Do all four wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Not necessarily, but it's common to remove all of them if they are present and problematic. If they all have to be removed, most people get it done in one shot.

When can I blow my nose?

You should wait at least one week, and potentially up to two weeks, before blowing your nose after wisdom teeth removal. Blowing your nose can create pressure that dislodges the blood clot necessary for healing and lead to complications like dry socket.

What should I do if I think I have a dry socket?

Dry socket is a condition that occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged or fails to form, exposing bone and nerves. If you experience increased pain, especially radiating to your ear, and a bad taste or smell, it could be dry socket, so contact your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible.

Wisdom Teeth Pain: Symptoms, Causes, Remedies & Relief

Wisdom Teeth Pain: Symptoms, Causes, Remedies & Relief

Last updated 10/26

This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years

Table Of Contents

Key Takeaways

Wisdom teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25 
Wisdom teeth can cause pain due to a lack of space, impaction, or infection 
Common symptoms include jaw pain, swelling, headaches, and difficulty chewing 
At-home remedies can offer temporary relief, including saltwater rinses, cold compresses, and over-the-counter pain medications 
Dental intervention is often necessary if the pain persists or if a tooth is impacted or infected 
Regular dental checkups can help detect problems early and avoid severe complications

Wisdom Teeth Removal: Procedure & Recovery 1

What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Are They Removed So Often?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of adult teeth to grow in. Also called “third molars,” wisdom teeth are the last set of molars located at the very back of your mouth just behind your second molars. They typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, earning them the name “wisdom” teeth because they appear later in life when you're considered “wiser.” Most adults have four wisdom teeth—one in each quadrant of the mouth: Upper left, Upper Right, Lower Left, and Lower Right. Some people may have fewer, none, or even more than four (known as supernumerary teeth), but four is the most typical number. According to the Mayo Clinic, not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but many do. Regular checkups and X-rays help your dentist decide if it’s time.

So why are they removed so often? There are a few common issues. Impaction is when there's insufficient space in the jaw. Wisdom teeth may become trapped beneath the gum line, leading to pain and potential infection. Infection and Inflammation are other causes and usually happen when partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets that trap food and bacteria, increasing the risk of infections and gum disease. Sometimes it’s crowding, when wisdom teeth can push against neighboring teeth, potentially causing misalignment or undoing previous orthodontic work.

Illustration showing a wisdom tooth growing in at an angle against another tooth

Common Causes of Wisdom Teeth Pain

Contrary to popular perception, not all wisdom teeth cause trouble. But when they do, it’s usually for one of the following reasons:

Impacted Teeth

When a tooth doesn’t have enough space to erupt normally, it may become “impacted” and get stuck under the gum or grow sideways. The Cleveland Clinic says that impacted wisdom teeth are a common cause of jaw pain and can lead to infections or damage to nearby teeth.

Infection (Pericoronitis)

Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create a flap of gum tissue where bacteria and food debris accumulate. This can lead to a painful gum infection called pericoronitis.

Crowding

When there isn't enough room in the jaw, an erupting wisdom tooth can place pressure on the adjacent molar. While the link to significant crowding of front teeth is debated, this pressure can cause localized discomfort and may contribute to minor shifting of nearby teeth.

Tooth Decay

Because they’re hard to reach with a toothbrush or floss, wisdom teeth are more prone to cavities, which can be painful and may require removal.

At-Home Remedies

While these remedies won’t fix underlying dental problems, they can offer temporary relief:

Saltwater Rinse

Mix a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds. This will help clean the area and reduce inflammation.

Cold Compress

Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek can reduce swelling and numb the pain.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Non-prescription medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Always follow the directions and avoid taking more than the recommended dose.

Clove Oil

Clove oil has natural numbing properties. Apply a small amount with a cotton swab to the sore area for relief. Just use it sparingly to avoid irritation.

Hydration and Soft Foods

Stick to cool, soft foods like yoghurt, smoothies, or mashed potatoes. Avoid anything too hot, crunchy, or spicy that might require strong chewing and aggravate the pain.

What to Expect: The First 24 Hours

The first day is usually the toughest, but with proper care and plenty of rest, you should get through it with few problems. Here’s what you can expect:

Bleeding: Some oozing is normal. You’ll need to bite down on the gauze and change it as instructed.
Swelling: It usually peaks around day two or three. Ice packs can help reduce puffiness. Use them 20 minutes on, and 20 minutes off.
Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen usually do the trick. Your dentist might prescribe something stronger if needed.
Eating: Stick to soft foods, like smoothies, mashed potatoes, applesauce, or broth. Avoid spicy foods and anything crunchy. Even straws should be avoided in the beginning.
Rest: You have been through surgery, so take it easy. Elevate your head with pillows and avoid physical activity for a few days.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

The healing process usually takes about a week, but some people bounce back quicker. There are some things you can do to speed up your recovery.

Keep the mouth clean by gently rinsing with warm saltwater starting 24 hours after surgery. Avoid brushing near the surgery site for a few days.
No sucking or spitting, because these can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket, a painful condition where the bone is exposed.
Follow medication instructions. If your dentist prescribed medications, follow the instructions carefully. Antibiotics must be taken for the full course as prescribed to prevent infection. Painkillers should be taken as directed to manage your discomfort.
Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water but avoid carbonated or alcoholic beverages.
Watch for warning signs and call your dentist if you notice persistent bleeding, fever, severe pain after the third day, or foul odour. These could be signs of infection or dry socket.

Summary

Wisdom teeth pain can range from mild discomfort to intense throbbing that interferes with your daily life. Wisdom teeth usually erupt in your late teens or early twenties, and may become impacted, infected, or crowded. This often leads to jaw pain, swelling, headaches, or chewing problems. Home remedies like saltwater rinse, cold compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers can offer temporary help, but persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a dentist. Wisdom tooth removal is a common and effective solution when complications arise. Regular dental checkups and X-rays can help identify and treat potential problems early before pain even becomes a problem. If you're dealing with ongoing pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth, don't ignore it, as pain from an impacted or infected tooth is unlikely to resolve on its own. Permanent pain relief will require the attention of a dental professional.

Long-Term Care

Once your wisdom teeth are out and you’re healed, you’re good to go. There’s usually no further treatment needed. But if you haven’t had these teeth removed yet, regular dental visits are important. Your dentist will monitor your wisdom teeth with periodic X-rays, especially during your late teens and early twenties.

In some cases, if wisdom teeth come through without causing any problems, you might be able to keep them. Just be sure to brush and floss thoroughly in the hard-to-reach areas in the back of your mouth. This is also another reason to make sure to see your dentist or dental hygienist every six months. And if you feel any pressure, pain, or jaw stiffness, report it to a dental professional.

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FAQs

Not necessarily, but it's common to remove all of them if they are present and problematic. If they all have to be removed, most people get it done in one shot.
You should wait at least one week, and potentially up to two weeks, before blowing your nose after wisdom teeth removal. Blowing your nose can create pressure that dislodges the blood clot necessary for healing and lead to complications like dry socket.
Dry socket is a condition that occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged or fails to form, exposing bone and nerves. If you experience increased pain, especially radiating to your ear, and a bad taste or smell, it could be dry socket, so contact your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible.

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