If you’ve ever experienced wisdom tooth pain, you may have wondered why it comes and goes, causing discomfort one day and easing the next. This is a common issue that many people face as their wisdom teeth emerge, shift, or develop complications. Wisdom tooth pain can be frustrating, especially when it’s unpredictable. Understanding why this pain fluctuates is crucial in managing it and knowing when to seek professional help.
In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind the intermittent nature of wisdom tooth pain, delve into the various causes of wisdom teeth pain, and discuss the importance of seeking professional dental treatment for any persistent or severe discomfort.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth and Their Emergence
The wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last molars at the back of the mouth. These teeth typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. However, not everyone experiences wisdom teeth pain or discomfort, and some people may never even need wisdom tooth removal.
While wisdom teeth can emerge without issue for some individuals, others experience complications that lead to pain, discomfort, and various dental problems. When wisdom teeth emerge, they can cause swollen gums, soreness, and irritation in the surrounding areas.
Why Does Wisdom Tooth Pain Come and Go?
1. Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth
One of the most common reasons for wisdom teeth pain that comes and goes is when the teeth are partially erupted. This happens when the tooth breaks through the gum tissue but doesn’t fully emerge. The pressure from the partially erupted tooth can cause discomfort, especially when it pushes against the adjacent surrounding teeth.
During this time, the soft tissue around the wisdom teeth can inflate, leading to swollen gums. The pain may intensify when eating or biting down, but it may subside temporarily when the pressure is relieved, making it seem like it comes and goes.
2. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when the tooth cannot emerge properly due to a lack of space or misalignment. This can result in severe pain, especially if the tooth is trapped beneath the gum line or pushed at an awkward angle. The pain can be intermittent, sometimes becoming unbearable, while at other times, the discomfort might lessen, causing the pain to feel like it is disappearing.
An impacted tooth may cause persistent pain, but when the pressure from the surrounding gum tissue or adjacent teeth is temporarily relieved, you might experience a reduction in pain. However, the issue remains unresolved, and without wisdom tooth extraction, the pain could return.
3. Tooth Decay or Infection
Another possible cause of wisdom tooth pain is tooth decay. When a wisdom tooth has cavities, it can become infected, causing intense tooth pain. The pain might come and go in many cases, depending on how the tooth interacts with food or bacteria. For example, chewing on something hard may exacerbate the pain, while in other instances, the pain may ease if the tooth is undisturbed.
If the wisdom teeth are not properly cleaned, gum disease can develop, leading to swollen gums and increased discomfort. The fluctuating pain is a signal that there may be an issue with the tooth’s structure or health.
4. Infection and Swelling in Gum Tissue
Gum disease and infections are common causes of intermittent wisdom tooth pain. When wisdom teeth partially emerge, they can create pockets between the tooth and the gum. These pockets can trap food, bacteria, and plaque, leading to infection. Swelling and swollen gums in the affected area are typical symptoms.
The pain from an infection can worsen with certain triggers, such as teeth grinding or eating certain foods. However, it may seem to go away temporarily after the gum tissue reduces some swelling, only to flare up again when the infection is aggravated.
5. Pressure from Adjacent Teeth
Your wisdom teeth may apply pressure on the adjacent teeth as they emerge. This pressure can cause pain in the surrounding teeth, especially if the wisdom tooth pushes on other molars. The pain may feel like it’s coming from one tooth, but in reality, it’s the wisdom teeth causing discomfort in other parts of the mouth. This can result in pain that comes and goes, depending on the level of pressure applied to the surrounding teeth.
6. Sinus Issues
Did you know wisdom teeth, especially upper wisdom teeth, can affect your sinuses? The roots of the upper wisdom teeth are located near the sinus cavity, and in some cases, wisdom teeth that are infected or erupting can cause sinus pain or discomfort. The pain from sinus issues may mimic wisdom tooth pain, leading to confusion about the source of the discomfort.
When the sinus cavity is inflamed, it can cause pain that fluctuates. The pain may feel like it comes and goes depending on your posture or the time of day. In these cases, seeking dental or medical care can help differentiate between a sinus problem and wisdom teeth complications.
Managing Wisdom Tooth Pain
If you’re experiencing wisdom tooth pain that comes and goes, managing the pain in the short term can help you find relief. Here are some common methods to alleviate pain:
1. Use of Ice Packs
An ice pack can provide temporary relief from swelling and wisdom tooth pain. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the jaw near the painful area helps reduce inflammation and numb the pain, providing some comfort.
2. Pain Relief Medications
Over-the-counter pain relief medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the discomfort. For more severe pain, your dentist may prescribe stronger medications to help relieve the tooth pain associated with your wisdom teeth.
3. Salt Water Rinse
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and swollen gums and flush out food particles and bacteria contributing to the pain. This simple remedy can help provide temporary relief, particularly if the pain is due to an infection or gum irritation.
4. Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent wisdom teeth pain. Brushing and flossing around the wisdom teeth can help remove food particles and plaque, reducing the risk of infection and gum disease. Regularly cleaning the area can alleviate discomfort caused by irritation.
5. Seek Professional Dental Treatment
While home remedies can temporarily relieve pain, seeking professional dental treatment for persistent or severe pain is important. Your dentist can assess the situation and determine whether an underlying issue, such as impacted wisdom teeth, gum disease, or tooth decay, requires professional attention.
6. Wisdom Tooth Removal
If your wisdom teeth are causing regular pain, your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth removal. This procedure can eliminate the root cause of the pain and prevent further complications, such as infection or damage to surrounding teeth. Wisdom tooth extraction is often the most effective solution for managing persistent or severe wisdom tooth pain.
When to See a Dentist
If you’ve been experiencing wisdom teeth pain that comes and goes, it can sometimes be tricky to determine when it’s time to seek professional help. While some mild discomfort may resolve independently, several signs indicate it’s time to visit your dentist for a proper evaluation and potential treatment. Ignoring persistent or worsening symptoms can lead to complications such as infection, damage to surrounding teeth, or the need for wisdom tooth removal. Let’s look at some important signs to watch for and when to call a dentist.
1. Persistent or Severe Pain
One of the clearest indicators that it’s time to see a dentist is if your wisdom teeth pain doesn’t seem to go away or if it becomes severe. If you’ve been dealing with discomfort that lingers for several days or seems to intensify, it’s essential to check it. Tooth pain that doesn’t subside or gets worse over time can be a sign of infection, impacted wisdom teeth, or gum disease, all of which require professional treatment.
Suppose the pain doesn’t allow you to eat or drink comfortably or notice your wisdom teeth causing swelling, fever, or difficulty opening your mouth. In that case, scheduling an appointment with your dentist immediately is best. Teeth pain that doesn’t go away could indicate more serious issues that need prompt attention to avoid further complications.
2. Swelling or Redness Around the Gums
If you notice swollen gums or redness around the area where your wisdom teeth are emerging, it may indicate that your gums are inflamed due to infection or irritation. Swelling around wisdom teeth can cause additional wisdom teeth pain, especially when the four wisdom teeth are trying to emerge. Suppose the pain seems to be localised to your gums, and you experience difficulty brushing or flossing near the affected area. In that case, you may have an infection or gum disease that needs professional care.
Additionally, swollen gums can sometimes push against the other teeth, leading to discomfort in adjacent areas. Persistent gum swelling may require treatment such as a deep cleaning or antibiotics to reduce the inflammation and prevent further oral health complications.
3. Difficulty with Jaw Movement or Swallowing
If your wisdom teeth pain is accompanied by jaw stiffness, pain when chewing, or difficulty swallowing, it’s a sign that something may obstruct your normal jaw function. Impacted wisdom teeth can exert pressure on the jaw, nerves, and surrounding areas, which may cause pain that radiates to the jaw and the ear. In some cases, a swollen jaw or jaw pain may also indicate that the wisdom tooth is causing infection, which requires immediate intervention from your dentist.
If you’re experiencing severe pain that makes it hard to move your jaw or swallow properly, getting it checked immediately is important. Delaying treatment could lead to further tooth pain, possible abscess formation, or the need for more invasive procedures like wisdom tooth removal.
4. Bad Breath or a Bad Taste in Your Mouth
Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth is often a sign of infection, particularly around your wisdom teeth. If your wisdom teeth pain is paired with these symptoms, it could mean that bacteria are trapped around the wisdom tooth, especially if the tooth has partially erupted and food is getting stuck. The bacteria can lead to infection or gum disease, worsening the pain and preventing tooth pain from going away on its own.
In some cases, bad breath or a foul taste may occur if there’s food or debris trapped between the gum and the partially erupted wisdom tooth. If the smell or taste persists despite efforts to clean your mouth, seeing your dentist for professional cleaning and advice on managing the situation is a good idea.
5. Tooth or Jaw Damage
Another important reason to visit your dentist is if you notice any tooth damage due to wisdom teeth. If your wisdom teeth push against the other teeth, it can cause shifts in the alignment of your bite, leading to discomfort or damage to your existing teeth. This pressure can cause the surrounding teeth to become misaligned, cracked, or broken.
If you experience severe pain in your surrounding teeth or notice that your wisdom teeth make your bite uncomfortable, it’s important to consult your dentist. The dentist will examine your teeth and jaw pain to determine the best action. In some cases, wisdom tooth removal might be necessary to prevent further damage to the adjacent teeth.
Conclusion
The fluctuating nature of wisdom tooth pain can be concerning, but understanding the causes of this discomfort is the first step in managing it. Whether your pain is due to an infection, impacted wisdom teeth, or the eruption of third molars, there are ways to find relief and prevent further complications.
If your wisdom tooth pain is causing significant discomfort, don’t hesitate to seek help from your dentist. Wisdom tooth removal may be necessary to resolve the issue permanently. If you are dealing with wisdom teeth pain that comes and goes, it’s important to get it checked to ensure your oral health stays in optimal condition.
Call Emergency Dentist Brisbane now at (07) 3132 3783 for expert advice and immediate care. Our team is ready to provide the care and attention you need for a pain-free smile.
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/wisdom-teeth-pain-relief
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319461
https://crest.com/en-us/oral-care-tips/wisdom-teeth/wisdom-teeth-pain-symptoms-causes-remedies-relief?srsltid=AfmBOoozfFHksPPYqRVXwymXBYo77OosrneAQGyKSlEsj9Eqlch92WCq
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