Wisdom tooth pain usually comes from a tooth that is only partly through the gum. The tooth may be growing at an angle, or a flap of gum may be trapping food and bacteria over it. The result is a sore, swollen gum at the very back of the mouth. Some people also notice a bad taste or find it hard to open wide. Not every painful wisdom tooth needs to come out. Persistent pain, swelling or infection does need an assessment at our Wollongong practice.
What are wisdom teeth and why do they cause trouble?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars. They are the last teeth to arrive, usually in the late teens or twenties. By then the jaw has often finished growing, and many people simply do not have room for them. A wisdom tooth may come through normally. It may stay buried in the bone. Or it may become impacted, which means it is stuck against the tooth in front or the jawbone.
Some wisdom teeth never cause a problem. Others cause pain that comes and goes for years. At Wollongong Dental we see wisdom tooth pain in patients of all ages, not only young adults.
Common causes of wisdom tooth pain
- Eruption. As the tooth pushes through, the gum can feel tender and swollen for a few days at a time. It is similar to teething.
- Pericoronitis. When a tooth is partly through, a flap of gum can sit over it and trap food and bacteria. The gum becomes red, swollen and painful. The infection can make it hard to open your mouth or swallow comfortably. This is one of the most common reasons people seek help for wisdom tooth pain.
- Impaction. An angled tooth can press on the molar next to it. This causes a dull ache in the jaw, or pain that seems to come from the tooth in front.
- Food trapping. Wisdom teeth are hard to clean. Food and plaque collect around them, irritate the gum and cause a bad taste or smell.
- Decay. Wisdom teeth are difficult to reach with a toothbrush, and so is the back of the tooth in front. Both are prone to decay, which can cause sharp or throbbing pain.
What can help with wisdom tooth pain at home
While you wait for an appointment, these steps can make the area more comfortable:
- Rinse gently with warm salty water several times a day, especially after eating.
- Keep brushing the area carefully, even if it is tender. A small-headed brush can help you reach the back of the mouth.
- Choose soft foods and avoid chewing on the sore side.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the packet, if it is suitable for you.
- Avoid smoking. It slows healing and makes gum infection worse.
These measures ease symptoms. They do not fix the underlying cause. If the pain keeps returning, the sensible next step is an examination.
When should you see a dentist?
We recommend an assessment if wisdom tooth pain lasts more than a few days or keeps coming back. Swelling, a bad taste, pus, or difficulty opening your mouth also warrant a visit. So does pain that disturbs your sleep or that over-the-counter medication does not control. Repeated bouts of pericoronitis are a common reason we discuss removal.
Some symptoms need urgent attention. Contact us the same day if you have facial swelling or fever see our guide to toothache emergencies. Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing. Do the same if swelling is spreading quickly into your neck or under your jaw, or if you have a high fever and feel very unwell. Infections at the back of the mouth can occasionally spread quickly. Do not leave them overnight.
Does a painful wisdom tooth always need removing?
No. Patients ask us this a lot at our Wollongong practice on Crown Street, and the answer depends on the individual tooth. Some wisdom teeth come through fully, sit in a good position and are easy to clean. A tooth like that may only need monitoring, even if it was sore while it erupted.
Your dentist may recommend removal after an assessment. The usual reasons are a tooth that is impacted, repeatedly infected or decayed, one that is damaging the tooth in front, or one you cannot keep clean. Before any decision, you will usually need an X-ray, often a panoramic OPG. It shows the position of the roots and how close they sit to nearby nerves. Your dentist will talk through the likely benefits, the risks and the alternatives. There is rarely any pressure to decide on the spot.
For a mild episode of pericoronitis, treatment might involve cleaning beneath the gum flap and advice on home care. If you and your dentist agree on removal, we can explain what to expect before, during and after the procedure and you can read our page on wisdom teeth for more information.
Frequently asked questions
How long does wisdom tooth pain last?
Pain from a tooth erupting normally often settles within a few days to a week. Pain from infection or impaction tends to return until the cause is addressed. If an episode lasts more than a week or keeps recurring, see a dentist.
Can a wisdom tooth cause pain in my ear or jaw?
Yes. Lower wisdom teeth in particular can cause pain that spreads to the ear, jaw joint or throat. They can also make opening your mouth uncomfortable. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so an examination is the best way to confirm the source.
Can I leave a wisdom tooth that only hurts occasionally?
Sometimes. If the tooth is healthy and well positioned, occasional discomfort while it erupts may not need treatment. However, repeated infections or decay usually get worse rather than better. It is worth having a dentist in Wollongong check the tooth and take an X-ray if needed.
Book an appointment
If a wisdom tooth is causing pain or swelling, we can examine it and explain your options without pressure. Book online or call our Wollongong practice, and our team will arrange an assessment as soon as we can. Book Online Today!
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