Wisdom teeth are often infamous structures because they come in much later than the rest of your smile. They can erupt around late teens to early twenties, but they often cause plenty of trouble for many people. You might’ve had these third molars start to hurt, but what’s the reason for this pain? Here’s a guide on what you should know and ways you can get relief.
Why Are My Wisdom Teeth Hurting?
Typically, the main reason for wisdom teeth hurting is that they are impacted or come in at an angle. There’s a chance they don’t break past the gumline or push against their neighboring structures. When this happens, you may start to feel discomfort in your jaw along with swelling, tenderness, or bleeding gums in some cases. Developing misalignment can also be a possibility for a few patients!
While these third molars may hurt, they can also increase your risk of oral health issues. You might be at a higher chance of cavities and gum disease because it can be difficult to clean back there in your mouth.
How Can I Get Relief from My Wisdom Teeth?
Although your wisdom teeth can cause trouble, that doesn’t mean you should just let them! There are several ways you can get relief from the discomfort you feel. Here are handy tips you should keep in mind:
- Do a saltwater rinseto kill harmful bacteria that can cause dental problems, soothe your gums, reduce inflammation, and calm tenderness.
- Apply cold or hot packs to first numb your mouth and reduce pain, but then warm it up to release tension and increase blood flow. Many people find success with alternating them.
- Take over-the-counter medication to dull any pain you feel. Just be sure to follow the directions on the bottle to determine your correct dosage.
If you find that your wisdom teeth are still causing trouble for your smile, then you can consider talking to your dentist about it! They will be able to take X-rays and perform an examination to see whether having them extracted can give you permanent relief from them.
In the end, try out any of the temporary solutions for now! While they won’t give you the long-term one you need, they can be helpful to try in the moment. That way, you aren’t in too much pain while you wait for your visit with your provider.
About the Author
Dr. Hiren Patel earned his dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He has over 500 hours of continuing education that he uses to give the San Antonio community the high-quality care they deserve. Dr. Patel is here to help you with your wisdom tooth trouble. By offering same-day urgent visits, you can get the relief you need as soon as possible. If you have any questions about this treatment, schedule an appointment or call his office at (210) 590-2736.