Headaches are a common problem caused by many things, but can wisdom teeth cause headaches? These third molars are a pain in the butt because they tend to get impacted and can put pressure on surrounding structures and cause discomfort and headaches. In this article, we’ll go over how wisdom teeth can cause headaches, the symptoms to look out for and options for lasting relief.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to come in, usually in late teens or early twenties. Many people don’t have enough room for these teeth to come in properly, so they get impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth. These conditions can cause many dental problems and affect oral health.
Wisdom Teeth Problems
When wisdom teeth come in incorrectly, they can become impacted, partially or infected. Impacted wisdom teeth can push against adjacent teeth, causing discomfort, pain, tension, and headaches. Good oral hygiene is key, as impacted teeth can lead to disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems if left untreated.
How Does Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches?
Impacted and Infected Wisdom Teeth
An impacted wisdom tooth can pressure the jaw muscles and teeth, causing headaches often felt in the jaw and neck area. An infected wisdom tooth can worsen these symptoms and cause persistent headaches that can feel like tension headaches or migraines. Wisdom tooth extraction can relieve these headaches by removing the source of pressure and infection.
Pressure and Jaw Alignment
The pressure from wisdom teeth on other teeth and the jaw can cause misalignment, which can cause jaw tension and discomfort. This jaw misalignment can cause migraines and headaches, especially when accompanied by symptoms like a dull ache near the upper jaw or muscles.
Sinus and Severe Migraine Headaches
Upper wisdom teeth can affect the sinuses and cause sinus headaches. The pressure from coming in wisdom teeth can cause sinus pain and headaches with facial discomfort. Plus, the jaw tension from wisdom teeth problems can trigger migraines, so tooth removal is necessary for some patients.
Wisdom Tooth Headache Symptoms
What Does a Wisdom Tooth Headache Feel Like?
A wisdom tooth headache feels dull, and there is a constant ache near the jaw area, neck pain, or general head discomfort. Wisdom tooth headaches worsen when you chew or move your jaw as the impacted teeth irritate the surrounding gum tissue and muscles.
Associated Symptoms
Wisdom tooth headaches are often accompanied by other symptoms like gum inflammation, bad breath, jaw pain and swelling near the gum line. These symptoms mean the problem may be dental-related and not a regular headache.
Wisdom Teeth Problems
Issues and Headaches
Wisdom teeth can cause many problems, some of which can cause headaches. Knowing these issues can help you identify the cause of your headaches and get the right treatment.
When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to come in properly, they can become partially impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth are trapped under the gum line, while partially impacted wisdom teeth break through the gum but don’t come out. Both can cause a lot of discomfort and oral problems.
One of the common issues is the pressure from impacted wisdom teeth on adjacent teeth and jaw structures. This pressure can cause jaw misalignment, muscle tension, and headaches. The discomfort often radiates to the neck and head, so it’s hard to pinpoint the exact source of the pain.
Infection is another complication that can result from wisdom teeth. An infected wisdom tooth can cause severe pain and swelling, which can spread to the jaw and head and cause headaches. The infection can also cause gum infection and severe tooth decay, worsening the problem.
When Wisdom teeth grow, they can affect the sinuses, especially if they are in the upper jaw. The pressure from the coming teeth can cause sinus pain, headaches, and facial discomfort.
Knowing these issues can help you better recognise the symptoms and get the right treatment to eliminate headaches and improve overall oral health.
When is the right time to see a Dentist or Oral Surgeon?
Watch Out For These Signs
If you have persistent headaches, severe pain or discomfort from wisdom teeth, it’s time to see a surgeon. Other warning signs are swelling around the gums, severe tooth decay, gum infection and jaw misalignment. Early intervention can prevent these from getting worse.
Oral Hygiene and Care
Good oral hygiene is key to preventing wisdom teeth problems. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups will keep your mouth clean and reduce inflammation, which can prevent discomfort in the wisdom teeth.
What are the treatment options for a headache caused by a wisdom tooth?
Non Surgical
Pain relief can be achieved through temporary measures like hot and cold therapy, over-the-counter pain medications, and saltwater rinses to reduce swelling and discomfort. While these will give you temporary relief, they don’t address the root of the problem.
Surgical: Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom tooth extraction is often the best solution for those who have headaches from wisdom teeth. Removing wisdom teeth will relieve pressure on the surrounding teeth and jaw muscles and give you permanent relief from headaches and symptoms.
Post Extraction Care
After wisdom teeth removal follow your dentist or oral surgeon’s instructions. This means keeping your mouth clean, managing pain with the right medications and avoiding certain foods to ensure a smooth recovery.
What happens if you wait too long to get wisdom teeth out?
- Affected wisdom teeth will worsen over time and push against adjacent teeth, causing misalignment and damage.
- Increased risk of infections like pericoronitis, which causes gum pain, swelling and difficulty swallowing.
- Wisdom teeth are harder to clean and are prone to decay and gum disease, which can spread to other teeth and compromise oral health.
- Cysts and jaw problems, stiffness, pain, misalignment, or bone damage.
- Delayed extraction can lead to more complicated surgery with increased risks like nerve damage and longer recovery time.
- It can cause sinus problems, especially with upper wisdom teeth, and cause sinus pain and congestion.
- Persistent discomfort, including chronic headaches and difficulty chewing, can affect your daily life and overall well-being.
Prevention and Overall Oral Health
Dental Care – Direct Dental Wandsworth
Looking after your oral health is vital to preventing wisdom teeth problems. At Direct Dental Wandsworth, we provide bespoke care for your dental needs. Regular appointments with our team allow us to identify any issues with your wisdom teeth early on and prevent more significant problems.
Our dentists monitor the growth and positioning of your wisdom teeth and offer advice and treatment options to suit your situation. Whether it’s advice on preventative care or proactive solutions, Direct Dental Wandsworth are here to support you on your journey to optimal oral health. We’ll keep your smile healthy and happy with personal care.
Book your appointment today and take the first step towards maintaining excellent dental health with Direct Dental Wandsworth.
Watch Your Wisdom Teeth
If you still have your wisdom teeth, watch them. Early detection of any issues will help you avoid headaches, gum disease, and other complications.
