If you have been suffering from chronic headaches and jaw pain, your wisdom teeth may be the problem. Although stress, dehydration, and migraines are some of the reasons for headaches, many individuals are unaware that impacted or erupting wisdom teeth can cause persistent headache discomfort.
How Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches?
Third molars, or wisdom teeth, usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25; however, because of space constraints, they frequently cause issues. They can cause headaches in the following ways:
Pressure on the Jaw and Nerves
Wisdom teeth press against surrounding bones and nerves when they erupt crookedly or are impacted. Tension-type headaches or migraines are caused by this tension radiating to the ears, neck, and temples.
Jaw Joint (TMJ) Strain
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is strained when misaligned wisdom teeth cause the jaw to adapt during eating. Headaches, clicking noises, and jaw discomfort result from this.
Upper Wisdom Teeth Sinus Pressure
The roots of the upper wisdom teeth are situated near the sinus cavities. They may cause congestion, facial discomfort, and sinus headaches if they press on the sinuses.
Teeth Grinding
The eruption of wisdom teeth can cause teeth grinding at night, which can cause headaches and jaw pain in the morning.
Inflammation and Infection
Gum infections (pericoronitis) are caused by pockets where bacteria flourish due to partially erupted wisdom teeth. Headaches and throbbing pain are the results of this inflammation spreading.
How to Know If Your Headache is Caused By Wisdom Teeth?
Keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Jaw clicking or stiffness
- Earaches without infection
- Dull, persistent headaches (especially near temples)
- Bad taste in the mouth (a sign of infection)
- Swollen, tender gums near the back teeth
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully
Wisdom teeth may be the cause of headaches that get worse as you chew or that come from your jaw.
Treatment Options
Here are a few treatment options if your wisdom tooth is bothering you:
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Extraction is frequently advised if X-rays reveal impaction, congestion, or infection. After removal, many patients report that their headaches have subsided.
Pain Management
While you wait for the extraction, you can consult your dentist about pain management therapies. Your dentist may recommend Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs to lower inflammation.
Infection-Related Antibiotics
Before extraction, antibiotics may be provided if pericoronitis is present.
How Can You Prevent Wisdom Tooth Headaches?
To prevent wisdom tooth-related headaches, you must:
- See your dentist on a regular basis to track the development of your wisdom teeth
- To avoid infections, practice proper dental hygiene
- In the event that you grind your teeth, wear a night guard
- If your dentist anticipates future problems, think about having it removed early.
Ending Note!
Headaches are a typical sign of wisdom teeth; however, they are not always problematic. See your dentist if you have both jaw and head pain that you can’t explain; an X-ray may be able to identify the underlying reason.
To help you make an informed and wise decision, our experts at DentaLand Dentistry are here to assist you. Call us at (832) 674-8377 to schedule your appointment.