You may not remember what it felt like when your baby teeth were coming in. But when your wisdom teeth start coming in, the pain can feel a lot like teething all over again. Wisdom tooth pain often happens in your late teens or early twenties, and it can cause sore gums, swelling, or pressure in the back of your mouth.
While it is normal to experience slight pain with the arrival of wisdom teeth, if the pain persists, it might mean that your wisdom teeth are growing in the wrong way or causing other problems. The good news is that you can feel better with the right wisdom tooth pain remedy. Keep reading to understand why wisdom tooth pain happens, what signs to watch for, and how to treat it at home or with a dentist’s help.
What is Wisdom Tooth Pain?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of adult teeth to come in, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They are also known as ‘third molars.’ They grow at the very back of the mouth, where there might not be enough room for them to fit properly. As these teeth erupt, they can push against other surrounding teeth or get stuck under the gums. This can lead to discomfort or pressure, which is often referred to as wisdom tooth pain.
The wisdom tooth pain area is usually near the back corners of your jaw. You may also feel swelling, pressure, or wisdom tooth gum pain as the tooth tries to break through. For some, the pain is mild, while others may feel sharp, throbbing pain that comes and goes. When the wisdom teeth get stuck in your gums or jawbone, it can result in infections, cavities, and other oral health issues.
Common Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Not everyone feels pain when their wisdom teeth grow in, but many people do. The discomfort can range from mild to severe pain, depending on how the tooth is growing and how it affects nearby areas.
Here are some common wisdom tooth pain symptoms to watch out for:
Toothache or throbbing pain near the affected area
Jaw pain or stiffness when opening your mouth
Swelling or tenderness in the gums due to the impacted tooth
Bleeding gums near the back of the mouth
Red or swollen tissue where the tooth is coming in
Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
A pocket of pus (called an abscess) in serious cases
The symptoms for wisdom tooth pain can last a few days or even weeks, depending on the cause. The wisdom tooth pain duration may be shorter with home remedies, but if the pain continues or worsens, you may need dental treatment.
What Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain?
Wisdom teeth can cause pain when they do not grow in properly. In many cases, there is not enough space in the mouth, so the tooth gets stuck or grows at an angle. This is called an impaction and is one of the main reasons for what causes wisdom tooth pain.
Here are some of the common reasons behind wisdom tooth pain:
The tooth pushes against other teeth or gets trapped under the gums
Inflammation or infection develops as the tooth breaks through the gums
Food and bacteria get trapped around a partially erupted tooth, leading to swelling or decay
A cyst or unbearable wisdom tooth pain may occur if the area becomes severely infected
If the pain is mild, home care and over-the-counter options may help. But if you are struggling to find a proper pain reliever for wisdom tooth discomfort or the pain gets worse, it is best to visit a dental professional.
Treatment Options for Wisdom Tooth Pain
If you are unsure what to do for wisdom tooth pain, the good news is that there are several ways to find relief. Both at-home and professional treatments could help. However, the right wisdom tooth pain treatment depends on how serious your pain is and what is causing it.
If the pain is mild, home remedies or over-the-counter medicine might be enough. But if the pain gets worse, you may need a dental procedure like cleaning, draining an infection, or even removing the tooth. Wondering how to relieve wisdom tooth pain? Below are three common options to treat wisdom tooth pain.
Professional Dental Treatments
It is always best to get professional help for your oral health issues. But many try at-home remedies at first. If home care does not work or the wisdom tooth pain becomes severe, it is important to see a dentist. They can check if the tooth is impacted, infected, or putting pressure on your other teeth.
If you are wondering how to ease the pain of wisdom tooth, your dental professional can help in the following ways:
Deep cleaning to remove trapped food and bacteria
Draining an abscess if there is an infection
Prescribing antibiotics for swelling or gum infection
Wisdom tooth extraction if the tooth is impacted or causing damage
In some cases, the dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon, especially if the tooth is deeply impacted. For these procedures, you might be given sedation or general anesthetics to help you stay comfortable and pain-free. Professional care not only relieves pain but also helps prevent future problems. If your symptoms are getting worse, do not wait too long to book a dental visit.
Home Remedies
If your pain is mild, you may not need to rush to the dentist right away. There are several home remedies for wisdom tooth pain that can give you relief and help manage discomfort until you get professional care. Here are some simple and natural remedies for wisdom tooth pain:
Ice pack – You may apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and numb the pain. It is usually used for 15–20 minutes at a time.
Saltwater rinse – A teaspoon of salt is mixed in a glass of warm water and rinsed in the mouth gently. A saltwater rinse may help clean the area and reduce bacteria.
Clove oil – A small amount of clove oil is dabbed on a cotton ball and applied to the sore area. Clove oil has natural numbing and antibacterial properties, which could help in pain relief.
These options are safe and easy to try if you are wondering how to get rid of wisdom tooth pain at home. But remember, they are temporary solutions. If pain continues, it is best to see a dentist.
Over The Counter
For moderate pain, over the counter wisdom tooth pain relief options can be helpful. These are medicines you can buy at a pharmacy without a prescription and are often the first step many people try. Common wisdom tooth medicine options include:
Ibuprofen or paracetamol (acetaminophen) – Ibuprofen for wisdom tooth pain might help reduce swelling and offer relief.
Oral numbing gels – Numbing gels contain compounds that may temporarily numb the area where your wisdom tooth is hurting.
If you are wondering how to lessen the pain of wisdom tooth growth, these products might offer pain relief. However, be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label, and speak to a healthcare professional or dentist if your symptoms get worse or last longer than a few days.
How to Prevent Wisdom Tooth Pain?
While you cannot always stop wisdom tooth pain from happening, you can take steps to reduce your risk and keep your mouth healthy. Prevention mostly comes down to good oral care and regular dental visits. Here are a few simple tips on how to lessen wisdom tooth pain or avoid it altogether:
Brush and floss every day to prevent gum problems and reduce plaque buildup
Use mouthwash or a mouth rinse to clear out bacteria and trapped food particles
Rinse with warm saltwater if your gums feel sore or swollen
Avoid hard or sticky foods that can irritate the back of your mouth
Visit your dentist regularly to check how your wisdom teeth are growing
If you do get pain, knowing how long does wisdom tooth pain lasts can help. Mild pain may go away in a few days, but if it lasts more than a week or gets worse, it is recommended to see a dentist. Early action can lead to better wisdom teeth pain relief and fewer complications.
When To See A Dental Professional
If you are dealing with wisdom tooth pain, it is important to know when home remedies are not enough. While mild discomfort may improve with care, you might be wondering, ‘Will wisdom tooth pain go away on its own?’. The answer is, it depends on the individual's oral condition. See a dentist if you notice:
Swelling, redness, or bleeding in the back of your mouth
Pain that lasts more than a few days or keeps returning
Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing
Signs of infection, like pus, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth
A dentist can take X-rays to see if you have impacted wisdom teeth. If that is the case, wisdom teeth removal may be the best solution. Seeing a professional early helps avoid serious dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, or damage to nearby teeth. It also gives you proper advice on how to reduce wisdom tooth pain and protect your long-term oral health.
Wisdom tooth pain can be uncomfortable, but the right care can make a big difference. Practicing good oral hygiene, keeping up with regular dental care, and knowing how to stop wisdom tooth pain early can help avoid serious issues. While home tips may offer wisdom tooth pain relief, seeing a healthcare professional is often the best way to find a lasting wisdom tooth pain cure. Do not skip routine checkups, as they are key to keeping your smile healthy and pain-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my wisdom tooth is infected?
Does wisdom tooth pain go away by itself?
How do you relieve wisdom teeth pain?
How long can pain from wisdom teeth last?
Pain can last a few days to a few weeks, depending on the cause. If it lasts longer than a week or worsens, it is best to visit your dentist.
You may notice swelling, redness, pus, a bad taste, or constant pain near the back of your mouth. Fever and jaw stiffness can also be signs of infection.
Mild pain may go away on its own, especially if the tooth is growing normally. But ongoing or severe pain usually needs dental treatment.
You can use cold compresses, saltwater rinses, pain relievers, or clove oil for temporary relief. For long-term relief, it is essential to visit a dental professional.
