Wisdom tooth pain can be a frustrating and somewhat mysterious condition. Many individuals experience intermittent bouts of discomfort, wondering why their pain seems to come and go.
Understanding the common causes of wisdom tooth pain and the factors that influence its fluctuation can provide valuable insights into managing this unpleasant condition.
Additionally, exploring home remedies for temporary relief, as well as the connection between pericoronitis and wisdom teeth, can contribute to a full understanding of why wisdom tooth pain seems to be worse some days than others.
Quick Summary: Why Does Wisdom Tooth Pain Come and Go?
Wisdom tooth pain fluctuates due to impaction, infection, pressure on adjacent teeth, and the “teething” process in the gums that occurs with partially-impacted teeth, causing intermittent discomfort as these teeth struggle to emerge in a crowded jaw.
Common causes include impaction (teeth trapped beneath the gum), alignment issues, infection around partially erupted teeth, and crowding leading to pressure on surrounding teeth.
Factors like inflammation, infection-related swelling, and the natural eruption process contribute to the intermittent nature of the pain.
Home remedies for temporary relief include saltwater rinses, clove oil application, NSAIDs for pain and swelling, and topical numbing gels.
Pericoronitis, an inflammation around a partially erupted tooth, can cause cyclical pain, highlighting the importance of dental consultation for proper management and treatment.
Common Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Wisdom teeth (“third molars”) are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth, generally during the teens or early twenties.
Due to their late arrival, these teeth often encounter insufficient space in the jaw to fully emerge. As a result, they can become impacted or partially impacted, leading to discomfort and pain.
Common causes of wisdom tooth pain include:
Impaction: When a wisdom tooth does not fully emerge from the gum, it can become trapped beneath the surface, causing pressure and pain. As the gum becomes inflamed, the pain can be intermittent.
Alignment issues: Wisdom teeth may grow at an angle, creating pressure on the nearby teeth and gums.
Infection: When the gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth becomes infected, it can cause significant pain and discomfort. The swelling of infection fluctuate, leading to intermittent pain.
Crowding: Third molars can put pressure on the surrounding teeth, leading to misalignment and additional discomfort.
It's important to note that not everyone will experience wisdom tooth pain. Some individuals may have sufficient space in their jaw for these teeth to erupt without causing any issues.
However, for those who do experience pain, it is essential to consult with a dentist to determine the best course of action. Ignoring wisdom tooth pain can lead to further complications, such as the development of cysts, abscesses, or damage to neighboring teeth.
In some cases, wisdom tooth pain may be accompanied by symptoms such as swelling, redness, and difficulty opening the mouth. These signs could indicate a more severe issue that requires immediate attention.
Dentists may recommend various treatment options for wisdom tooth pain, including extraction, antibiotics for infections, or pain management techniques. By addressing wisdom tooth pain promptly, individuals can prevent potential oral health problems and alleviate discomfort effectively.
Factors That Influence Intermittent Pain
Understanding why wisdom tooth pain may come and go requires considering various factors that can influence its fluctuations. Several elements contribute to the intermittent nature of this type of dental pain:
Inflammation: The surrounding tissues, including the gums and jawbone, may become inflamed when wisdom teeth begin to emerge. Swelling can put pressure on nerves, resulting in pain. The extent of inflammation can vary over time, leading to alternating bouts of discomfort.
Infection cycles: When a wisdom tooth partially erupts, it can create an opening that allows bacteria to enter the gum tissue. This can lead to recurrent infections, causing pain that may come and go depending on the severity of the infection.
“Teething” process: Wisdom teeth erupting through the gums can have a similar effect to the teething process experienced during infancy. Just as teething pain can wax and wane, wisdom tooth pain may follow a similar pattern.
Additionally, another factor that can contribute to intermittent pain associated with wisdom teeth is the positioning of the teeth themselves.
Wisdom teeth often do not have enough space to fully emerge in the mouth. This lack of space can cause the teeth to become impacted, meaning they are unable to break through the gum line completely. As a result, the pressure from the impacted tooth trying to push through can lead to episodes of sharp, intermittent pain.
Furthermore, individual differences in jaw size and shape can play a role in the intermittent nature of wisdom tooth pain.
Some people may have jaws that are too small to accommodate the eruption of wisdom teeth, leading to crowding and misalignment. This misalignment can cause the wisdom teeth to exert pressure on surrounding teeth, nerves, and tissues, resulting in varying levels of pain that ebb and flow over time.
The Role of Impaction in Pain Fluctuation
Impaction plays a significant role in the fluctuation of wisdom tooth pain.
When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it can remain dormant for extended periods, causing minimal discomfort. However, as the tooth tries to push through the gum tissue or neighboring teeth, pain can intensify, leading to periods of acute discomfort.
The pressure exerted during these attempts can result in inflammation and swelling, further contributing to the intermittent nature of pain.
The specific position and angle of the impacted tooth can also affect pain fluctuations. For example, a partially impacted tooth may cause more consistent pain due to the constant pressure exerted on the surrounding tissues. On the other hand, a fully impacted tooth may result in intermittent pain as the tooth attempts to emerge.
Exploring Home Remedies for Temporary Relief
While consulting with a dental professional is crucial for accurately diagnosing and treating wisdom tooth pain, there are several home remedies that may provide temporary relief:
Saltwater rinse: Gently rinsing the mouth with warm saltwater can help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort.
Clove oil: Applying a small amount of clove oil to the affected area can provide numbing and pain-relieving properties.
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and swelling temporarily.
Topical numbing gels: Using oral numbing gels (like Orajel), available over the counter, can temporarily numb the area and provide relief from pain.
Pericoronitis & Wisdom Teeth
Pericoronitis refers to an inflammation and infection of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
This condition can cause intense pain and discomfort, often in a cyclical pattern. The infected tissue can swell and trap debris, leading to further inflammation and discomfort.
Pericoronitis can result in pain that comes and goes, depending on the severity of the infection and the effectiveness of treatment measures. Managing pericoronitis often involves maintaining good oral hygiene, rinsing with warm saltwater, and sometimes, a dental professional may need to remove the affected tissue.
Final Thoughts
Wisdom tooth pain that comes and goes can be attributed to several factors, including impaction, inflammation, infection cycles, and the “teething” process. Understanding these causes and the role they play in pain fluctuations is essential for managing discomfort effectively.
While home remedies can provide temporary relief, it is crucial to consult with a dental professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. By addressing wisdom tooth pain, including pericoronitis, promptly and comprehensively, individuals can alleviate their symptoms and maintain optimal oral health.
FAQs
Why do my wisdom teeth hurt on and off?
Wisdom teeth pain can be intermittent due to impaction, pressure on surrounding teeth, inflammation, infection cycles, and the natural process of eruption, all of which can cause pain to fluctuate.
Can wisdom teeth pain go away and come back?
Yes, wisdom teeth pain can subside and then return due to recurring inflammation, infections, or changes in the position or pressure exerted by the emerging tooth.
Why is my wisdom tooth coming through and painful?
Pain occurs as the wisdom tooth tries to emerge in a crowded mouth, leading to impaction, pressure on adjacent teeth, inflammation, and potential infection of the surrounding gum tissue.
How do you stop your wisdom teeth from hurting?
Temporary relief can be found with saltwater rinses, clove oil, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, and topical numbing gels. However, consulting a dentist for a long-term solution, which may include extraction, is essential.
How do I know if my wisdom tooth is infected?
Signs of infection include severe pain, swelling, redness, difficulty opening the mouth, and possibly a bad taste or pus emanating from the area around the wisdom tooth.
When should I be concerned about wisdom teeth pain?
If pain is severe, persistent, accompanied by swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth, it's crucial to see a dentist to prevent further complications.
Is wisdom tooth pain constant or intermittent?
Wisdom tooth pain can be both; it may be constant due to ongoing issues like impaction or misalignment, or intermittent, fluctuating with periods of infection, inflammation, and the natural eruption process.
* Though the author of this post is a licensed dentist in the state of Kansas, this information is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Please use your best judgment and contact emergency medical services in the event of an emergency.