Understanding Wisdom Teeth Pain
Wisdom tooth pain can be a distressing experience for many individuals. The pain can occur when the wisdom tooth starts to erupt or if it becomes infected, impacted, or presses against the gum and other teeth. Common characteristics of wisdom tooth pain include prolonged duration, severe throbbing pain, difficulty in eating and drinking normally, and even sleep deprivation. So, what should you do when you experience wisdom tooth pain?
1. Common Cases of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last teeth to emerge in each side of the jaw. They usually appear in adulthood and the number and timing of their eruption can vary from person to person. Since wisdom teeth do not contribute significantly to chewing, they can be removed in many cases or may not even develop in some individuals.
1.1. Wisdom Tooth Pain during Eruption
The process of the wisdom tooth eruption involves piercing through the gum, which can cause intense pain in individuals who are growing their wisdom teeth. As the wisdom tooth is located at the back of the jaw, it often lacks sufficient space to grow normally, leading to crowding and impaction against the neighboring teeth. Consequently, wisdom tooth pain tends to be more severe and can last for several days, causing sleep disturbances and difficulties in eating. While pain relief medication or certain self-care methods can help alleviate the pain, complete relief is achieved only when the wisdom tooth has fully erupted.
1.2. Wisdom Tooth Decay
Wisdom teeth, being located at the back of the jaw, often pose challenges in terms of oral hygiene. Consequently, decay is a common issue associated with wisdom teeth. Poor oral hygiene, consuming excessively hot or cold food, and eating hard foods can lead to tooth decay or fractures in the wisdom tooth. Advanced decay in wisdom teeth can cause severe throbbing pain, potentially affecting adjacent teeth and the jawbone. In severe cases, tooth loss may occur, prompting dental professionals to advise extraction as wisdom teeth do not play a significant role in biting and chewing.
Identifying signs of wisdom tooth decay include:
- Appearance of small or large cavities on the wisdom tooth, which may be brown, black, or yellow.
- Persistent throbbing pain in the wisdom tooth, aggravated by consuming excessively hot, cold, or sweet food.
1.3. Unexplained Wisdom Tooth Pain
In fortunate cases, wisdom teeth grow normally, similar to other teeth, causing minimal discomfort. However, due to limited space, most wisdom teeth erupt in a misaligned, horizontal, or even inverted manner, resulting in pain and discomfort. Difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene for wisdom teeth can lead to inflammation, decay, and swelling, causing discomfort and pain.
2. What to Do When You Have Wisdom Tooth Pain?
When experiencing wisdom tooth pain, many individuals consider extracting the affected tooth. However, the treatment approach depends on the underlying cause. If the wisdom tooth is erupting normally or growing in the correct alignment without causing crowding or impaction, preserving the tooth is possible. Dentists may provide guidance on oral care practices to temporarily alleviate the pain. However, if the wisdom tooth is decayed, impacted, or affecting neighboring teeth and the jaw, extraction is usually recommended due to its limited functional significance.
Wisdom tooth pain can be severe and prolonged, significantly impacting your daily life. Therefore, it is essential to visit a specialized dental clinic for consultation and treatment. If you are unable to schedule a dental appointment immediately or your wisdom tooth is growing normally, you can use pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate discomfort.
Additionally, here are some measures to quickly reduce wisdom tooth pain:
2.1. Thorough Oral Care
Wisdom tooth pain is often accompanied by gum inflammation and soft tissue discomfort. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush your teeth to avoid injuring the gums around the erupting wisdom tooth. Mouthwash with antibacterial properties and dental floss can help remove food debris and plaque between teeth.
2.2. Cold Compress
Using a cold compress is an effective method to reduce pain and swelling, especially for wisdom teeth that are erupting or causing horizontal growth and tooth decay. You can apply this simple technique at home:
- Wrap 2-3 small ice cubes in a soft cloth.
- Apply the cold compress to the area near the swollen area or the location of the affected wisdom tooth for 2-5 minutes.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times a day. The throbbing pain and swelling caused by wisdom tooth pain will gradually subside.
3. Should You Extract Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth often cause pain, gum inflammation, and misalignment due to their unfavorable position. Moreover, they tend to accumulate food debris and bacteria, leading to tooth decay. Consequently, many patients opt for wisdom tooth extraction to eliminate the pain completely.
Additionally, extraction might be considered in cases where the wisdom tooth is causing complications such as severe pain, infected cysts, or affecting neighboring teeth. Dentists will evaluate and determine whether to extract the wisdom tooth or provide alternative treatments to alleviate pain and maintain oral health.
Therefore, when experiencing wisdom tooth pain, it is crucial to seek advice from a specialized dental clinic for pain relief and treatment. Do not endure prolonged pain, as it can lead to various health complications.
For further advice or assistance, feel free to reach out to MEDLATEC through their website Kienthucykhoa.com or contact their hotline at 1900 56 56 56.
