Wisdom teeth usually come through between the late teens and mid-twenties, and often there isn’t enough room. Many cause no problems at all. Others get stuck (impacted) and lead to pain and infection. Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out.
Imagine a throbbing pain at the very back of your jaw, a swollen gum flap over a half-erupted tooth, a bad taste, and difficulty opening your mouth. It’s an infection called pericoronitis, common with wisdom teeth. Your dentist can treat it and discuss whether the tooth should come out.
Common problems
- Pericoronitis: infection of the gum around a partly erupted tooth
- Decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth next to it
- Gum disease from food trapping
- Rarely, cysts
Home care for mild pain
- Rinse with warm salty water after meals
- Keep the area clean with a soft brush
- Use paracetamol or ibuprofen
- See a dentist if it doesn’t settle in a few days
But when do they need removing?
Guidelines in many countries recommend removal for repeated infections, decay that can’t be repaired, damage to nearby teeth, or cysts, rather than removing healthy wisdom teeth routinely. Get urgent help for swelling spreading into the face or neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a high fever.
Your next step: If wisdom tooth pain has come back more than once, book a dental assessment with an X-ray to discuss your options before the next flare.
Sources: NHS (Wisdom tooth removal), NICE guidance on wisdom teeth removal, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from your own dentist or doctor.
Leave a Reply