Have you ever felt a nagging throb in your jaw? Or did you notice swelling near those back teeth?
If you answered yes, you might ponder: “Can wisdom teeth cause jaw pain?” Yes. Wisdom teeth are the last molars in your late teens or early twenties. They can cause problems.
Let’s explore why you have a toothache and find the signs and solutions.
Moorestown Smile Center helps with wisdom teeth causing jaw pain. Our experts ease discomfort, remove problem teeth, and keep your jaw healthy. Contact us today.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the molars that grown people develop at the very end of the mouth.
Some people are able to grow four of them, while the rest have three wisdom teeth or are devoid of them.
In earlier times, these teeth allowed the ancestors to bite through food that they had not processed like raw meat and roots.
However, with the change in diets and jaw structure, wisdom teeth have become quite unnecessary.
Nowadays, they are often termed as the remnants of our development—they may cause issues like impaction.
Why Are They Called “Wisdom” Teeth?
They get their name because they usually appear when people are older and “wiser” (between ages 17–25). But these teeth aren’t always wise—they often grow sideways, get stuck, or cause crowding.
The growing process of wisdom teeth remains harmless when it happens without complications.
The teeth develop into “impacted” positions when sufficient space does not exist. The impaction causes swelling and pain, together with possible infections.
How Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Jaw Pain?
Can wisdom teeth cause jaw pain? Absolutely. Here’s how:
1. Pressure on Nearby Teeth
Detained wisdom teeth press against their neighbors.
This relentless pressure radiates to your jaw, leaving it sore.
2. Infection or Swelling
Partially grown wisdom teeth create pockets where food gets trapped. Bacteria grow here, leading to infections like pericoronitis.
This makes your jaw swell in the wisdom tooth area.
3. Cysts or Tumors
The development of cysts inside wisdom teeth remains rare because these sacs do not cause damage to the jawbone. A balloon that applies pressure to a wall will eventually make the wall weaker.
4. Misalignment
Crowded wisdom teeth shift your teeth, straining the jaw joint (TMJ). This can make opening your mouth, chewing, or even yawning difficult.
If your wisdom tooth is hurting your jaw, don’t ignore it! Early treatment prevents more significant problems.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Are Causing Jaw Pain
Wisdom teeth and jaw pain are linked if you have:
- Throbbing pain near your back teeth.
- A puffy face with a swollen jaw.
- Trouble opening your mouth thoroughly, like a stuck door hinge.
- Bad breath or a strange taste (a sign of infection).
- Headaches or earaches from jaw strain.
See a dentist if you have tooth pain or trouble eating!
Do Wisdom Teeth Affect Your Jawline?
Many people ask: do wisdom teeth affect jawline? The answer isn’t simple.
- Before Removal
Impacted wisdom teeth can create slight swelling, making your face look rounder.
- After Removal
Some claim their jawline looks slimmer post-surgery, but this is rare. Bones don’t shrink, but reduced swelling might sharpen your features.
However, jawline changes before and after wisdom teeth removal are usually minor. Don’t remove wisdom teeth just for looks—do it only if they cause pain!
What to Do If Your Wisdom Tooth Is Hurting
If your wisdom tooth is hurting your jaw, try these tips:
- Rinse with Salt Water
Mix 1 tsp salt in warm water. Swish 30 seconds to reduce swelling.
- Use a Cold Pack
Apply it to your cheek for 15 minutes. Use a bag of frozen peas.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Medicines like ibuprofen help to get rid of pain as well as swelling. Always obey the instructions!
- Soft Foods Diet
Savor yogurt, indulge in mashed potatoes, or sip comforting soup—no hard chews.
Be gentle with yourself: take gentle bites and enjoy dining delicately.
But remember: these are temporary fixes. Visit a dentist to address the root cause!
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Not all wisdom teeth need removal. Dentists recommend extraction if:
- You have severe tooth pain in your jaw that won’t go away.
- Infections keep coming back like uninvited guests.
- Teeth are damaging neighbors.
- Cysts or tumors form.
Your dentist will perform an X-ray evaluation to see the position of your teeth. The surgery takes about thirty to sixty minutes.
Patients usually need a week to recover completely.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Got a question about the process? Let’s dissect it together:
- Anesthesia: Expect a gentle dose to numb you or help you drift away.
- Extraction: The dentist will whisk your tooth away.
- Stitches: Some holes may need stitches that dissolve by themselves.
- Recovery: Rest at home, don’t use straws, and eat only soft foods.
Most people feel better in 3–7 days!
Final Thoughts
So, can wisdom teeth cause jaw pain? Yes. Wisdom teeth can cause soreness, swelling, and infection.
If you can’t stand the pain in your jaw which is caused by these teeth, it’s better to see a dentist immediately!
Home remedies are great, though the real relief can be seen after visiting a doctor.
Remember, not everyone needs to say goodbye to their wisdom teeth.
However, extraction may be your best bet if tooth pain is persistent.
FAQ
Do your wisdom teeth hurt your jaw more at night?
Sometimes! Lying down increases blood flow to the head, worsening swelling.
Can I prevent wisdom teeth pain?
Not always, but regular dental checkups help catch problems early.
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