If you’re experiencing tooth pain, your wisdom teeth are likely the source. Wisdom teeth are molars that grow between the second and third molars in the back of your mouth. It’s common for these teeth to come in during adolescence or early adulthood.
When they do, they can cause pain—and sometimes even infection—because of their position within the mouth cavity and surrounding bone structure.
Here’s when you should go to the dentist for wisdom tooth pain:
Pain in Your Mouth’s Back
Pain in the back of your mouth is a common symptom of wisdom tooth pain.
This pain can be caused by several things, including wisdom teeth or an infection spread from another body part.
When you have this kind of pain, it may be felt in one location or several different areas along your jawline and neck.
You might also experience pressure on your face and feel like something is stuck under your chin and behind it (the roof).
The exact location where these sensations occur will depend on which teeth are causing them, but they’re often located near where they’re visible when looking at yourself in profile.
Your Wisdom Tooth is Infected
You may experience swelling, redness, and pain if your wisdom tooth is infected. The pain from wisdom teeth can be intense and last for several hours or even days.
If the infection reaches the bone around your wisdom tooth, there may be tenderness near that area or even a fever—all signs of disease in general.
The best way to avoid infection is by brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste (one ADA-certified brand) and flossing daily to remove food particles that could cause bacteria buildup in between your teeth, where bacteria could enter.
It mainly enters through cracks in gum tissue caused by grinding them against each other during meals or chewing cud when not eating solid foods (like hard candy).
There’s No Room for Your Wisdom Tooth to Come In
If your wisdom tooth is impacted, it can cause pain and infection. You should see a dentist if you have pain in the area of your wisdom teeth, particularly if you become sensitive to hot or cold foods or liquids.
You are Sensitive to Hot or Cold Foods or Liquids
You should see a dentist if you have pain in the area of your wisdom teeth, particularly if you become sensitive to hot or cold foods or liquids.
If this is the case, it’s essential to call your dentist immediately so that he can check out why it’s happening and ensure that nothing serious is happening.
In a Nutshell
Most people should go to their family dentistry clinic when they experience pain in their wisdom teeth. The most common cause of wisdom tooth pain is an infection, which can be treated with antibiotics.
Other causes of wisdom tooth pain include gum disease, a cyst or tumor, and damage to the nerve. If you are experiencing pain in your wisdom teeth, it is best to visit the dentist as soon as possible.