Any type of dental pain is a good reason to seek professional care. Since teeth do not heal themselves, the problem is only likely to worsen with time! Some of the most common culprits behind oral pain are the wisdom teeth. Why might they be hurting, and what can you do about it while you are waiting for your dental appointment? This blog post provides some practical information.
Possible Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Pain
Your wisdom teeth might be bothering you for a few reasons:
- Growing pains. If you are a teenager or young adult, your wisdom teeth may simply be erupting from the gumline. This can cause mild soreness and swelling.
- Decay. Because the wisdom teeth are so far back in the mouth, they can be difficult to thoroughly clean. Therefore, they are more likely to collect bacteria and develop spots of decay. If a cavity becomes deep enough, it can cause significant pain and sensitivity.
- Impaction. If a wisdom tooth is impacted (stuck fully or partially beneath the gumline), it can cause swelling, pain when biting, and other unpleasant symptoms.
- Cysts. Cysts can form around the base of wisdom teeth. They are usually benign, but they can still put pressure on nearby structures and cause discomfort.
- Gum disease. Due to oral hygiene challenges, bacteria may attack the gum tissue around your wisdom teeth. This can cause soreness, swelling, bad breath, and other symptoms.
Tips for Dealing with Wisdom Tooth Pain
When you visit your dentist or oral surgeon, they may recommend that you get your wisdom teeth extracted so they will not cause any problems in the future. In the meantime, you may be able to reduce your discomfort by taking some simple steps:
- Apply a cold compress. This can reduce swelling and pain. Alternatively, you can sip on a cold drink (just make sure the beverage is not too sugary or acidic).
- Swish with warm salt water. Warm salt water can help to reduce inflammation and fight bacterial buildup.
- Use over-the-counter pain medications. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen may be useful for reducing wisdom tooth pain.
- Eat a soft diet. Hard, crunchy, and extremely hot foods might irritate your oral tissues, so it may be best to avoid them.
Wisdom tooth pain can be a major bummer. Thankfully, professional treatment can end your discomfort for good!
Meet the Practice
Our Katy oral surgery practice is proud to be home to two talented doctors — Drs. Steve Koo and William Shepard. They provide comfortable treatment in a modern, welcoming facility. If your wisdom teeth have been bothering you, we are ready to assess your case and recommend your next steps. Get in touch with us at 832-353-1100.