If you’ve been dealing with unexplained discomfort in your jaw, especially toward the back of your mouth, you might be wondering: can wisdom teeth cause jaw pain? The answer is yes, and often, they’re a major culprit behind jaw-related discomfort. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, can create a variety of dental issues, especially if they do not grow in properly. This blog explores how wisdom teeth may affect jaw health, the symptoms to watch out for, and what treatment options are available. For expert care and to discuss your wisdom teeth concerns, Dr Jack Bella Vista Dentist is here to help you with a personalized treatment plan.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of adult teeth to emerge, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, two on top and two on the bottom. While some individuals never experience issues when their wisdom teeth erupt, others may face complications due to lack of space or improper growth.
Understanding Jaw Pain from Wisdom Teeth
One of the most common questions dental professionals hear is, why do my wisdom teeth cause jaw pain? There are several reasons for this:
- Impacted wisdom teeth: When there isn’t enough space in the mouth, wisdom teeth may get stuck or impacted, trapped beneath the gum tissue or against other teeth. This pressure can radiate to the jaw area.
- Improper eruption: If wisdom teeth erupt at the wrong angle or become partially erupted, they may irritate the surrounding gums and jaw muscles.
- Crowding of other teeth: Impacted teeth can push against neighboring teeth, causing misalignment, tension, and jaw pain.
- Inflammation and infection: Impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infections in the gum tissue, which spreads to the jaw and surrounding muscles.
- TMJ disorders: Wisdom teeth can contribute to stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to popping sounds, soreness, and even headaches.
Common Symptoms That Point to Wisdom Teeth Issues
Wisdom teeth pain doesn’t always feel the same for everyone. Here are some telltale signs that your wisdom teeth may be affecting your jaw health:
- Persistent or throbbing jaw pain at the back of the mouth
- Swelling in the jaw area or around the gums
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully
- Pain while chewing or biting
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Gum tenderness or swollen gums
- Pressure on nearby teeth
- TMJ symptoms such as popping, locking, or stiffness
These symptoms could be the result of impacted wisdom teeth, partially impacted wisdom teeth, or wisdom teeth growing at a wrong angle.
How Impacted Wisdom Teeth Lead to Jaw Problems
Pressure on the Jaw Joint and Surrounding Muscles
An impacted wisdom tooth can apply uneven pressure on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. This can trigger TMJ issues, cause muscle fatigue, and result in chronic jaw pain. Over time, this may even lead to misalignment or inflammation of the jaw joint.
Inflammation and Infection
When a partially erupted tooth creates a flap in the gums, food particles and bacteria can get trapped underneath, leading to gum disease or infection. Inflammation can spread to the jaw, worsening the discomfort.
Dental Issues from Crowding and Decay
Wisdom teeth may be hard to clean, especially when they erupt at odd angles. This can cause tooth decay, infections, and inflammation in the gums and jaw area. Good oral hygiene becomes difficult in these situations, leading to broader oral health problems.
When Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary?
Many dental professionals recommend wisdom teeth removal as a preventive step, especially when there are signs of impacted teeth, jaw pain, or crowding. If left untreated, these issues can worsen over time and impact your oral health, jaw function, and overall comfort.
Common Reasons for Extraction
- Persistent jaw pain
- Repeated gum infections
- Damage to other teeth
- Cysts or tumors
- Development of TMJ disorders
- Difficulty keeping the area clean
An oral surgeon or oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform a thorough examination, possibly including X-rays, to evaluate whether wisdom tooth extraction is needed.
What to Expect During Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If your dentist or oral surgeon recommends removing your wisdom teeth, don’t worry; this is a routine procedure. The removal process may involve:
- Local or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity
- Surgical removal if the teeth are impacted
- Stitches to close the extraction site
You may experience some swelling, tenderness, or minor jaw pain after the procedure, but this usually subsides within a few days.
Managing Jaw Pain at Home Before or After Removal
While you’re waiting for your appointment or recovering from surgery, there are several at-home remedies that can help ease the discomfort:
Cold Compresses
Applying a cold pack to the jaw area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time can reduce inflammation and help numb the pain.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can be very effective in managing jaw pain and swelling due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Salt Water Rinses
Gentle rinsing with warm salt water can reduce bacteria and promote healing in the gum tissue.
Soft Foods and Limited Chewing
Stick to soft, non-chewy foods like soups, yogurts, and smoothies to give your jaw muscles time to rest.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing gently around the affected area and rinsing can help prevent infections from developing while waiting for oral surgery.
When to See a Dental Professional
You should schedule an appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon if you are:
- Experiencing pain in the back of your jaw that lasts more than a few days
- Noticing swollen gums or a bad taste in your mouth
- Finding it difficult to chew, speak, or open your mouth fully
- Feeling popping sounds or tension in your jaw joint
A thorough examination will help determine if your wisdom teeth cause discomfort and if removal is the best course of action.
Final Thoughts
So, can wisdom teeth cause jaw pain? Absolutely. From impaction to crowding and inflammation, wisdom teeth can cause a range of symptoms that affect not just your teeth, but also your jaw and facial comfort. Ignoring the signs could lead to more serious oral health problems, including infection, decay, and TMJ disorders.
If you think your wisdom teeth may be causing your jaw pain, consult a dental professional for a proper evaluation. Early diagnosis and timely wisdom tooth extraction can prevent complications, preserve jaw health, and restore your comfort. To get the right assessment and care, book a consultation with a trusted dentist in Croydon who can evaluate your wisdom teeth and recommend the best course of action.
Taking care of your teeth, including the troublesome third set, is an essential step toward maintaining a healthy, pain-free smile.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/symptoms-causes/syc-20373808
https://www.healthline.com/health/wisdom-teeth-jaw-pain
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22296-impacted-wisdom-teeth
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/wisdom-teeth
