Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth located at the back of your mouth. Typically emerging during late adolescence or early adulthood, they can cause discomfort and pain, leading many to wonder if their toothache is related to these teeth. Understanding whether your toothache is from your wisdom teeth is crucial for addressing the issue early. This article will guide you through the symptoms and signs that can help determine if your toothache is caused by wisdom teeth.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Before diving into how to recognize if your toothache is caused by wisdom teeth, it’s important to understand what they are and why they might cause discomfort. Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that emerge typically in your late teens or early twenties. Not everyone develops all four wisdom teeth, and in some cases, they don’t erupt fully. These teeth can cause issues if they don’t have enough space to emerge or if they grow at an angle, leading to complications like infections, impaction, or crowding.
Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Pain
The symptoms associated with wisdom teeth vary depending on the specific issue with the teeth, but here are some common signs that may indicate your toothache is related to your wisdom teeth:
1. Pain at the Back of Your Mouth
One of the most prominent signs of wisdom tooth pain is a dull, aching pain at the back of your mouth. This pain is often felt near where your wisdom teeth are located. If the pain is persistent and occurs near the upper or lower back teeth, this could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are coming in or causing other issues.
2. Swelling and Redness Around the Gums
If your wisdom teeth are erupting, the gums around them may become swollen and red. This happens when the gum tissue is irritated as the tooth tries to push through. In some cases, the gum tissue might even become infected, causing increased swelling, tenderness, and bleeding when brushing or flossing.
3. Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
As wisdom teeth begin to come in, they can create pressure on the jaw, which may lead to difficulty opening your mouth fully. This may cause you to experience jaw stiffness or pain when you try to open your mouth wide, making it difficult to eat or speak.
4. Pain When Chewing or Biting Down
If your wisdom teeth are impacted (meaning they are trapped in the jawbone or gums and unable to fully emerge), you may experience pain when biting down or chewing. The pressure from biting can worsen the discomfort around the affected tooth, leading to a sharp or throbbing pain when chewing food.
5. Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste
When wisdom teeth are coming in, they can create pockets of bacteria and food debris in the gums. If these pockets become infected, you may notice bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, which is a common symptom of an infection due to wisdom teeth.
6. Headaches or Earaches
In some cases, the pressure from erupting wisdom teeth can radiate to other parts of the head and face. This can lead to tension headaches or earaches, which may feel like a general toothache but can also be associated with the discomfort caused by the wisdom teeth.
Common Causes of Wisdom Teeth Pain
Now that we’ve covered the common symptoms, it’s important to understand what causes wisdom teeth to cause pain.
There are several conditions related to wisdom teeth that can contribute to your discomfort:
1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When there isn’t enough space in the jaw for wisdom teeth to emerge fully, they can become impacted. This means they remain trapped beneath the gum line or only partially emerge. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection, making them one of the most common causes of toothaches in the back of the mouth.
2. Infection Around the Wisdom Tooth
Infection, or pericoronitis, can occur if food or bacteria become trapped between the emerging wisdom tooth and the gum tissue. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, which can lead to an infection. Symptoms may include swelling, redness, pus, and a bad taste in the mouth.
3. Tooth Decay
Like any other tooth, wisdom teeth can also develop cavities. If your wisdom tooth is difficult to clean due to its position at the back of the mouth, it may be more susceptible to tooth decay. A cavity in a wisdom tooth can cause sharp pain, especially when chewing or drinking something cold or hot.
4. Crowding
Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause crowding in the mouth if there isn’t enough room for them to emerge. This can lead to shifting or misalignment of the other teeth, which may cause discomfort, pain, and the need for orthodontic treatment.
5. Cyst Formation
In rare cases, a cyst can form around an impacted wisdom tooth. This cyst can cause damage to the surrounding teeth, jawbone, and nerves, leading to severe pain and swelling. Cysts can also cause infection and should be treated promptly.
How to Determine If Your Toothache Is From Wisdom Teeth
If you are experiencing a toothache and suspect that your wisdom teeth may be the cause, it’s important to pay attention to the specific symptoms and signs mentioned above. Here are some ways to confirm whether your pain is linked to wisdom teeth:
1. Check the Location of the Pain
Wisdom teeth pain is typically located at the very back of the mouth. If your pain is centralized in this area, it may indicate an issue with your wisdom teeth. If the pain is more generalized across the entire mouth or involves teeth at the front of your mouth, it may be due to another dental issue.
2. Look for Swelling or Redness in the Gums
Examine the gums around the back of your mouth for any signs of swelling, redness, or irritation. Swollen and tender gums around the area where your wisdom teeth are emerging is a telltale sign that your toothache is likely related to your wisdom teeth.
3. Seek Professional Advice
The most accurate way to confirm that your toothache is from your wisdom teeth is to visit a dentist. Your dentist will perform a thorough examination and may take X-rays to determine the position of your wisdom teeth and any possible issues. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action for treatment.
When Should You See A Dentist?
If you experience any of the symptoms associated with wisdom teeth, it’s a good idea to consult a dentist. In some cases, the pain may be manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and home remedies, but it’s important to get professional help if:
The pain is severe or lasts for more than a few days.
You have difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing.
You experience fever or other signs of infection.
You notice pus or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
The pain is affecting your daily activities.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth are a common cause of toothache, especially during late adolescence and early adulthood. The pain associated with wisdom teeth can range from mild discomfort to severe, throbbing pain. By paying attention to the location of your pain, examining the condition of your gums, and looking out for other symptoms like swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, and bad breath, you can determine if your toothache is related to your wisdom teeth.
