WISDOM TOOTH PAIN IN SINGAPORE: WHY IT HURTS AND WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR RELIEF
- Dr. Chrissie Lam
- 2 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Wisdom tooth pain is a common concern that can affect eating, brushing, or sleeping. The discomfort may appear suddenly, come and go, or gradually worsen over time. Understanding what causes wisdom tooth pain helps determine whether it can be eased temporarily at home or requires professional dental care.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge in the mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Some people develop all four wisdom teeth, while others may have fewer or none.
When there is enough space in the jaw, wisdom teeth can erupt normally. However, if space is limited or the tooth grows at an angle, problems such as impaction or gum inflammation can occur, leading to pain or swelling.
Common Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain
1. Gum Inflammation (Pericoronitis)
Partially erupted wisdom teeth may leave a flap of gum tissue that traps food or bacteria. This can lead to swelling, tenderness, or infection behind the last molar. Pain may spread to the jaw or ear, and the surrounding gum may feel sore or puffy.
2. Impaction
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that cannot fully emerge due to lack of space or obstruction by another tooth. It may grow sideways or at an angle, pressing against the neighbouring molar or jawbone, causing discomfort or pressure.
3. Tooth Decay or Gum Disease
Because wisdom teeth are located far back in the mouth, they are often difficult to clean thoroughly. Food and plaque can accumulate, increasing the risk of decay or gum inflammation. These conditions may lead to pain, bad breath, or swelling.
4. Pressure and Eruption Pain
Even before the tooth becomes visible, pressure from an erupting wisdom tooth can cause aching or soreness at the back of the jaw. The surrounding gums may feel tight or tender during this period.
5. Supereruption (Overeruption)
Sometimes a wisdom tooth continues to move beyond its normal position if the opposing tooth in the other jaw is missing. This is called supereruption. The overerupted tooth may bite into the gum or soft tissue below, leading to soreness, irritation, or small ulcers in the opposing jaw.
Signs You Should See a Dentist
While mild eruption discomfort can be temporary, a dental evaluation is recommended if you experience:
Pain that persists beyond a few days
Swelling of the gums or jaw
Difficulty opening the mouth fully
Pain when swallowing or chewing
Fever or general unwellness
These may indicate infection, decay, or impaction that requires treatment.
What You Can Do at Home for Temporary Relief
1. Rinse With Warm Salt Water
Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse gently to help soothe the gums and keep the area clean.
2. Cold Compress
Place a cold pack wrapped in a towel against the cheek for 15–20 minutes to help relieve swelling or soreness. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin.
3. Pain Relief Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may offer temporary relief. Always follow the instructions on the label, and make sure there is no known drug allergy before taking any medication.
4. Maintain Oral Hygiene
Keep the area as clean as possible by brushing gently and rinsing after meals. Avoid poking or pressing on the gums around the wisdom tooth.
Possible Dental Treatments
The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of pain:
Cleaning or irrigation of the area if food or bacteria are trapped under the gum flap.
Antibiotics may be prescribed if infection is present.
Wisdom tooth removal may be advised if the tooth is repeatedly infected, decayed, overerupted, or impacted.
A dentist will recommend the suitable option after examining the tooth and, if necessary, taking an X-ray.
Recovery and Prevention
After treatment or extraction, follow the care instructions provided to support healing. Maintaining regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene helps prevent infection or inflammation around the area.
FAQs
Why does my wisdom tooth hurt when I bite?
It may be pressing against the adjacent molar, or the gum tissue around it may be inflamed. A dental examination can determine the exact cause.
Can wisdom tooth pain go away on its own?
Mild eruption discomfort may settle after the tooth breaks through the gum. However, pain caused by infection, decay, or impaction often returns without treatment.
Is removing wisdom teeth always necessary?
Not always. Wisdom tooth removal is only required when the teeth cause problems such as infection, decay, or damage to neighbouring teeth.
How long does wisdom tooth pain last?
Eruption-related pain may last a few days, but persistent or worsening pain should be checked by a dentist.
Wisdom tooth pain can range from mild irritation to significant discomfort. Temporary relief measures may ease the symptoms, but a dental examination is important to find the cause and prevent the problem from recurring.
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