5 SIGNS OF WISDOM TOOTH PAIN
Are your wisdom teeth causing you pain?
Wisdom teeth are the third pair of molars to grow in, and appear between the ages of 17 and 21. While most people never experience discomfort after the initial growing pains, others are plagued by wisdom tooth pain symptoms like swelling, jaw, pain, and sinus problems.
If you’ve been suffering from wisdom tooth pain, it’s important to have them treated or removed before they encourage an infection to spread. Keep reading to learn about five of the most common symptoms patients complain of when suffering from wisdom tooth pain.
Jaw Pain
Beneath the crown of your teeth is a nerve that runs through the jawbone. Wisdom teeth that cause pain are either impacted or infected; as a result, they can begin to affect the nerve ending sitting below the tooth. Over time, jaw pain, sensitivity, and stiffness may appear as side-effects.
Foul Smell and Unpleasant Taste
Because of their location in the oral cavity, it’s not uncommon for wisdom teeth to become infected. If you’ve noticed a foul smell coming from the back of your mouth and have noticed your jaw has been troubling you, it’s likely that one of your wisdom teeth has become infected.
Another sign of an impacted or infected wisdom tooth is a strange, foul taste in your mouth. Often paired with the smell of decay, you’re most likely to notice an unpleasant taste in the morning.
Recurring Sore Throat or Sinus Issues
The third sign of wisdom tooth problems is a recurring sore throat. Individuals suffering from an impacted or infected wisdom tooth frequently complain of sore throats unrelated to a cold or flu. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth can trigger sinus issues that cause pressure headaches or runny noses.
Swollen Jaw, Cheeks, and Lymph Nodes
Once wisdom teeth become agitated or infected, they’ll impact the surrounding jaw, cheek, or lymph nodes as well. Rear facial swelling can be caused by a wisdom tooth complication.
Red, Swollen Gums
If your wisdom teeth are causing a disruption in your mouth, one of the signs is red and swollen gums in the rear of your mouth. Check for a difference in color and the level of swelling from the front to the rear of your mouth.
Jaw pain, a sore throat, facial swelling, or unpleasant tastes and smells in your mouth are signs of an unhealthy wisdom tooth. Neglecting to treat an infected or impacted tooth can cause more than just wisdom tooth pain, it can open the door to other infections in your face, including a sinus infection or gum disease.
If you’ve been experiencing any combination of the symptoms above, it’s time to visit Austin Cosmetic Dentistry – contact our office today at (512) 476-2336 or schedule a consultation.
