaw.
- Gum Disease: Poor cleaning around wisdom teeth can lead to gum inflammation or periodontal disease, which may cause pain and bleeding.
- Sinus Pain: Wisdom teeth in your upper jaw might interfere with your sinus cavity, leading to headaches, pressure, and pain.
Home Remedies to Ease Discomfort
You should visit your dentist so they can properly address your wisdom tooth pain. In the meantime, these home remedies may ease your discomfort:
- Saltwater Rinse: Swish warm salt water in your mouth to reduce swelling and help keep the area clean.
- Cold Compress: Place a cold pack on your cheek near the sore area to numb the pain and decrease inflammation.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Use medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed to help control discomfort.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Gently brush and floss your teeth, taking care to clean around the wisdom teeth.
- Soft Foods: Eat soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies to avoid irritating the sore area. Avoid foods that can exacerbate sensitivity, including hot, cold, and acidic items.
A Lasting Solution for Wisdom Tooth Pain
The best way to end wisdom tooth pain for good is to get them removed. After your dentist examines your third molars, they may recommend that you undergo the extraction procedure. After your recovery period, you will likely be pain-free!
Meet the Practice
Wellesley Dental Group features a highly skilled team of dentists and specialists. We offer careful wisdom tooth extractions; we are even able to provide sedation to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. If your wisdom teeth are causing pain or other symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to us for care. Contact our office at 781-691-4914.