Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS
Reading time: four minutes.
Wisdom tooth pain can be more than just a minor annoyance—it can disrupt your ability to eat, sleep, and focus.
This blog will help you understand why wisdom teeth cause pain, how to relieve tooth pain at home, and when professional dental care is necessary.
Table of Contents
- What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Cause Pain?
- What Does Wisdom Tooth Pain Feel Like?
- How to Relieve Wisdom Tooth Pain at Home
- When to Seek Professional Wisdom Tooth Treatment
- Why Dentists Often Recommend Wisdom Teeth Extraction
- FAQs About Wisdom Teeth Pain and Removal
- Experiencing Wisdom Tooth Pain? Book an Appointment at Post Street Dental Group
Key Takeaway
The most effective way to temporarily relieve wisdom tooth pain is by using salt water rinses, clove oil, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Professional dental care, including possible wisdom teeth extraction, is often necessary for long-term pain management
What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Cause Pain?
Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to emerge, typically in the late teens or early twenties.
They often become problematic due to limited space in the mouth, leading to partial eruption, impaction, or infection.
Common reasons for wisdom teeth pain include:
- Impaction: The tooth gets trapped under the gum tissue.
- Crowding: Wisdom teeth pushing against other teeth.
- Gum infection: Food debris trapped around the tooth can cause bacterial infection.
- Decay: Difficulty cleaning the area may result in cavities and pain.
What Does Wisdom Tooth Pain Feel Like?
Wisdom tooth pain can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain. It often feels like:
- Throbbing or sharp pain around the back of your jaw.
- Gum pain and tenderness near the affected tooth.
- Swelling and redness of the gum tissue.
- Bad taste or bad breath from trapped food particles.
- Sinus pain if upper wisdom teeth put pressure near the sinuses.
How to Relieve Wisdom Tooth Pain at Home
If you need temporary relief while waiting for dental care, these simple home remedies can help:
Salt Water Rinses
- Mix tablespoons of salt in lukewarm water and rinse your mouth for 15-20 minutes.
- Helps reduce swelling and fight bacteria with its antibacterial properties.
Clove Oil
- Soak a cotton ball in drops of clove oil and place it near the painful tooth.
- Its natural anesthetic and antimicrobial properties help numb pain.
Peppermint Tea or Peppermint Oil
- Use a cooled peppermint tea bag or apply peppermint oil using a cotton swab.
- Peppermint has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Cold Compress
- Apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling and numb the area.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
- Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for mild pain. Always follow the dosing instructions and never exceed the recommended daily amount.
Proper Oral Hygiene
- Brush carefully around the area to remove food particles.
- Use a gentle mouth rinse to keep the area clean.
For more tips on how to manage toothaches, read this blog: Fast Toothache Relief: Tips and Tricks for Managing Pain.
When to Seek Professional Wisdom Tooth Treatment
While home remedies provide temporary pain relief, professional care is often necessary for long-term relief.
Seek help if you experience:
- Persistent pain lasting over a few days.
- Severe swelling or difficulty opening your mouth.
- Signs of infection like fever, bad taste, or pus.
- Pain spreading to the ear or neck.
These symptoms could indicate issues like impaction, gum infections, or the need for wisdom teeth extraction.
Learn more about how often you should see your dentist for optimal oral health in this blog: How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?
Why Dentists Often Recommend Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental treatment to prevent or resolve complications caused by these teeth.
Dentists recommend extraction because:
- Prevents crowding: Wisdom teeth can push against other teeth, disrupting alignment.
- Reduces infection risk: Partially erupted teeth can trap bacteria, leading to gum infections.
- Prevents damage: Impacted teeth can damage neighboring teeth and bone.
- Improves oral hygiene: Removing wisdom teeth simplifies cleaning and reduces food debris buildup.
FAQs About Wisdom Teeth Pain and Removal
If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or signs of infection near your wisdom teeth, or if they are causing crowding or misalignment of other teeth, your dentist may recommend extraction.
During the procedure, local anesthesia and sedation ensures you won’t feel pain. Some discomfort is normal during recovery, but it can be managed with prescribed medications and home care instructions.
Most patients recover within a week, though full healing of the gums and bone can take a few months. Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions is key to a smooth recovery.
Not all wisdom teeth require removal. If they erupt properly, are healthy, and don’t cause complications, extraction may not be necessary. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor their status.
Delaying treatment can lead to infections, damage to neighboring teeth, and more severe pain or complications. Early intervention is often easier and more effective.
Experiencing Wisdom Tooth Pain? Book an Appointment at Post Street Dental Group
If you are struggling with persistent wisdom tooth pain, it may be time for a professional evaluation.
Our skilled dentists provide personalized care, including wisdom teeth extraction for long-term relief.Call us today at (415) 986-4534 or visit our dentist’s office in San Francisco, CA at 490 Post St, Suite 520, San Francisco, CA 94102. Book an appointment to get relief from wisdom tooth pain and protect your oral health.