For many, wisdom teeth are just late bloomers at the back of the mouth that may occasionally cause discomfort. However, the surprising question many are starting to ask is Can these very wisdom teeth cause headaches?
The subtle but significant impact between the jaw, the pressure from impacted wisdom teeth, and the resulting headache pain is a topic that needs attention. As we journey deeper into the connection between wisdom teeth and the potential for them to cause headaches, it’s essential to consider the broader implications for dental and overall health.
After all, a headache caused by underlying dental issues could very well change our approach to treatment and prevention.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches?
Many people aren’t immediately inclined to draw a link between their wisdom teeth and the onset of persistent headaches. Yet, the association between the two is more common than one might anticipate.
Certainly, wisdom teeth, often the last set of molars to emerge at the back of the mouth, can indeed be linked to those recurring headaches. As wisdom teeth begin to grow, they might not always have sufficient space, leading them to become impacted. This impact can place undue pressure on neighboring teeth, causing them to shift and leading to tension in the jaw.
This jaw strain can be a significant factor behind headache. Impacted wisdom teeth can also create disturbances by pushing against the surrounding teeth, potentially leading to misalignment and bite complications. Furthermore, infections or inflammation caused by wisdom teeth can intensify pain and headache symptoms.
If one is experiencing headaches believed to be associated with wisdom teeth, consulting a dentist is essential. Routine dental examinations can monitor the progression of wisdom teeth, providing timely intervention if they are recognized as the cause of headaches.
Can wisdom teeth growth cause migraine?
Certainly, the growth of wisdom teeth can be a hidden contributor to migraines. When wisdom teeth emerge, particularly if they are impacted, it’s possible that your wisdom teeth can cause pain that radiates, leading to migraines. The pressure on the surrounding teeth and the jawbone can exacerbate this discomfort.
It’s also noteworthy that the pain from wisdom teeth can sometimes be mistaken for migraines, especially if the pain is localized near your wisdom teeth.
Furthermore, complications from wisdom teeth can cause gum disease, which might indirectly influence migraines. If there’s a suspicion that migraines are caused by your wisdom teeth, regular checkups with a dental professional are crucial.
They can determine if your wisdom teeth are causing dental problems or other associated symptoms. In some instances, relief from wisdom teeth-induced migraines may come through oral surgery or other treatment options for wisdom tooth pain.
What Causes Wisdom Tooth Headache?
Wisdom teeth, particularly impacted wisdom teeth, can exert pressure on adjacent structures in the jaw. As these teeth begin to emerge or if they become infected, they can cause localized discomfort. But that’s not the end of the story. This pressure and the subsequent inflammation can radiate pain, leading to a headache caused by the affected wisdom tooth.
The jaw alignment can also be disrupted by the wisdom teeth growth, causing tension in the facial muscles. This tension can then escalate to a full-blown headache, particularly if the wisdom teeth are impacted or are causing damage to neighboring teeth.
What does a Wisdom Tooth Headache feel like?
A headache linked to wisdom teeth often manifests as a dull, persistent ache around the temples or at the back of the head. The pain may intensify when chewing or opening the mouth wide. Moreover, it might be accompanied by other symptoms like jaw stiffness or tenderness near the wisdom teeth area.
In cases where the wisdom teeth are impacted or infected, the pain might also radiate to the neck, leading to neck pain and headache. The wisdom teeth can also cause swelling and inflammation, which can further amplify the discomfort, giving the headache a pulsating or throbbing sensation.
Signs of Headache Caused by Wisdom Tooth
When wisdom teeth begin to grow or become impacted, they might not manifest their presence only by dental discomfort. The relationship between these molars at the back of the mouth and headaches can be subtle, but distinct. Here are some telltale signs that your headache might be linked to your wisdom teeth
Localized Pain
Pain or discomfort that primarily emanates from the back of the mouth, near the region where wisdom teeth develop, and radiates towards the head.
Jaw Strain and Tension
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause the jaw to strain, leading to tension headaches. This type of headache typically feels like a tight band around the head.
Swelling and Inflammation
Impacted or infected wisdom teeth can cause swelling around the jaw, which can trigger pain radiating to the head.
Neck Pain
Along with a headache, if there’s associated neck pain, it could be indicative of problems with your wisdom teeth. This is due to the proximity of the jaw and neck muscles, which can both be affected by impacted wisdom teeth.
Increased Pain While Chewing
If the act of chewing intensifies your headache, it might be a result of pressure applied by impacted wisdom teeth on surrounding teeth and tissues.
Temporal Headaches
Pain that is felt on the temples, which might be caused by the pressure of wisdom teeth on certain nerves.
Chronic Headaches
Persistent headaches that don’t respond well to typical treatments or aren’t associated with other known causes might be a sign of underlying dental problems, including issues with wisdom teeth.
If any of these signs are evident, it’s essential to visit a dentist to determine if your wisdom teeth are the source of the problem. Regular dental checkups can also help in early detection and management of issues associated with wisdom teeth before they escalate into more severe conditions.
How to Relieve Wisdom Teeth Headaches
Wisdom teeth headaches can be extremely discomforting and affect one’s daily activities. The connection between your wisdom teeth and the headaches might not always be apparent, but if your dentist has indicated that your wisdom teeth are causing dental problems or pain, there are several ways to address the issue and get some relief.
Surgery for Impacted Wisdom Teeth
One of the most definitive solutions for headaches caused by impacted wisdom teeth is to have them surgically removed. Impacted wisdom teeth can press against other teeth, nerves, and bones, leading to a host of complications, including headaches. By undergoing oral surgery for impacted wisdom teeth, you can not only eliminate the root cause of the headaches but also prevent other dental problems in the future.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
When the pain and headaches caused by wisdom teeth become recurrent or unbearable, wisdom teeth removal is often recommended. This procedure involves extracting the troublesome molars to prevent them from causing further issues. It’s essential to have regular dental checkups so that a dentist can monitor the growth of wisdom teeth and advise on the best time for their removal, if necessary.
Thermotherapy
Applying heat to the affected area can often provide relief from wisdom teeth headaches. Warm compresses or heat packs can increase blood flow, helping to alleviate pain. However, it’s important to ensure the heat isn’t too intense and to always use a cloth barrier between the heat source and the skin to prevent burns.
Pain Reliever Medication/Painkillers
Over-the-counter pain relievers can be effective in managing headaches caused by wisdom teeth. Drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and pain. However, it’s vital to use these as per the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional if the pain persists.
Gargle with Hot Salt Water
A traditional remedy for dental discomfort, gargling with warm salt water, can provide temporary relief from wisdom teeth headaches. The salt can help reduce inflammation and disinfect the mouth, potentially preventing infections near your wisdom teeth. To prepare the solution, mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swish it around your mouth for a minute, and then spit it out.
Remember, while these methods can provide relief, it’s essential to address the root cause of the headaches. Regular visits to the dentist will help in the early detection of issues associated with wisdom teeth, guiding the best course of action for treatment.
Conclusion
In the world of oral health, wisdom teeth emerge as the key factor. While they are the last to make an appearance in the back of the mouth, their impact can affect our overall well-being, often manifesting as headaches and migraines.
There’s an undeniable link between impacted wisdom teeth and the tension headaches they can trigger, dental distress with discomfort. Consulting with a dentist is pivotal in determining if your wisdom teeth are the source of these issues.
As we learn more about wisdom teeth and their influence, it becomes clear that early care, perhaps even wisdom tooth extraction surgery, can be crucial in preventing prolonged pain and headaches.
FAQs
What do wisdom teeth headaches feel like?
Headaches from wisdom teeth usually feel like a steady, aching pain that starts in the jaw and spreads to the sides of the head, similar to common tension headaches.
Do wisdom teeth cause daily headaches?
Yes, impacted wisdom teeth can cause daily headaches, especially if they’re exerting pressure on the surrounding teeth or causing dental problems.
Will headaches go away after wisdom teeth removal?
In many cases, headaches caused by wisdom teeth go away after wisdom teeth removal, as the primary source of pain is addressed.
How do you know if you have a headache from your teeth?
A headache stemming from dental issues, like wisdom teeth, usually correlates with jaw pain, especially near your wisdom teeth, and can be verified by a dentist.
Can wisdom teeth cause neck and head pain?
Wisdom teeth, especially when impacted, can indeed cause neck pain and headache, given their location and the potential for inflammation extending to nearby areas.