Wisdom Tooth Pain: Why It Comes and Goes, and What Helps

If your wisdom tooth pain seems to flare up for a few days, settle down, then come back again, you are not imagining it. This pattern is really common, and there are some simple reasons behind it. At Two Rocks Dental Care we see this a lot in people in their late teens, twenties and beyond, and we can usually explain what is going on in just one visit.

This article walks through why wisdom tooth pain comes and goes, what you can do for short-term relief, and the signs that mean it is time to get it looked at properly.

Why does wisdom tooth pain come and go?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come through, usually at the very back of your mouth. Many people simply do not have enough room for them, so they come through slowly, at an angle, or only partly break through the gum.

That slow, uneven process is the main reason the pain is not constant. A few things tend to be happening underneath the surface.

The tooth is still moving

Wisdom teeth do not erupt in one go. They push through bit by bit, sometimes over many months. Each time the tooth shifts or presses against the gum or the tooth next to it, you feel a dull ache. When it settles for a while, the pain eases off too.

A flap of gum is trapping food and bacteria

When a wisdom tooth only partly breaks through, a flap of gum can sit over part of the tooth. Food and bacteria get caught underneath it, which can lead to swelling and soreness. This is called pericoronitis, and it is one of the most common causes of wisdom tooth pain that flares up and then calms down again as the swelling goes up and down.

Pressure on the tooth next door

If a wisdom tooth is impacted, meaning it is stuck against the next tooth or against the jawbone, it can create ongoing pressure. That pressure is not always steady. It can feel worse after chewing, or when you are tired or run down, and better at other times.

None of these causes tend to fix themselves. The pain easing off for a few days does not mean the underlying issue has gone away. It is worth keeping an eye on how often it comes back and how strong it gets each time.

What does wisdom tooth pain in the jaw actually feel like?

People describe it in different ways. Some feel a throb right at the back of the jaw. Others notice it spreading forward along the jawline, or even up towards the ear. It is common to feel it more when chewing, yawning widely, or lying down at night.

A sore or stiff jaw, trouble opening your mouth fully, or a strange taste in your mouth can also go along with wisdom tooth pain. If you are also getting headaches on one side or your jaw feels tight when you wake up, it is worth mentioning this at a check-up too, since jaw clenching can sometimes add to the discomfort.

Wisdom tooth pain relief you can try at home

While you wait for your appointment, there are a few things that can take the edge off. None of these fix the underlying cause, but they can help you get through until you are seen.

• Rinse gently with warm salty water a few times a day to help keep the area clean.
• Brush the area carefully with a soft, small-headed toothbrush, even if it feels uncomfortable, so food does not build up around the tooth.
• Stick to softer foods for a few days and avoid chewing directly on the sore side.
• Use a cold pack against your cheek for short periods if the area feels swollen.
• For pain relief, follow the directions on the pack, or ask your pharmacist what is suitable for you.

These steps can help reduce wisdom teeth pain in the short term, but they are not a long-term answer. If the pain keeps returning, the tooth itself needs a proper look, not just ongoing home care.

When wisdom tooth pain needs to be checked

Mild, occasional pain that settles with simple care is usually not an emergency. But there are times when you should book in sooner rather than later.

See a dentist if you notice:

• Pain that keeps coming back over several weeks
• Swelling in your cheek or jaw
• A bad taste or smell that will not go away
• Trouble opening your mouth fully
• Pain that is getting stronger, not weaker, each time it flares up

If you develop spreading facial swelling, a fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, or if there is heavy bleeding that will not stop, please treat this as urgent and go to a hospital emergency department straight away.

For general background on how wisdom teeth come through and the kinds of problems they can cause, healthdirect has a helpful overview worth reading alongside your own check-up.

What happens when you come in for a check

At Two Rocks Dental Care, we start by having a proper look and talking through what you have been feeling. We may also take an X-ray to see how the tooth is sitting under the gum, since this is not something we can judge from the outside alone.

From there, we explain your options honestly, including the pros and cons of each, so you can decide what feels right for you. Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. Some simply need monitoring and good cleaning, while others cause ongoing trouble and are better removed. We have written more about whether all wisdom teeth need to be removed if you want to understand that decision in more detail before your visit.

When removal is the right option and the tooth is suitable, we can often take care of it in the chair here at the practice, rather than sending you elsewhere. You can read about how we remove wisdom teeth here in the chair to get a sense of what the appointment involves. For some more complex cases, a referral to an oral surgeon is the safer path, and we will talk you through that if it applies to you.

You can find out more about our approach to wisdom teeth care on our website, alongside the rest of our general dentistry services for the whole family.

Being local matters when you are in pain

Dealing with tooth pain is never fun, and driving all the way to Joondalup to get it looked at makes it worse. That is exactly why Two Rocks Dental Care is here. We are a family-run practice serving Two Rocks, Yanchep and the rest of Perth's northern coast, including Lancelin, Ledge Point, Guilderton and the surrounding areas.

If you are a new patient, our new patients page has everything you need to know before your first visit. We are a preferred provider for HBF, HCF and nib, which usually means a smaller gap for you to pay, and we can process your claim on the spot with HICAPS. If you are with a different fund, we are still happy to see you and can give you a written quote with item numbers so you can check your own rebate.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my wisdom tooth hurt for a few days then stop?

This usually happens because the tooth is slowly moving as it tries to come through, or because a flap of gum over the tooth is trapping food and getting inflamed. The swelling goes up and down, which is why the pain feels like it comes and goes rather than staying constant.

Can wisdom tooth pain go away on its own?

The pain itself can ease off for a while, but the underlying cause, such as an impacted tooth or trapped gum flap, usually stays. It is a good idea to get it checked even if the pain has settled down for now.

What is the fastest way to reduce wisdom teeth pain at home?

Warm salty water rinses, gentle brushing around the area, and sticking to softer foods can all help in the short term. For pain relief, follow the directions on the pack or ask your pharmacist for advice suited to you.

Does wisdom tooth pain always mean it needs to be removed?

Not always. Some wisdom teeth settle down once they fully come through, while others cause repeated problems and are better removed. We will look at your tooth and talk through the options with you before you decide anything.

Is wisdom tooth pain in the jaw the same as a toothache?

It can feel similar, but wisdom tooth pain often spreads further along the jaw or towards the ear, and may come with stiffness when opening your mouth. A check-up and X-ray will tell us exactly what is causing it.

If wisdom tooth pain has been coming and going for you, do not just wait it out. Give Two Rocks Dental Care a call on (08) 9502 9040, or choose a time that suits you with our online booking page. We are based inside the Jupiter Health Two Rocks Medical Centre at 6 Constellation Entrance, Two Rocks, with our own dental entrance and parking right outside, and we are always happy to talk you through what we find.