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Wisdom tooth pain can be unpredictable. One day, your mouth feels completely fine, and the next, you’re dealing with a throbbing ache, swollen gums, or sharp discomfort in the back of your mouth. Then, as mysteriously as it started, the pain fades—only to return later. If you’ve been asking yourself why wisdom tooth pain comes and goes, you’re not alone.

In this article, we explore the answer to the question, why does wisdom tooth pain come and go?, what causes this fluctuating pain, how wisdom teeth affect your oral health, and what you can do to manage or eliminate the discomfort.

What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Cause So Many Problems?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of adult teeth to develop. They typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth.

Problems begin when the jaw doesn’t have enough space for these teeth to emerge properly. As a result, wisdom teeth may:

• Come in at the wrong angle
• Get trapped beneath the gum line (impacted teeth)
• Emerge partially
• Push against neighboring teeth

When wisdom teeth emerge in a misaligned or restricted way, they can cause gum inflammation, infection, and other oral health issues. These complications can result in pain and discomfort that seems to appear and disappear.

Why Does the Pain Come and Go?

Wisdom tooth pain that comes and goes is typically a symptom of an ongoing, unresolved issue. Below are the most common reasons for this cycle of temporary relief followed by recurring discomfort.

Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth

When a wisdom tooth only partially breaks through the gums, it creates a small opening that easily traps food particles and bacteria. This often leads to gum irritation and swollen gums in the surrounding area. As the inflammation subsides, the pain might ease, only to flare up again with the next round of irritation.

Wisdom Tooth Infection

One of the most common problems associated with wisdom teeth is infection. A partially erupted or impacted wisdom tooth can lead to a localized infection known as pericoronitis. The affected area may become red, swollen, and painful. You might even notice bad breath or an unpleasant taste.

If untreated, this type of wisdom tooth infection can cause intense pain and swelling. When the immune system manages to suppress the infection temporarily, the pain decreases, but it often returns if the underlying issue isn’t addressed.

Pressure from Impacted Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth are stuck beneath the surface or growing sideways. This misalignment can cause them to press against other teeth, particularly in the upper jaw, causing both pain and discomfort. This pressure may not be constant, but it can shift with changes in jaw movement or alignment, making the pain come and go.

Aggravation from Everyday Habits

Pain linked to wisdom teeth may be triggered or exacerbated by chewing, teeth grinding, or sleeping on one side of your face. These movements can put strain on the affected area and cause a temporary increase in pain levels. Once the pressure is relieved, the discomfort often fades.

How Do Wisdom Teeth Affect Your Oral Health?

Wisdom teeth can impact not only the back of your mouth but also your overall oral health. When they don’t emerge properly, they can lead to a variety of issues, including:

• Tooth decay in hard-to-clean areas
• Infection in the gum tissue
• Damage to adjacent teeth
• Crowding of existing teeth
• Gum disease and bone loss

Even if the pain comes and goes, the risks to gum health and neighboring teeth remain. Left untreated, these complications may lead to further dental problems and more severe pain in the future.

Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

It’s essential to track the frequency and severity of the pain’s recurrence. Seek professional care if you experience:

• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Recurring or severe pain
• Stiffness in the jaw
• Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth
• Pus or discharge around the tooth
• Pain spreading to the ear or neck
• Fever or general illness

These may be signs of a wisdom tooth infection or other dental conditions that require prompt attention.

At-Home Strategies for Pain Relief

While waiting to see your dentist, there are simple home remedies that can help relieve dental pain and reduce inflammation.

Saltwater Rinse

Gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water helps clean the area and ease minor irritation. This is especially helpful if food particles have gotten trapped near a partially erupted tooth.

Ice Pack

Apply a cold compress to the side of your face for 15 to 20 minutes to reduce swelling and provide temporary pain relief.

Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. They’re useful for managing mild to moderate pain, especially if it’s not yet severe.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Brushing and flossing carefully around the wisdom tooth area can prevent further infection. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid harsh or aggressive cleaning techniques that could exacerbate pain.

These methods can offer short-term relief, but they do not treat the root cause of the pain.

What Happens If You Don’t Treat Wisdom Tooth Pain?

If you ignore recurring wisdom tooth pain, the problem is likely to worsen. Delayed treatment can lead to:

• Severe pain and swelling
• Gum infections and abscesses
• Damage to nearby teeth
• Misalignment that may require orthodontic treatment
• Tooth decay in hard-to-reach places
• Chronic inflammation in the gums

These oral health issues can become more complex and expensive to treat if not addressed early.

When Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Necessary?

Wisdom teeth removal is often recommended when:

• The teeth are impacted or emerging at the wrong angle
• Infections occur repeatedly
• There’s insufficient space for them to grow in
• They are causing damage to other teeth or the jawbone
• Gum disease or decay is developing around them

A dentist or oral surgeon will conduct a thorough examination and may take x-rays to determine the best course of action.

Can Wisdom Teeth Interfere with Orthodontic Treatment?

Yes. Wisdom teeth can exert pressure on other teeth, shifting them out of alignment, especially if you’ve had braces or are planning orthodontic treatment. Removing wisdom teeth before or during orthodontic care can prevent the need for additional correction later on.

How to Prevent Future Episodes of Pain

Although you can’t prevent your wisdom teeth from emerging, you can take steps to maintain your oral health and reduce the risk of pain and complications:

• Brush and floss regularly, paying close attention to the back of your mouth
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash if recommended by your dentist
• Schedule regular dental checkups for early detection of any issues
• Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods near the affected area
• Follow your dentist’s advice on monitoring or removing the teeth

Taking proactive steps now can help alleviate pain and avoid more serious problems later.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Wisdom Tooth Pain

Wisdom tooth pain that comes and goes might feel like a minor inconvenience, but it’s often a sign of something more serious brewing beneath the surface. Whether caused by infection, impaction, or improper eruption, wisdom teeth can cause persistent oral health issues if ignored.

Even if you experience moments of relief, don’t assume the problem has resolved itself. Seeking professional advice and taking action early can help protect your smile and prevent further complications down the road.

If you’re dealing with recurring pain or swelling associated with wisdom teeth, schedule a visit with your dentist to get a thorough diagnosis and long-term solution.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319461

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/symptoms-causes/syc-20373808

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/wisdom-teeth