Wisdom teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. They mark a significant milestone in your growth, but their arrival is often less than ideal. Wisdom teeth often cause pain and discomfort, bringing with them a host of uncomfortable symptoms. But can wisdom teeth also cause headaches?
There is a link between wisdom teeth and headaches. They can put pressure on your jaw, muscles, surrounding teeth, and even the nerves in your skull. This can easily lead to headaches and overall discomfort.
What Are Wisdom Teeth For?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to grow in. They served a crucial role in our ancestors’ lives by providing people additional support when eating raw foods. In a time without proper dental care, wisdom teeth helped early humans continue eating as their teeth wore down over the years.
In today’s advanced world, our diets changed to cooked and processed food. Our dental care has significantly improved, and these molars are much less necessary, as they often don’t quite fit when they grow in.
How to Tell if Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In
While some people find that their wisdom teeth grow in without causing discomfort, this isn’t always the case. Many people find that their wisdom teeth push on the surrounding teeth, cause significant frustration, or simply don’t grow in straight.
If you’re worried about your wisdom teeth growing in, keep an eye out for:
- Swelling of the gums at the back of your mouth
- Redness or tenderness in the gum area
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw or surrounding areas
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
As your wisdom teeth emerge, they can force your jaw out of alignment. This can lead to additional pressure in the area surrounding your jaw. Wisdom teeth can affect your muscles, jawbone, and nervous system.
In fact, you might even notice headaches and migraines more often—a common problem caused by wisdom teeth.
Common Causes of Migraines
Migraines can develop due to all kinds of triggers. Environmental factors, stress, underlying medical conditions, and more—these are all well-known to put additional strain on the brain.
You can recognize a migraine by:
- Intense, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Visual disturbances
If you notice these symptoms alongside wisdom teeth growing in, your symptoms could be linked. So what do you do?
Do You Have to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Some people barely notice their wisdom teeth growing in. If you have enough space in your mouth to accommodate the additional teeth, you may be in the clear. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
Watch out for:
- Teeth growing in at an angle
- Crowding or sensitivity in the surrounding teeth
- Any notable discomfort or pain
- Headaches and migraines
If these are familiar sensations, it’s time to visit your dentist. During a regular dental exam, your dentist can take several scans and X-rays of your teeth and jaw to determine the extent of the damage.
Then, your dentist can recommend the right type of treatment for your situation, like wisdom teeth removal. This is a permanent answer to wisdom teeth that don’t grow in properly.
What to Expect from Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure. It’s performed under local or general anesthesia.
There are several steps involved:
- Follow any pre-operative instructions from your dentist. You’ll likely need to avoid food and water before the procedure.
- You’ll receive local or general anesthesia. This depends on the complexity of the extraction and your overall comfort levels.
- Your dentist will carefully remove the teeth causing your symptoms. This can take anywhere between 30-60 minutes, depending on your specific needs.
- You’ll move to a recovery area to rest as the anesthesia wears off. This can take up to an hour or longer.
After your surgery, you’ll receive detailed instructions for aftercare, including how to manage any discomfort or swelling. You’ll need to arrange transportation, as anesthesia can significantly affect your ability to drive.
What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Over the next few days, you should take it easy. Rest and avoid anything strenuous—this can negatively affect your recovery. After the first 24 hours, make sure that you:
- Use ice packs as needed to avoid swelling
- Stick to a soft food diet for a few days
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm saltwater
- Avoid vigorous mouth cleaning
Within a few days, you’ll be able to gently brush your teeth. Your symptoms should recede between a few days to a few weeks. If you ever notice significant pain, bleeding, or discomfort, contact your dentist as soon as you can to get professional support.
Find Relief from Wisdom Teeth Pain
Wisdom teeth can be uncomfortable—especially if they cause headaches alongside their usual symptoms. If your wisdom teeth are causing you discomfort, don’t ignore them. Instead, come see our team at Arch King West Dental. We’re here to help you find relief, so schedule an appointment with us today!
