Toothache is a debilitating and irritating body pain one has to suffer because of bad teeth. So it wouldn’t be a surprise if a patient would need assistance if he has both toothache and headache! But can they be related? Can wisdom teeth cause headaches? Let us find out how this can happen and what dentists can do to help. If you have problems with your third molars, contact and inquire about Toothsome’s wisdom teeth removal services are readily available for you.
Why do my wisdom teeth hurt?
Wisdom teeth, or the third molars, sometimes become infected especially if they haven’t completely erupted yet. The positioning of these teeth on your mouth contributes to is susceptibility to infection. You see, your wisdom teeth are the last ones to come out and are at the very back of your mouth, where the toothbrush can never easily reach. As we all know, when bacteria become retained in the mouth, they invade the teeth and cause tooth decay. Since your third molars are difficult to clean, bacterial growth near them gets accumulated, causing infection.
So, can wisdom teeth cause headaches? Yes. Because the pain felt in the mouth can radiate across facial structures, your head may also feel achy.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth are infected?
Here are signs that you have an infected wisdom tooth:
Pain. This pain may localize to the infected tooth area only, but more often than not, it can be felt in the entire jaw, neck, cheek, and head.
Inflammation. Yes, your gums will most likely swell and become red which are sure signs of infection. Sometimes, severe infection or body reaction can make your face look swollen as well.
Tender lymph nodes. Another sign that you have an infection is if your lymph nodes on your neck or under the jaw are tender when touched.
What should I do if I have infected wisdom teeth?
Common sense will, of course, lead you to consult a dentist at once. Prescription of antibiotics may be given and pain medication to relieve the discomfort. Imaging of your dental cavity is needed to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted or infected. Once the swelling and pain subside, your dentist may recommend extraction of the third molars because the pain and discomfort may return frequently especially is the wisdom teeth are impacted. Always discuss with your dentist all your concerns so they can give you advice and tips on how to manage your wisdom teeth.
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