Wisdom teeth often need to be removed because there isn’t enough space in the jaw which causes them to be impacted behind the gums. Often, this results in pain, discomfort, and even damage to other teeth until they are removed.
While there are many signs that you should have your wisdom teeth removed, did you know that headaches can be a sign too? Read on in this blog from Williamson Dental to find out how a headache could be linked to your wisdom teeth.
WHY WISDOM TEETH CAN CAUSE HEADACHES
Wisdom teeth can cause headaches for a few reasons. When your wisdom teeth first start to erupt, this can cause pain and headaches, especially when your teeth have shifted to accommodate space for your wisdom teeth.
Sometimes teeth start to press against other teeth which can cause pain or swollen joints in the jaw and place excess pressure on your ear muscles. Your bite may also change when there isn’t enough room for the wisdom teeth to come through and this can cause headaches.
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, this can also cause a host of problems like jaw pain, damage to other teeth, and teeth erupting at the wrong angle. You may also find it difficult to clean your wisdom teeth and may notice cysts or tooth decay. All of these problems can contribute to headaches.
HOW TO STOP WISDOM TOOTH PAIN & HEADACHES
Ultimately, if your wisdom teeth are causing you problems like pain and headaches, it is best to have them removed. When wisdom teeth are not erupting properly, the problem will only become worse and can cause further damage to your surrounding teeth and can cause orthodontic problems.
You should talk to your Columbia IL dentist about having them removed. In the meantime, however, you can get relief by rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution, taking over-the-counter pain medication, and alternating between cold compresses and heat packs.
Ice relieves pain and reduces inflammation, while heat loosens tense muscles. While wisdom teeth do not always need to be removed, they should be if they are causing you pain and discomfort, or if they are not erupting properly. Pain remedies are only a temporary solution and the only permanent fix is wisdom tooth extractions.
Relieve Your Pain With Wisdom Tooth Extractions
If you are experiencing wisdom tooth problems, it’s recommended that you have them removed by the time you turn 25. This is because the roots are shorter when you are younger which makes the removal process simpler and more comfortable.
