Wisdom teeth can hurt for various reasons, typically linked to their development and potential complications.
Common Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Growth | As wisdom teeth emerge, they can cause discomfort and pain. This is a common reason for experiencing pain during the eruption phase. |
| Cavities | Like other teeth, wisdom teeth are susceptible to decay. A cavity in a wisdom tooth can lead to pain and sensitivity. |
| Impaction | When wisdom teeth are unable to fully erupt, due to lack of space or misalignment, they are considered impacted. Impacted teeth can cause significant pain, pressure, and even infection. |
| Cyst Development | In some cases, cysts can develop around the wisdom teeth. These can cause pain, swelling, and damage to surrounding structures. |
| Gum Disease | Inflammation and infection of the gums, also known as gum disease or periodontitis, surrounding the wisdom teeth can cause pain. |
Additional Factors Contributing to Wisdom Tooth Pain:
- Pressure on Adjacent Teeth: As wisdom teeth try to erupt, they can push against neighboring teeth, leading to discomfort.
- Food Trapped: The location of wisdom teeth makes them susceptible to food getting trapped. This can lead to inflammation and pain.
- Infection (Pericoronitis): If the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth gets infected, this can cause significant pain, swelling, and even fever.
What To Do If Your Wisdom Teeth Hurt:
- Consult a dentist: A dentist can examine your mouth to determine the specific cause of your pain.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth regularly, including the area around your wisdom teeth, to prevent decay and gum problems.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can provide temporary relief.
- Saltwater rinse: Warm salt water rinses can help reduce gum inflammation.
In conclusion, understanding the potential causes of wisdom tooth pain is key to finding appropriate solutions. If you are experiencing pain, consulting a dentist is the most effective way to identify the problem and determine the proper course of action. It may simply be because they are growing, you might also have other tooth problems such as cavities, impacted wisdom teeth, a developing cyst, or a gum disease that's causing you to feel throbbing pain.
