Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come in, usually between the late teens and mid-twenties. For some people they erupt without trouble; for many others they cause pressure, swelling or pain because there simply isn’t enough room at the back of the mouth.
Here, the team at Dentistry On Bay in downtown Toronto explains the first signs of wisdom teeth coming in, what wisdom tooth pain feels like, how to get relief at home, and when it’s time to see a dentist.
Quick Answer: What Does Wisdom Tooth Pain Feel Like?
Wisdom tooth pain usually feels like a dull ache or pressure at the very back of the jaw, often with swollen, tender gums behind the last molar. It can spread to the ear, jaw or head and may make it hard to open your mouth fully. Pain with swelling, a bad taste, fever or trouble swallowing can signal infection and should be checked by a dentist promptly.
First Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In
- Tenderness or pressure behind your last molars
- Red, puffy gum tissue at the back of the mouth
- A small white tip of tooth breaking through the gum
- Mild jaw stiffness or soreness when chewing
- Food getting trapped behind the back teeth
Common Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Impaction
When there isn’t enough room, a wisdom tooth can stay trapped under the gum or bone, or grow in at an angle. Impacted teeth can press on neighbouring molars and cause ongoing discomfort.
Pericoronitis (gum infection)
A partially erupted tooth leaves a flap of gum where bacteria and food collect. This can become inflamed or infected, causing swelling, bad breath and pain.
Cavities and gum disease
Wisdom teeth are hard to reach with a toothbrush, so they are prone to cavities and can also affect the health of the tooth in front of them.
How to Relieve Wisdom Tooth Pain at Home
- Rinse gently with warm salt water several times a day.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek for 15 minutes at a time.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the package.
- Keep the area clean with careful brushing and flossing.
- Choose soft foods and avoid chewing on the sore side.
Home care can ease discomfort, but it doesn’t fix the underlying cause. If pain returns or lasts more than a few days, book an exam.
When to See a Dentist About Your Wisdom Teeth
- Pain lasting more than two or three days, or that keeps coming back
- Swelling of the gum, cheek or jaw
- Fever, pus, or a bad taste that won’t go away
- Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing
Severe swelling or trouble swallowing should be treated as a dental emergency.
Do Wisdom Teeth Always Need to Be Removed?
No. Wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, healthy, properly aligned and easy to clean can often stay. Your dentist will take an X-ray to see their position and recommend extraction only when they are impacted, infected, damaging nearby teeth, or likely to cause problems later. If you do have them removed, see our guide on what to eat after wisdom teeth removal.
Wisdom Tooth Care in Downtown Toronto
Dentistry On Bay can assess your wisdom teeth with an exam and X-ray, explain your options and provide extractions when needed. Visit us at 790 Bay St., Suite 1020, Toronto, ON M5G 1N8, near Bay and College and a short walk from College Station. New patients, families and CDCP patients are welcome.
Request an appointment or call 416-924-0437.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does wisdom tooth pain last?
Can wisdom tooth pain go away on its own?
Is wisdom tooth pain an emergency?
At what age do wisdom teeth come in?
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Please book an exam for advice about your own teeth.