Wisdom tooth pain is usually caused by a tooth that is partly through the gum and has become inflamed or infected. Home care can ease the pain for a short time, but it does not remove the cause. If the pain lasts more than a few days, keeps coming back or comes with swelling, see a dentist.
Why wisdom teeth hurt
- Inflamed gum over a partly erupted tooth, called pericoronitis
- An impacted tooth pressing against the tooth in front
- Decay in the wisdom tooth or its neighbour, because the area is hard to clean
- Food trapped under the gum flap
- Normal eruption, which can cause a dull ache that comes and goes
What helps in the meantime
- Rinse gently with warm salt water several times a day
- Keep the area as clean as you can with a small soft toothbrush
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the pack, if it is suitable for you
- Eat soft food and chew on the other side
- Do not place aspirin or other tablets directly on the gum, as this can burn the tissue
These measures ease symptoms only. An examination and an X-ray show whether the tooth needs cleaning, medication or removal.
Jaw pain after wisdom teeth removal
Some jaw stiffness, swelling and soreness are normal for several days after a wisdom tooth is removed, and usually peak on day two or three. Pain that gets worse two to four days after the extraction, often with a bad taste, can be a dry socket and should be checked. See pain after tooth extraction.
Can wisdom tooth removal affect a nerve?
Lower wisdom teeth can sit close to the nerves that supply feeling to the lip, chin and tongue. Altered feeling after removal is uncommon and is usually temporary, but it can occasionally be long-lasting. Your dentist assesses this risk on your X-rays and explains it before treatment.
When to seek urgent help
See a dentist promptly for swelling of the face or jaw, difficulty opening your mouth, a fever or a bad taste with pain. Go to a hospital emergency department or call 000 if you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, or swelling that is spreading to your eye or neck.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Read about wisdom teeth removal in Penrith, our emergency dentist and whether a toothache can cause a headache.
To book a visit at Penrith Dental Care, 42 Castlereagh Street, Penrith, contact our team. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own dental practitioner.