The wisdom teeth, usually referred to as third molars, erupt last in the posterior region of the mouth. While they can be beneficial if they erupt properly and align well with the rest of your teeth, they often pose problems when there isn’t enough space for them to grow in correctly. One such issue is headaches, which can be attributed to the eruption or misalignment of wisdom teeth.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
The third and last set of molars that most individuals obtain in their late teens or early twenties are called wisdom teeth. When these teeth are in good health and aligned, they can be a great addition to the mouth; however, most of the time, they are not and need to be extracted.
Wisdom teeth may grow in various orientations, potentially causing problems such as crowding or damaging neighboring teeth, trapping plaque and food, and leading to jaw pain or infections. They may grow horizontally, be trapped within the jawbone, or only partially emerge through the gum, which can lead to bacterial growth & infection. Such misalignments make it difficult to clean these teeth, contributing to the decision to remove them to prevent further dental issues.
Extracting wisdom teeth is a familiar dental procedure to prevent or correct these problems. The decision to remove wisdom teeth often depends on the potential for these problems rather than waiting for them to occur, especially since recovery and healing times are generally shorter in younger individuals.
Relation Between Wisdom Teeth and Headaches
The relationship between wisdom teeth and headaches can be indirect yet significant for some individuals. When wisdom teeth start to emerge or are impacted (meaning they do not fully break through the gum line), they can cause a range of problems that might lead to headaches. Here are several ways this connection is established:
- Pressure and Pain: As wisdom teeth grow, they can exert pressure on surrounding teeth and the jawbone. This pressure can lead to discomfort & pain in the mouth, which, in turn, can cause tension and pain in other areas of the head, leading to headaches.
- Misalignment: If there’s not enough space in the jaw for wisdom teeth, they can push against other teeth, causing misalignment and bite issues. This misalignment can contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which affect the jaw joint and chewing muscles. TMJ issues can result in chronic headaches as well as pain in the jaw and face.
- Infection: Impacted wisdom teeth are prone to infections and inflammation, such as pericoronitis, where the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth becomes infected and swollen. This infection can cause localized pain and may also contribute to headaches.
- Cysts: In some cases, cysts can form around new teeth. If these cysts grow, they can damage the jawbone, teeth, and nerves. In addition to the local damage, the pain and inflammation associated with such cysts can also lead to headaches.
- Overall Stress and Tension: The discomfort and pain from wisdom teeth issues can lead to increased stress and muscle tension in the body. People often unconsciously clench their jaw or grind their teeth in response to pain (bruxism), which can exacerbate headache symptoms.
It’s worth noting that not everyone with wisdom teeth will experience headaches, and not all headaches are related to dental issues.
How Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches?
Wisdom teeth, emerging in late adolescence or early adulthood, often lack sufficient space in the jaw, leading to complications inducing headaches. When these molars press against adjacent teeth or the jawbone, they create pressure and pain that can radiate to the head. This misalignment may also trigger temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, directly associated with headaches due to the stress on jaw muscles and joints.
Furthermore, impacted wisdom teeth, partially or fully trapped beneath the gum line, are prone to infections like pericoronitis, contributing to inflammation and discomfort extending to the head. The presence of cysts around emerging wisdom teeth can further exacerbate this situation by damaging jaw structures and nerves, intensifying the pain. Additionally, the general discomfort from wisdom teeth can lead to involuntary habits like jaw clenching or teeth grinding, known as bruxism, a common cause of headaches.
Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Causing Headaches
When wisdom teeth contribute to headaches, several indicative symptoms may accompany the discomfort. Commonly, individuals experience a persistent dull ache or sharp pain at the back of the jaw, near the site of the emerging or impacted wisdom teeth. This pain can radiate towards the temples or the rest of the head, manifesting as headaches. Swelling, tenderness rednessness, in the gums around the wisdom t,eeth may also be noticeable, sometimes accompanied by difficulty opening the mouth or chewing. In cases of infection, such as pericoronitis, symptoms might include:
- Bad breath.
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- Generalized swelling on the affected side of the face.
Additionally, the pressure exerted by misaligned wisdom teeth can lead to a feeling of crowding or discomfort in adjacent teeth. Some individuals may unknowingly clench their jaw or grind their teeth in response to the pain, further intensifying headache symptoms. Recognizing these signs is crucial for timely consultation and relief wisdom teeth can cause headache.
Treatment Options for Wisdom Teeth-Induced Headaches
To alleviate headaches induced by wisdom teeth, treatment primarily targets the underlying dental issues. Common approaches include the removal of problematic wisdom teeth, a procedure that can significantly reduce or eliminate headaches by addressing the root cause of pressure, misalignment, and infections.
In cases of infection, dentists may prescribe antibiotics to manage inflammation and pain before extraction. Custom mouthguards can be provided for those experiencing TMJ disorders or bruxism linked to wisdom teeth problems to prevent teeth grinding and relieve jaw tension. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also advised to watch the health of can headaches be caused by wisdom teeth.
Conclusion
can wisdom teeth cause headaches. The emergence of these molars often leads to pressure, misalignment, infections, and other dental issues that can extend discomfort to the head. Symptoms such as jaw pain, swelling, and general dental discomfort may accompany these headaches, signaling the impact of wisdom teeth on overall head pain. Understanding the connection between wisdom teeth and headaches is vital, as it encourages timely dental consultation and treatment, relieving discomfort and preventing further complications.
FAQs
What do wisdom teeth headaches feel like?
When wisdom teeth mess with your upper jaw, they may cause pressure and pain in your sinuses. This headache feels like pressure and fullness around your cheeks, eyes, and forehead, often worsening when you bend forward or lie down.
What symptoms can wisdom teeth cause?
But when an impacted wisdom tooth becomes infected, damages other teeth, or causes other dental problems, you may have some of these symptoms:
- Red or swollen gums.
- Tender or bleeding gums.
- Jaw pain.
- Swelling around the jaw.
- Bad breath.
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth.
- Have a hard time opening your mouth.
How do you know if you have a headache from your teeth?
If you notice tooth pain, especially when biting down or ingesting hot or cold foods or beverages, it may be a sign that a dental issue is triggering your headache. Facial Pain or Pressure: Dental-related headaches can also cause facial pain or pressure.
What occurs if wisdom teeth extraction is postponed too long?
If your wisdom teeth are extracted too soon, the procedure may be difficult since the teeth may still be anchored in your jawbone. On the other hand, issues from weakening teeth, bones, and gums will become more likely if you put off treatment for an extended period.
