Wisdom teeth are your final set of adult teeth located at the back of the mouth. They typically grow during your late teen years or early adulthood, and they help to provide additional support to your mouth.
When wisdom teeth are beginning or about to grow in, it is normal to experience symptoms. Recognizing these symptoms early on allows you to receive timely dental care that will produce the best outcome for you moving forward.
We have put together this helpful guide to help you understand what to expect and look out for when your wisdom teeth are growing in so that you can detect early indicators and take the right steps for your oral health.
#1 Gum Discomfort
One of the earliest signs that your wisdom teeth are coming in is experiencing discomfort in your gums.
Common symptoms include tenderness and soreness of the gums or a feeling of pressure at the back of the mouth behind your second molars. Gum discomfort also potentially brings swelling or inflammation of the gum tissue at the site of the wisdom tooth. This is caused by the wisdom teeth pushing against the surface of the gum, which can cause inflammation, and in turn, pain.
Gum discomfort doesn’t have to be something you live with when your wisdom teeth are growing in, and it is easy to manage at home. We recommend over-the-counter pain relief as a first line of response to gum discomfort, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
If you prefer a more natural approach, you may want to try a salt water rinse, which has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation within the gums.
#2 Jaw Pain and Stiffness
Another symptom of emerging wisdom teeth is jaw pain and stiffness. When wisdom teeth are growing, they can push against the other teeth within the mouth, causing swelling of the gums and pain and stiffness in the jaw.
Typically, patients experience a dull ache or sharp pain in the jaw, and this makes fully opening your mouth or chewing a difficult and painful task.
Jaw pain and stiffness can be one of the most debilitating and inconvenient symptoms of growing wisdom teeth. However, there are options to manage this pain. Common at-home remedies include applying hot or cold packs to the jaw to reduce swelling and stiffness.
Alternatively, engaging in gentle jaw exercises to stretch out the jaw may relieve some of the pain. If the pain is persistent, you may want to think about using over-the-counter pain relief to help alleviate symptoms.
#3 Bad Breath and Unpleasant Taste
A telltale sign that your wisdom teeth are awakening and beginning to grow is experiencing bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. When wisdom teeth erupt, it creates an uneven surface in the back of your mouth. The crevices and nooks that come along with this make it easy for food particles and bacteria to get trapped, and as they break down, they release an odor that causes bad breath.
Excess bacteria in the mouth can also lead to an unpleasant metallic taste, especially in the morning when you first wake up.
Luckily, these symptoms are easy to manage with a good oral hygiene routine. Regularly brushing, flossing and using mouthwash helps to remove food particles and kill odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
#4 Redness and Swelling
The emergence of wisdom teeth also typically leads to redness and swelling of the gum around the wisdom tooth. As the tooth emerges, it breaks the surface of the gum, causing it to swell and redden in response.
While some redness and swelling are to be expected when your wisdom teeth are growing in, an excessive presence of these symptoms could be a sign of infection.
If you are experiencing persistent or worsening redness and swelling, it is a good idea to consult with your dentist. They will be able to check your symptoms and offer a treatment plan should you need it to help alleviate the pain and swelling.
#5 Other Potential Signs
As well as the aforementioned symptoms, there are several other potential signs that your wisdom teeth are awakening. However, these symptoms are less common and could be a sign of a significant complication. Other less common signs include:
- Headaches: The pressure put on your jaw by emerging wisdom teeth can cause headaches and migraines.
- Earaches: As your wisdom teeth erupt, the pain that it causes in the back of your mouth can migrate to your ears, especially when the upper wisdom teeth are emerging.
- Swollen lymph nodes: Swollen lymph nodes usually indicate that your body is fighting an infection, which can occur if your wisdom teeth become infected or impacted.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is highly advisable that you seek out professional evaluation, as it could be a sign of a serious complication.
Effective Home Remedies to Relieve Wisdom Teeth Pain
If you are experiencing the first symptoms of wisdom teeth pain, there is a high chance you wish to do everything in your power to reduce the pain!
Luckily, there are several at-home options you can take which have been shown to reduce wisdom teeth discomfort.
- Saltwater Rinse: Studies have shown that saltwater can have a fantastic pain reducing effect on your mouth when used as a rinse. Simply dilute a small amount of salt in warm water, and rise your mouth out to alleviate wisdom tooth symptoms.
- Cold compress: Another easy and effective way to relieve wisdom teeth pain is by applying a cold compress to the area. The cold helps to soothe the painful area of your mouth and jaw and bring you some much needed relief.
- Over-the-counter Pain Relievers: If pain is persistent, you may want to consider using over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin or paracetamol. These are effective pain-blocking medications that you can find at most pharmacies.
- Numbing Gels: Numbing gels are also a great way to directly alleviate wisdom teeth pain. They usually contain Benzocaine, which, when applied topically to the gums and teeth, acts as a numbing agent.
- Natural Remedies: If you prefer to take a more natural approach, there are still some options for you. Clove oil, peppermint tea, and turmeric paste are all options that have demonstrated some evidence that they reduce inflammation and relieve dental pain.
From the Dentist's Chair
Dental expert Dr Anjum Chaudhary stated, “Problems can occur if wisdom teeth don't come in properly or if there is not enough space.
Your dentist might say your wisdom teeth are impacted if they're stuck in your jaw or under your gums. As people get older, they're more likely to have health problems, and that can include problems with their wisdom teeth.
It's important to see your dentist regularly and to floss around your wisdom teeth. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to check on all your teeth, including your wisdom teeth.”
The Bottom Line
If you are experiencing jaw pain, swelling in the back of your mouth, or an unpleasant taste upon waking, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are awakening. If you start to experience any of these symptoms, it is wise to check in with your dentist, so that they can evaluate your teeth and ensure that no further treatment is needed.
Keeping up with your dental checkups is a good way to stay on top of any issues, and ensure that any issues concerning your wisdom teeth are detected early. This allows your dentist to recommend a treatment plan to help minimize your symptoms and discomfort.
Additionally, engaging in an efficient and effective oral hygiene routine will help to alleviate symptoms from home and ensure your wisdom teeth grow with minimal discomfort.
Here at Boka, we provide a wide range of dental products that help you to build the perfect routine. Trading traditional fluoride for nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha), our products help you to achieve a healthy mouth and a brilliant smile.