Some people experience pain as wisdom teeth grow. This is typically caused by the impacted third molars getting trapped in the jaw bone or gums.

Luckily, there are many ways to ease this pain. These include rinsing the mouth with warm salt water and taking over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

1. Increased Risk of Oral Infections

Wisdom teeth can become impacted, a condition that causes them to partially or fully emerge from the gum tissue. Impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean and can become a magnet for food debris and bacteria that cause infection. This can lead to swollen, painful gum tissue or cysts, which are fluid-filled sacks that form over a impacted tooth. Cysts can also cause damage to surrounding teeth and the jaw bone.

Infections from impacted wisdom teeth are sometimes treated with antibiotics, which can control the spread of bacteria and help the area heal. If the problem persists or recurs, it may be necessary to remove the wisdom tooth.

In most cases, a dentist will perform this procedure under local anaesthesia and, in some cases, nitrous oxide (commonly known as “happy gas”). The dentist will create an incision in the gum tissue to gain access to the impacted tooth and, if necessary, part of the jawbone. The impacted tooth will then be removed gently with special dental tools.

2. Poor Oral Hygiene

For those who decide to keep their wisdom teeth, proper oral hygiene is essential. It includes daily brushing and flossing, especially those hard-to-reach areas, along with regular cleanings and annual checkups.

Tooth decay is a serious issue associated with wisdom teeth because they are prone to infection and difficult to clean. Bacteria can spread from a decayed wisdom tooth to healthy teeth, causing damage and disease.

Many people also develop gum disease around a wisdom tooth due to the difficulty in cleaning and the craggy surface of these molars. The inflammation and bacteria that result from this can lead to severe gum problems, such as pericoronitis, which can cause pain, swelling and infection throughout the mouth. It can even enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body, such as arteries, which can increase the risk of heart disease. If you experience pain or swelling that isn’t relieved with prescription medication, contact a healthcare professional.

3. Misalignment of Other Teeth

While not everyone develops crooked wisdom teeth, they can cause problems when they do grow in. The late-blooming molars have a tendency to create pressure on other teeth, causing them to shift out of place or to come through at odd angles. This pressure can exacerbate overcrowding, tooth decay, and jaw discomfort.

Misalignment caused by wisdom teeth can also impact the bite, leading to discomfort and pain when chewing or biting. Normally, bite force is spread evenly across all the teeth in the mouth. When one or more teeth are out of alignment, they can absorb greater amounts of bite force, causing discomfort and requiring more orthodontic treatment to correct the issue.

Regularly checking the back of your mouth for signs of new growth or swelling can help you identify potential wisdom tooth issues before they cause damage or complication. If you do notice any symptoms, contact your oral health care professional to schedule an appointment for evaluation and extraction.

4. Pain

It’s normal to experience pain and swelling in the back of your mouth as your wisdom teeth grow. This can last for a few days or a few years as the molars erupt. The best way to manage this pain is with home remedies such as warm or cold compresses, salt water rinse and clove oil.

Your dentist will take x-rays of your jaw and gums to assess whether or not there is enough room for the wisdom teeth to come through in a useful position. If the molars are impacted, they may push against other teeth or cause inflammation in the gums. They could also become infected or develop cysts.

If you’re experiencing throbbing and tenderness, a sore jaw or difficulty opening your mouth, you should see your dentist right away. You may be referred to an oral surgeon for a tooth extraction. If you’re unable to have the molars removed, you’ll need to be vigilant about regular dental visits and oral hygiene practices to avoid further complications.