Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth that grow in the back of the mouth. They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people experience no issues with their wisdom teeth, others may face a variety of problems, including pain, discomfort, and even headaches. If you’ve ever wondered why wisdom teeth cause headaches, this article will provide you with a detailed explanation, using simple language to help you understand the connection between your wisdom teeth and headaches.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Before understanding why wisdom teeth may cause headaches, it’s important to first define what they are and their role in the mouth. Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars at the back of the mouth. In most cases, people have four wisdom teeth—one on each side of the upper and lower jaws.
These teeth are known as “third molars” because they are the last teeth to emerge in the mouth. Historically, wisdom teeth were important for early humans, who had a diet consisting of raw, tough foods like roots, nuts, and meat. However, as human diets have evolved, the need for wisdom teeth has decreased. As a result, many people do not have enough space in their jaws for wisdom teeth to grow properly.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches?
Now that we have an understanding of what wisdom teeth are, let’s dive into why they can cause headaches. There are several reasons that wisdom teeth may contribute to headache symptoms, ranging from the positioning of the teeth to the overall pressure they place on surrounding structures. Here are some common explanations:
1. Impaction and Pressure on Surrounding Structures
One of the primary reasons wisdom teeth can cause headaches is due to impaction. When there isn’t enough space in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to emerge, they may become impacted. This means that they are stuck beneath the gums or only partially erupt. Impacted wisdom teeth can create pressure on the surrounding teeth, jawbone, and nerves. This pressure can lead to discomfort or pain that may radiate into the head, resulting in a headache.
The tension in the jaw from the impaction can also trigger tension-type headaches, which are commonly characterized by a dull, aching pain in the head. These types of headaches often feel like a tight band around the head, and they can become more intense if the jaw is further stressed by the impacted wisdom teeth.
2. Infection and Inflammation
When wisdom teeth become partially erupted or impacted, they create a small opening in the gum tissue, which can make it easier for bacteria to enter and cause an infection. This infection, known as pericoronitis, can lead to inflammation around the affected wisdom tooth. The inflammation can extend to the jaw, face, and head, resulting in pain and pressure that may be felt as a headache.
The infection caused by a partially erupted wisdom tooth may also cause other symptoms like swelling, bad breath, and a bad taste in the mouth. If left untreated, the infection can spread, causing even more severe symptoms, including throbbing headaches.
3. Jaw Misalignment and Teeth Shifting
Another reason wisdom teeth might cause headaches is related to the alignment of the jaw and teeth. When wisdom teeth emerge, they can shift the surrounding teeth and change the bite pattern in the mouth.
This shift can create an imbalance in the way the teeth come together, known as a misalignment.
A misaligned bite can put strain on the jaw muscles and joints, leading to discomfort in the face, jaw, and head. This type of pain is often referred to as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which can cause headaches, earaches, and jaw pain. TMJ headaches can be intense and may feel like a sharp or throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head.
4. Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Wisdom teeth that are causing discomfort can also lead to teeth grinding and clenching, both of which are known to cause headaches.
When the wisdom teeth emerge or cause pain, many people unknowingly grind their teeth or clench their jaws as a reaction. This can occur during the day or at night while sleeping.
Grinding and clenching create extra pressure on the teeth, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joints, which can lead to tension headaches. These headaches are often located around the temples or the back of the head, and they may be accompanied by soreness in the jaw or facial muscles.
5. Sinus Pressure and Pain
In some cases, wisdom teeth, especially those in the upper jaw, can cause sinus problems. The roots of the upper wisdom teeth are located near the sinus cavities. When these teeth become impacted or infected, they can cause inflammation and pressure that affect the nearby sinuses. This can lead to sinus headaches, which are characterized by a deep, aching pain in the forehead, around the eyes, and in the cheeks.
Sinus headaches caused by wisdom teeth are often accompanied by other symptoms like nasal congestion, facial tenderness, and a runny nose. If you experience these symptoms along with wisdom tooth pain, it may be worth consulting your dentist to determine whether your wisdom teeth are contributing to the sinus pressure.
6. Cysts and Tumors
In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts or tumors in the jaw. These growths can cause significant pressure and pain in the surrounding areas, which may radiate into the head, resulting in headaches. While these conditions are not common, they can lead to more serious complications if left untreated.
If a cyst or tumor is detected, it may require surgical removal of the wisdom teeth and other affected tissue to alleviate the pressure and prevent further damage.
What Are the Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Causing Headaches?
The headaches caused by wisdom teeth can vary in severity and frequency, but they are typically associated with other symptoms.
Some common signs that your headaches might be related to your wisdom teeth include:
Pain in the jaw or teeth: You may feel discomfort or pain in the area of the wisdom tooth, which can extend to the jaw and face.
Swelling or redness around the gums: This can indicate infection or inflammation caused by impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth.
Tenderness in the temples or around the eyes: Pain may be felt in the head, particularly around the temples or eyes, which is often associated with sinus pressure or tension-type headaches.
Jaw stiffness or difficulty opening the mouth: If your wisdom teeth are causing misalignment or TMJ disorder, you may experience stiffness or pain when opening your mouth or chewing.
Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth: This is common with infections or pericoronitis around a wisdom tooth.
Earaches or ringing in the ears: These symptoms are sometimes associated with TMJ disorders or sinus pressure caused by wisdom teeth.
What Can You Do About It?
If you suspect that your wisdom teeth are causing headaches, it’s important to consult your dentist or oral surgeon. They can assess your condition, take X-rays, and determine whether your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing any other issues.
Based on the severity of the problem, they may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help alleviate the discomfort caused by wisdom teeth and headaches. Your dentist may also recommend a stronger pain reliever if necessary.
Antibiotics: If you have an infection around your wisdom tooth, antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear it up.
Tooth extraction: If your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing significant pain, your dentist may recommend having them removed.
This is often the best solution to prevent further problems, including headaches.
TMJ treatment: If misalignment or jaw issues are contributing to headaches, your dentist may suggest TMJ treatments, such as a custom night guard, jaw exercises, or referral to a specialist.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth can cause headaches for a variety of reasons, including impaction, infection, misalignment, and pressure on surrounding structures. The pain from these teeth can radiate to the head, causing discomfort and tension. If you experience headaches along with other symptoms like jaw pain, swelling, or tenderness, it’s important to seek professional dental care. Your dentist can help identify the cause of your headaches and recommend appropriate treatment to alleviate the pain and prevent future issues.
