The wisdom teeth usually begin to erupt when a person is in their late teens or early twenties, and the mouth isn’t always ready to receive them. Many people report constant pain in their wisdom teeth, and because of this and the other oral health problems they can cause, these molars are often surgically removed to help people stay healthy and live more comfortably. Here’s a brief outline of why wisdom teeth can cause pain, a few home remedies to give you some quick relief, and how your dentist can address the issue.
Why Do My Wisdom Teeth Hurt?
A person’s wisdom teeth can cause pain for a variety of reasons. These include:
- The wisdom teeth come in crooked: In many cases, the wisdom teeth will emerge at improper angles, which makes them harder to clean and easier to injure. This can lead to tooth decay and other painful oral infections.
- The wisdom teeth fail to emerge completely: Sometimes, all or part of a wisdom tooth does not make it all the way out of the gums. This can create pockets between these teeth and the gum tissue that can shelter bacteria that can cause nasty infections.
- The mouth does not have enough room: If the mouth is too small to accommodate the emerging wisdom teeth, these molars can crowd the other teeth, exerting painful pressure and potentially forcing them out of alignment. This can even ruin the results of previous orthodontic treatments.
What Are Some Home Remedies?
There are a few tried-and-proven home remedies that can temporarily relieve wisdom tooth pain. A few of them include:
- Ice pack or cold compress: Hold a cold object over your cheek to help relieve the pain and reduce swelling.
- Over-the-counter pain medication: Follow all instructions on the label when taking any store-bought medicine.
- Saltwater rinse: Mix two teaspoons of salt into about eight ounces of water and swish the solution about your mouth. This can help clean the area while dislodging bacteria and food debris.
How Can My Dentist Help?
If you are experiencing persistent pain in your wisdom teeth, contact your dentist and schedule an appointment. They will thoroughly examine your mouth to assess the issue, and it is likely that they will recommend extraction. They will probably refer you to an oral surgeon. Wisdom teeth extractions are completely painless thanks to anesthetic treatments or dental sedation, but it is crucial to adhere to any postoperative instructions to manage pain and ensure thorough healing.
There’s no reason to live in pain due to troublesome wisdom teeth. Consulting with your dentist can help you find a permanent solution to this problem!
About the Practice
Oakbrook Dental & Orthodontics provides the best dental care available to the families of McKinney, TX. Led by Drs. Nathan Coughlin, Manhvu Nguyen, Vinhson Nguyen, and Stephanie Weng, the staff sees to each patient receiving effective treatments in a friendly and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as wisdom teeth extractions. To schedule an appointment to evaluate the health of your wisdom teeth, contact the office online or dial (469) 526-4040.