Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to come in, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. But could these latecomers be the reason for your headaches?
It might seem weird to think that dental health could be related to headaches, but wisdom teeth can actually be a contributing factor.
This article will explore the connection between wisdom teeth and headaches, including the types of headaches they might cause, related symptoms, home remedies, and possible treatment options.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth and Their Potential Problems
If you’re experiencing headaches along with jaw pain, you may wonder whether your wisdom teeth are to blame. Here’s a look at these teeth and the issues they can cause.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars, located at the very back of your mouth. Some experts consider them to be vestigial organs, meaning they’ve lost the function they once had.
Common Problems Associated with Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems, including:
- Impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth don’t fully erupt or emerge in the correct position.
- Misalignment and overcrowding. Wisdom teeth can push against existing teeth, causing them to shift and crowd together.
- Increased risk of tooth decay. Wisdom teeth that are only partially erupted can be harder to clean, leading to a higher risk of decay.
- Cysts and infections. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause cysts or infections in the surrounding tissues.
How wisdom teeth can trigger headaches
Wisdom teeth can cause headaches in a few different ways:
Pressure on the jaw and surrounding muscles
When wisdom teeth erupt, they can push on your jawbone and the muscles around it. This pressure can cause muscle tension, which can then radiate to your head and cause a headache.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
If your wisdom teeth are causing a misalignment in your jaw, it can contribute to TMJ disorders. These disorders can cause headaches, jaw pain, and even a clicking sound when you open or close your mouth.
Sinus pressure
If your wisdom teeth are located near your sinuses, they can cause sinus pressure and headaches, especially if they’re erupting in your upper jaw.
Referred pain
Pain from your wisdom teeth can sometimes be felt in other areas of your head, such as your temples, forehead, or even your ears.
Types of Headaches Associated with Wisdom Teeth
While wisdom teeth themselves don’t directly cause headaches, they can contribute to certain types of head pain. Here are a few to be aware of:
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are characterized by a dull, aching pain, often described as tightness or pressure across your forehead or on the sides of your head. Wisdom teeth can contribute to these headaches by causing you to clench your jaw muscles.
TMJ Headaches
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) headaches cause pain in your jaw, face, or neck, and they’re often accompanied by clicking or popping sounds in your jaw joint. Wisdom teeth-related TMJ problems can either cause these headaches or make them worse.
Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches feel like a deep, constant pain in your cheekbones, forehead, or the bridge of your nose. If your wisdom teeth are causing sinus pressure, that can bring on a sinus headache.
Referred Pain Headaches
Referred pain is pain that originates in one area but is felt in another. Pain from your wisdom teeth can be felt in your temples, ears, or other parts of your head.
Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Headaches
It’s worth talking to your dentist if you regularly experience these symptoms:
- Headaches that keep coming back, especially in your temples or forehead
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Pain when you chew or bite
- Swelling around your jaw or gums
- Clicking or popping sounds in your jaw joint
- Ear pain or pressure
- Soreness in your jaw and a headache at the same time
- Headache when you eat something cold or hot
- Pain when you open your mouth wide
- Swollen gums
- Tingling or numbness in your face
Managing headache pain from wisdom teeth
While you’re waiting to see a dentist, here are a few things you can try at home to relieve headache and jaw pain:
- Warm salt water rinse. Salt water rinses reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. Mix warm water with salt, swish it around in your mouth, and spit it out.
- Cold compress. Cold reduces swelling and numbs pain. Apply an ice pack to your jaw for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help. Always follow the dosage instructions. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
- Massage and stretching. Gently massage your jaw and temples to relieve muscle tension. You can also try jaw-stretching exercises.
- Clove oil. Clove oil can provide temporary pain relief. Apply a small amount directly to the sore area.
When is wisdom tooth removal necessary?
Even though wisdom teeth don’t always cause headaches, removing them can sometimes help. You and your dentist might consider extraction if you experience:
- Headaches that don’t get better with home remedies
- Frequent infections or swelling around your wisdom teeth
- Damage to surrounding teeth
- Cysts or tumors
- Impacted wisdom teeth
Removing wisdom teeth can help headaches by:
- Releasing tension in the jaw
- Preventing teeth from shifting out of alignment
- Eliminating infection and inflammation
- Taking pressure off of your sinuses
Wrapping Up
So, can wisdom teeth cause headaches? The answer is yes. Impacted or erupting wisdom teeth can lead to headaches through jaw tension, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, and even sinus pressure.
If you think your wisdom teeth might be the reason you’re experiencing headaches, the best thing to do is schedule an appointment with your dentist for a thorough examination. They can determine if your wisdom teeth are contributing to the problem and recommend the best course of action.
Often, the most effective way to get rid of the headaches for good is to have your wisdom teeth removed.