Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth located at the back of the mouth. They typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, though some people may never develop them.
While wisdom teeth are a natural part of human anatomy, they are often a source of discomfort for many individuals. In this article, we will explore where wisdom teeth cause pain, why this happens, and what you can do about it.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Before diving into the specifics of pain, it’s important to understand what wisdom teeth are and why they can cause discomfort. Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars in the mouth. They are the last teeth to emerge, and because of this, there is often insufficient space for them to grow properly. This lack of space can lead to a variety of dental issues, including pain, swelling, and infection.
The pain associated with wisdom teeth usually occurs in the lower jaw, but can also affect the upper jaw. Understanding the locations where wisdom teeth cause pain is key to diagnosing and managing this discomfort.
Where Does Wisdom Teeth Pain Occur?
The pain caused by wisdom teeth can be localized in several areas of the mouth. The intensity and location of the pain can vary depending on the individual’s dental anatomy, the alignment of the teeth, and whether the wisdom teeth are fully erupted or impacted. Below, we will discuss the primary areas where wisdom teeth can cause pain.
1. The Back of the Jaw (Near the Eruption Site)
One of the most common locations for wisdom teeth pain is at the back of the jaw, where the teeth are emerging. As the wisdom teeth break through the gums, they can cause soreness and tenderness in the surrounding area. This pain is often described as a dull ache or a throbbing sensation, and it may intensify when chewing or biting down.
Why it happens: The pressure from the teeth pushing against the gums can cause irritation and inflammation. Additionally, the gum tissue may not be fully developed to accommodate the emerging tooth, leading to swelling and discomfort.
Symptoms:
- Pain near the back of the jaw
- Tenderness when touching the area
- Swelling around the gum line
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully
2. The Jawbone (Around the Wisdom Tooth)
Another area where wisdom teeth can cause pain is the jawbone itself. As the wisdom teeth try to emerge, they may place pressure on the jawbone, leading to pain or discomfort. This type of pain is often more intense, sharp, or aching and can radiate from the back of the jaw to the surrounding areas.
Why it happens: The pressure exerted by the wisdom tooth on the jawbone can cause irritation of the bone and surrounding tissues. In some cases, the bone may even become inflamed, resulting in pain.
Symptoms:
- Sharp or dull pain in the jawbone
- Tenderness or soreness in the area around the tooth
- Pain that radiates to the surrounding teeth or areas
3. The Gums (Swelling and Inflammation)
As wisdom teeth emerge, they often push against the gum tissue. This can result in gum irritation, swelling, and pain.
Sometimes, a partially erupted tooth can leave a flap of gum tissue that covers part of the tooth, which can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to infection.
Why it happens: The gums may become inflamed as a response to the pressure from the tooth. Additionally, a flap of gum tissue that partially covers the tooth can create a pocket where bacteria can build up, leading to an infection known as pericoronitis.
Symptoms:
- Swelling and tenderness in the gums
- Difficulty chewing or brushing in the area
- Infection around the tooth (redness, pus, foul odor)
4. The Neck and Jaw Joint (Temporomandibular Joint Pain)
In some cases, the pain from wisdom teeth may extend beyond the mouth and affect other areas, such as the neck or jaw joint. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull, can become inflamed or irritated due to the pressure from the wisdom teeth. This can lead to discomfort and a sensation of tightness or soreness in the jaw and neck area.
Why it happens: The eruption of wisdom teeth can alter the alignment of the teeth, which in turn affects how the jaw functions. The added pressure from the wisdom teeth may place strain on the TMJ, leading to pain or discomfort.
Symptoms:
- Pain or stiffness in the neck or jaw
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or speaking due to jaw discomfort
5. The Teeth Adjacent to the Wisdom Tooth
Sometimes, the pain from wisdom teeth can radiate to the teeth adjacent to the emerging tooth. This is often due to the pressure exerted by the wisdom tooth, which can cause discomfort or sensitivity in the neighboring molars. In some cases, the wisdom tooth may push against the adjacent tooth, leading to misalignment or discomfort.
Why it happens: As the wisdom teeth push through the gums, they may come into contact with the nearby teeth, causing pressure or even shifting the position of the surrounding teeth. This can result in pain, especially if there is already an issue with the alignment of the teeth.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the teeth next to the wisdom tooth
- Sensitivity to temperature (hot or cold)
- Discomfort when chewing or biting down
6. The Sinus Area (Upper Wisdom Teeth)
For individuals with upper wisdom teeth, pain may sometimes be referred to the sinus area. The roots of the upper wisdom teeth are located near the maxillary sinuses, and when these teeth erupt or become impacted, they can cause discomfort or even sinus-like symptoms.
Why it happens: The upper wisdom teeth are located close to the maxillary sinuses. If the roots of the teeth are impacted, they can place pressure on the sinuses, leading to a feeling of fullness, pain, or pressure in the sinuses.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the upper jaw that radiates to the sinuses
- Sensitivity in the teeth that feels similar to sinus pressure
- Headaches or facial pain
When Do Wisdom Teeth Pain Become a Concern?
While some discomfort during the eruption of wisdom teeth is normal, there are certain signs that indicate a more serious issue. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek professional dental care:
- Severe pain that doesn’t go away
- Swelling that affects the entire side of your face
- Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Pus or drainage around the wisdom tooth
- Fever or signs of infection
These symptoms could indicate an infection, an impacted tooth, or another complication that requires treatment.
What Can Be Done to Alleviate Wisdom Teeth Pain?
If you are experiencing pain from your wisdom teeth, there are several steps you can take to manage the discomfort:
Over-the-counter pain relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Saltwater rinse: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce swelling and clean the area around the wisdom tooth.
Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of the jaw can help numb the area and reduce swelling.
Good oral hygiene: Keeping the area around the wisdom teeth clean can help prevent infections and minimize discomfort.
Visit your dentist: If the pain persists or worsens, your dentist can evaluate the situation and determine whether extraction or other treatments are necessary.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth can cause pain in several areas, including the back of the jaw, the jawbone itself, the gums, the teeth adjacent to the wisdom teeth, the temporomandibular joint, and even the sinuses. The pain can range from mild to severe, and it’s important to pay attention to the symptoms and seek dental care when necessary. Managing the pain and discomfort from wisdom teeth can often be done with home remedies and over-the-counter treatments, but in some cases, professional intervention may be required.
