Can wisdom teeth cause headache? Many people wonder if their jaw or head pain is connected to their wisdom teeth, especially when those last molars start coming in or get stuck.
The short answer is yes; wisdom teeth can cause headaches.
However, it’s important to know how this happens and what it means for your oral health.
At The Junction in Toronto, this is the second most asked question (after how much is wisdom teeth removal) since patients who have no idea that their third molars are behind their ongoing discomfort.
So, in this piece, we’ll break down how wisdom teeth can lead to headaches, what signs to keep an eye out for, and how to get some relief.
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually start coming in between the ages of 17 and 25.
Since they’re the last ones to show up, there’s often not enough room in your mouth for them.
As you can expect, this can lead to some issues.
When wisdom teeth start to come in, they can be pretty uncomfortable and might cause pain in your jaw and head, which can lead to tension headaches.
If the wisdom teeth become impacted (meaning they get stuck or grow at an angle) they can irritate nearby nerves and tissues, increasing discomfort and sometimes causing persistent headaches.
If you are preparing for wisdom teeth removal, check our blog for important tips:
And more.
Wisdom teeth can definitely lead to headaches because of the pressure they create when they start coming in.
But that's not the only way they can trigger headaches.
There are a few different reasons why wisdom teeth might be the culprit when you're feeling pain up there.
When a wisdom tooth cannot fully break through the gum, it becomes trapped under the gum or bone.
This is called impaction.
An impacted tooth can push against nearby teeth and irritate nerves, causing pain that may spread to the head or neck.
Some people even say this pain feels like the pain from a root canal.
When wisdom teeth grow incorrectly or become trapped, they can affect how your teeth fit together.
This extra pressure can strain the joint that connects your jaw to your skull, called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
If the TMJ becomes strained or swollen, you may have TMJ dysfunction.
This can lead to annoying headaches, ear pain, jaw clicking or popping, and constant facial pain, especially when you chew or move your jaw around.
When a wisdom tooth starts to come in but doesn’t fully break through, it can create a little flap of gum that traps food and bacteria.
This increases the risk of infections and inflammation.
Unfortunately, there’s really no amount of brushing or special diet that can stop this if the tooth continues to come in without being taken out.
If the infection gets worse, it could cause swelling, pain, and even little fluid-filled bumps (cysts) near the tooth.
The pressure and inflammation might spread through your jaw and head, which can lead to those annoying headaches that keep coming back.
If you think your wisdom teeth might be behind your headaches, keep an eye out for these signs and symptoms:
If your headache gets worse when you're chewing, or you notice any swelling or irritation in your gums, it could be your wisdom teeth causing the trouble.
If you have headaches and think your wisdom teeth might be the cause, here’s what to do:
This is the first and most important step.
At The Junction in Toronto, our experienced team will check your teeth, take X-rays, and find out if your wisdom teeth are causing your pain.
If your wisdom teeth are stuck or crowding your other teeth (which might mean braces or clear aligners), getting them removed could be the way to go.
Most people feel relief from headaches and jaw pain right after the extraction.
While you wait for your dental visit, you can try to:
Even after extraction, continue your preventive dental care and diet.
The good news is that you don't need to replace this tooth with crowns or implants.
Wisdom teeth often cause tension headaches, which feel like a tight band around your head. They can also trigger migraines or cluster headaches.
If you have a headache with jaw pain, swollen gums, or pain when chewing at the back of your mouth, it’s likely due to your wisdom teeth.
Yes, upper wisdom teeth can press on the sinuses, causing headaches that feel like sinus congestion.
Make a dental appointment. A dentist can check for impacted or infected wisdom teeth and help prevent further issues.
For many, wisdom tooth removal relieves headaches. Your dentist can help decide if this is the right choice for you.
The answer to “Can wisdom teeth cause headache?” is yes.
Getting a grip on the connection can really impact your health and comfort, and it’s helpful to know how to tackle the issue before heading to the dentist.
If you are in Toronto and experiencing headaches related to your teeth, talk to a one of our dentst.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)