The infamous wisdom teeth are the late-comers to the party of your 32 adult teeth. They are named “wisdom” because their protrusion is typically in your late teens or early twenties, often signifying a time when you’re supposed to have acquired some wisdom. But in reality, they often cause more trouble than they’re worth, leading to impaction, crowding, etc. due to these issues, wisdom teeth cause throbbing headaches and jaw pain too.
How Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches?
Since they are the last set to grow, more often than not, wisdom teeth grow impacted, leading to a number of problems, including headaches.
Impacted, half-grown wisdom teeth put pressure and cause discomfort in the jaw that can spread to the surrounding tissues and muscles in the head and neck too. As a result, you suffer from neck pain, migraines, and of course, headaches.
Other than impaction, wisdom teeth can also cause headaches by altering the bite and creating an imbalance in your jaw. When your jaw is not in a balanced position, it can cause tension in your muscles and consequential headaches.
Is It Necessary To Retain Wisdom Teeth?
So, why do you even have wisdom teeth in the first place? Back in the day, they were a requirement to grind tough plant materials since the food was raw. Eventually, evolution happened, and their function has now become obsolete.
Our diets evolved with us. Now soft foods are eaten, diminishing the need for these extra molars. So, if your wisdom teeth are doing more bad than good, ask your dentist to schedule a removal.
Signs Indicating Wisdom Teeth Associated Headaches
The following symptoms may indicate that wisdom teeth are causing the headaches:
- Pain in the back of your mouth – Severe continuous pain in the back of your mouth is not something normal. It indicates that your wisdom teeth are creating trouble; they are impacted and infected.
- Sore or Stiffed Jaw Bone – wisdom teeth impacted or infected can cause your jaw to feel stiff and painful. There are instances where you may have trouble moving your jaw and opening it fully.
- Swollen gums – a change of gum color near your wisdom teeth is a clear indicator of bacterial buildup. The gums start swelling and turn into dark or reddish colors as the bacteria builds up, rather than their normal pink tone.
- Foul-smelling breath (halitosis) – Bacterial buildup in your mouth can also lead to bad breath. This is particularly seen with impacted wisdom teeth because their cleanliness is next to impossible while brushing.
Final Words
If you have concerns about your oral health or you are suffering from unexplained headaches, getting in touch with a dentist from Lone Star Dental will put you at ease. Our team of the experienced dentist can diagnose your condition and devise a custom treatment plan to help you.
Our dental care experts can also perform wisdom tooth extraction if need be. Get in touch with us by dialing (281) 233-0333 to schedule an appointment today.