Pain in the far back of your mouth? It’s likely your wisdom teeth… Keep reading to learn what to do when your wisdom teeth are causing you pain.
ç, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. While many of our patients experience no issues with their wisdom teeth throughout their lives, others have come to us in pain and discomfort. So, if you’re experiencing wisdom tooth pain, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are ways that we can ease the discomfort and address the underlying issue.
Contact our team at The Bristol Dental Practice today if you’re experiencing tooth pain and need immediate support.
Understanding Wisdom Tooth Pain
Wisdom tooth pain can be caused by various factors, including:
- Growth and Eruption: As wisdom teeth grow, they can push through the gums and cause pain and tenderness. This process can be very painful if there isn’t enough room in the mouth for the teeth to emerge properly.
- Impaction: When there isn’t enough space for the tooth to emerge properly, it can become impacted, leading to pain and swelling.
- Infection: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create a flap of gum tissue that traps food and bacteria, causing infection.
- Cysts or Tumours: In rare cases, wisdom teeth can develop cysts or tumours, leading to pain and potential damage to surrounding teeth and bone.
- Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Wisdom teeth are hard to clean, making them susceptible to cavities and gum disease.
Immediate Relief for Wisdom Tooth Pain
If you’re experiencing pain from your wisdom teeth, here are some steps you can take to find relief:
- Over-the-counter pain relief like Ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and manage pain. Always follow the recommended dosage instructions.
- Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 15-20 minutes at a time. This can help numb the area and reduce swelling.
- Try a saltwater rinse. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth gently. This can help reduce bacteria and soothe inflamed gums.
When to See a Dentist
While home remedies can provide temporary relief, it’s important to contact our team if you experience persistent or severe pain. Here are some signs that you need to see a dentist:
- Severe Pain: If the pain is intense and doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medications, it’s time to see a dentist.
- Swelling and Infection: Signs of infection include swelling, fever, and pus discharge. These symptoms require immediate dental attention.
- Difficulty Opening Your Mouth: This could indicate a more severe infection or an impacted tooth that needs professional intervention.
- Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste: These can be signs of an infection around the wisdom teeth.
Depending on the cause and severity of the pain, there are various ways to address it, including prescribing antibiotics, scheduling a hygienist visit, or, as a last resort, performing an extraction.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Bristol
In many cases, removing wisdom teeth is the best solution to prevent ongoing issues and pain. While we understand that extractions can be a scary and distressing experience for many people, our team is highly trained to perform this procedure gently and smoothly to avoid any discomfort.
At our Bristol dental practice, we can also offer conscious sedation to help you feel relaxed and comfortable and make time go by quickly. If this is something that interests you, please inform our dentist before the extraction procedure so that we can schedule a sedation consultation for you, if you haven’t had one already. Learn more about conscious sedation at The Bristol Dental Practice.
Do We Need Our Wisdom Teeth Anymore?
No, we don’t. Wisdom teeth are considered vestigial structures, meaning they are remnants of an evolutionary past that have lost much of their original function. Our ancestors needed these extra molars to help chew and grind a diet of rough, coarse food, such as roots, nuts, and raw meat. However, as human diets have evolved and cooking methods have made food easier to chew, the necessity for these molars has diminished.
Additionally, over time, human jaws have become smaller. This evolutionary change means there’s often not enough room for wisdom teeth to emerge properly, leading to common issues such as impaction and crowding. Understanding the vestigial nature of wisdom teeth helps explain why many people experience problems with them and why they are often removed.
Preventive Measures
To minimise the risk of wisdom tooth pain in the future, consider these preventive measures:
- Regular Dental Checkups: Regular visits to your dentist can help monitor the position and health of your wisdom teeth.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Final Thoughts
Wisdom tooth pain can be very distressing and can stop you in your tracks. While little can be done to prevent this discomfort if it’s been caused by a small jaw, understanding the causes and knowing how to manage the pain is useful. Home remedies can offer temporary relief, but it’s essential to seek professional dental care for persistent or severe pain. Working with our Bristol dentists, we can determine the best course of action to address your wisdom teeth and maintain good oral health. If you’re experiencing wisdom tooth pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for advice and treatment options. We look forward to hearing from you.
Call Us: 0117 910 5929
Our Address: 1 Queen Square, Bristol BS1 4JQ