Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches, Jaw Pain and Migraine?

Headaches are normal and can occur for many different reasons, such as fatigue, stress, anxiety, sudden exposure to bright light, lack of sleep, etc. But, can wisdom teeth cause headaches? Can they also cause migraine or worsen the migraine? If they, how to handle it, and how to get the appropriate treatment. Continue reading to learn everything about wisdom teeth. 

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

What are wisdom teeth? What’s behind its name? When do they erupt and what do they look like? can wisdom teeth cause headaches? Let’s discover and learn everything about wisdom teeth with the help of the following explanations. 

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the widest and the hardest teeth in your mouth that are found in the last points of your jaw on each side of your upper and lower teeth. They help cut, grind, and chew hard foods such as meat, nuts, and seeds. These teeth are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth. Usually, they appear between your late teens and early twenties. However, they may also erupt later in life in some cases while some people never develop them.

Why are They Called Wisdom Teeth?

Now you know what are wisdom teeth, but why are they called by this name? The term “wisdom teeth” seems a bit distinct. You must have wondered about it at some point. There is no serious logic behind this term but because these teeth erupt at a mature age, they are named “wisdom teeth.” They are also called third molars. Do not be confused by these two terms. They are the same and used for those toughest teeth that erupt at a mature age. 

At What Age Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?

At what age do wisdom teeth come in or erupt? Wisdom teeth erupt between the age of 17 and 25. Most individuals experience the eruption of these teeth in this age period, but many develop them after age 25. As we mentioned earlier, there are also some people who never develop wisdom teeth.

To know can wisdom teeth cause headaches, keep going through this post and read till the end to get the detailed information.

What Do Wisdom Teeth Look Like?

Many people find it difficult to identify wisdom teeth as they don’t know “what do wisdom teeth look like.” It is not that tough to identify wisdom teeth. They are very similar to second molars in appearance but they are the widest and hardest ones and are positioned at the very last points of your jaw. It is not very important to know what are wisdom teeth in your mouth but it becomes crucial when some complications are associated with them. See your dentist whenever you feel pain and discomfort around the last points of the jaw as it could be linked with your wisdom teeth. Your dentist can better tell can wisdom teeth cause headaches and if the pain you are experiencing is caused by wisdom teeth. 

What is An Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

“Impacted Wisdom Teeth,” you must have also heard about this term. Did you know “what is an impacted wisdom tooth?” Impacted wisdom teeth are those wisdom teeth that cannot erupt properly due to a lack of space at the back of your jaws. These teeth either completely get stuck under gums or come out only partially. Usually, they are extremely painful and cause discomfort. Sometimes, you may also experience swelling around your impacted wisdom teeth. Additionally, they may cause a shift in position for other teeth, causing severe pain, soreness, and headaches as well. You need to see your dentist as early as possible to get it either pulled or get appropriate treatment if your impacted tooth is causing pain and discomfort. 

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Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches?

Can wisdom teeth cause headaches? Headaches, while wisdom teeth are in a procedure of taking their position at the back of your jaws, are normal. The reason is that all pain receptors found in the mouth, face, and head are connected. Whenever a part of your mouth or face is affected by pain and discomfort, it causes headaches. Minor Wisdom teeth headache is not a matter to worry about; they will pass with the passing of time. But if your headache from wisdom teeth is persistent and causes severe discomfort, it might be possible you have one or more impacted wisdom teeth. You may have to get them removed to get relief from severe pain and discomfort.

Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches and Orofacial Pain

Except for wisdom teeth headache, the Eruption of wisdom teeth also causes orofacial pain- a pain that takes place around your mouth, face, and head. This is different from normal headaches. In case you experience orofacial pain during the eruption of wisdom teeth, see your dentist. You may be prescribed some painkillers and other appropriate medications by the dentist to provide you relaxation. However, before that, the dentist may take an oral and facial examination. 

Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Migraines?

Can wisdom teeth cause headaches along with migraines? Muscles and nerves around your jaw and mouth are connected with the muscles and nerves in your head. When wisdom teeth begin erupting, they put pressure on the muscles and nerves around your jaw which may also put some kind of pressure on the muscles and nerves in your head, leading to migraines. For people who already have migraines, the eruption of wisdom teeth may worsen their migraines. It is important to consult your doctor in serious conditions. 

Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches Along With Jaw Pain

Can wisdom teeth cause headaches along with jaw pain? Yes, since the eruption of wisdom teeth puts pressure on other teeth and makes them shift a bit from their position, it can cause pain, discomfort, and even swelling in your jaw. You may experience extreme difficulty while opening your mouth, speaking, and intaking food and drinks. 

Painkillers and cold compresses can help reduce or eliminate the pain in the jaw caused by the eruption of wisdom teeth, but if these options do not work, it is important to see your concerned dentist as early as possible. 

What Does Wisdom Teeth Pain Feel Like?

Several people are afraid of wisdom tooth pain. So, they want to know “what does wisdom teeth pain feel like.” Wisdom teeth pain is extreme in most cases. People experience pain and extreme discomfort all around the muscles of the jaw and back of the mouth. Headache or a series of headaches, as we already mentioned in this post, is normal while your wisdom teeth are taking their place. In the case of impacted wisdom teeth, the pain and discomfort can worsen. Some people also experience cut and dry lips. Apart from this, you may experience pain radiating toward your eyes and ears. Visit your concerned dentist whenever the pain and discomfort are unbearable. 

Final Thought: Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches

Wisdom teeth cause headaches as the muscles and nerves around your jaw are connected to your head muscles and nerves. When wisdom teeth put pressure on the muscles of the jaw, the pressure may radiate to the head muscles, causing a wisdom teeth headache. Now you might have got the answer to “can wisdom teeth cause headaches.” Keep in touch for more informative and useful pieces of health information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my wisdom tooth is infected?

Pain around the jaw muscles, swollen gums, swollen lymph, bad breath, and difficulty in opening the mouth are some signs your wisdom teeth could be infected. However, these signs may occur even if your wisdom teeth are not infected. A comprehensive dental examination can help you know if your wisdom teeth are infected.

Can wisdom teeth cause headaches and neck pain?

Headaches, while wisdom teeth are in a process of taking their place, are normal, but you may also experience neck pain as the muscles of the neck are very close to the jaw muscles.

How long does wisdom tooth pain last if not removed?

Wisdom teeth pain usually disappears in a few days. However, proper care and timely intake of medications are important for that. In the case of impacted or infected wisdom teeth, the pain could last a little longer.

How do you get rid of wisdom teeth headaches?

Wisdom teeth headaches usually disappear in a few days without the need for medications, but if you experience headaches from wisdom teeth for a longer time, you need proper care and medications are important as well.

What symptoms can wisdom teeth cause?

A wide range of symptoms you may experience due to wisdom teeth include jaw pain, swelling in gums and cheeks, difficulty in opening the mouth, stiffness all around the face, mild to moderate headaches, difficulty in chewing and eating, etc.