Wisdom teeth don’t fully erupt in everyone. Sometimes they remain completely hidden within the gums and bone, or they may only partially erupt. The American Dental Association recommends that people between 16–19 years old get their wisdom teeth evaluated by a dentist. [4] X Research source The longer your wisdom teeth stay in your mouth after the age of 18, the more developed the roots become, making them more difficult to remove if they are problematic.
Eruption of wisdom teeth is not continuous, so every three to five months you may experience the same pain for a few days. The wisdom tooth eruption influences the bone position of the other teeth so you may find that your teeth begin to shift. If the wisdom teeth are not able to erupt normally, they may become trapped or impacted within your jawbone. This increases the risk of infection (see below). The pain from erupting wisdom teeth can get worse at night if you have a habit of clenching your jaw and/or grinding your molars. Chewing gum may also aggravate the pain caused by wisdom teeth. While the pain typically goes away without professional intervention, there are a variety of ways to help ease the pain for you to try in the meantime.
While looking in your mouth, you might see some blood around the protruding wisdom tooth, or your saliva may be tinged red. This is relatively uncommon, but not rare. Other causes of blood can include gum disease, canker sores or mouth trauma. You might see a “gum flap” over your erupting wisdom tooth, which is known as a pericoronal flap. This is normal and doesn’t usually cause any problems. While your rear gum tissue (gingiva) is swollen, it might be difficult to open your mouth. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You may need to drink fluids through a straw for a few days. You may also find it difficult to swallow. Your dentist may prescribe some anti-inflammatory medication for you to take for a few days. Lower wisdom teeth are close to your tonsils, which may swell, giving you the feeling of getting a cold or sore throat.
The type of pain associated with an infected wisdom tooth is often a constant dull ache combined with infrequent sharp and shooting pains. Pus is a grayish-white color and made from white blood cells of the immune system. These specialized cells rush to the infection site to kill bacteria, then they die and form pus. Bad breath can also be caused by trapped and rotting food underneath pericoronal flaps.
If your wisdom teeth are pushing others too far out of place, your dentist may recommend you have them removed. Once wisdom teeth are removed (extracted), other crooked teeth can slowly become realigned again naturally after a few weeks or months.
People with small jaws and mouths are much more likely to have impacted wisdom teeth that cause significant pain and swelling. Although impacted wisdom teeth might not directly cause symptoms, they can promote decay in other teeth or surrounding gum tissue that can lead to long-term pain. Deciding when to go to the dentist depends on your pain tolerance and ability to be patient. As a general rule, if the pain keeps you from getting sleep (without medication) for more than three to five days, then it’s best to get your teeth checked out.
Make sure to trim your fingernails and sanitize your finger with alcohol wipes in order to prevent transferring bacteria onto your gums. You can make an infected wisdom tooth worse if you don’t practice good hygiene. Ask your dentist if he can recommend a desensitizing cream or ointment that you can massage into your inflamed gums. Using cold compresses and sucking on frozen treats (Popsicle, sorbet or ice cream) may also help soothe tender gums. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Taking too much ibuprofen (or taking it for too long) can irritate and damage the stomach and kidneys, so take the medication with food. Taking too much acetaminophen is toxic and damaging to the liver. Alcohol should never be combined with acetaminophen. [13] X Research source
Swishing around the pericoronal flaps may also help remove any trapped food, plaque or debris. Make a natural and inexpensive antiseptic mouthwash by adding a half-teaspoon of table salt or sea salt to a cup of warm water. [15] X Research source Gargle for 30 seconds, then spit and repeat three to five times daily or as needed. Gargling with diluted vinegar, fresh lemon juice, diluted hydrogen peroxide or with a few drops of iodine in water are all effective for combating infections in your mouth. Wormwood tea is also a great adjuvant that helps gums fight with the inflammatory process.
