Common symptoms
- • Pain or pressure at the back of the jaw, behind your last molar
- • Swollen, tender gum over a partly erupted tooth
- • Difficulty opening the mouth fully or chewing
- • An unpleasant taste or bad breath from around the tooth
- • Pain that spreads to the ear, jaw joint, throat or side of the head
- • Swollen glands under the jaw
Likely causes
- • A wisdom tooth partially erupting through the gum, leaving a flap that traps food (pericoronitis)
- • Impacted wisdom teeth pressing against neighbouring teeth
- • Decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth in front, which is hard to clean
- • Infection developing around a partly erupted tooth
- • An upper wisdom tooth biting onto swollen gum below
What can help tonight
- • Rinse with warm salty water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) several times a day, especially after eating
- • Brush the area gently but thoroughly; a small-headed or single-tufted brush helps reach the back
- • Use paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed on the packet if they are safe for you
- • Eat soft food and chew on the other side
- • Avoid smoking and alcohol while the gum is sore
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Always follow the advice given to you by your dentist.
When it's an emergency
- • Swelling spreading to the cheek, eye or neck, or affecting swallowing or breathing
- • Being unable to open your mouth beyond a small gap
- • High temperature with severe pain and feeling very unwell
If any of these apply to you, call 999 or attend A&E now. Outside these signs, NHS 111 can advise out of hours.
What a ToothAid dentist can do online
Most wisdom tooth pain can be assessed by video. A dentist can look at the area, work out whether it is gum inflammation, infection or decay, and advise you on what will settle it. Where there are clear signs of infection around an erupting wisdom tooth (pericoronitis), a dentist may prescribe antibiotics, alongside advice on keeping the area clean.
What needs in-person treatment
If wisdom teeth are repeatedly causing infection or pain, extraction or a surgical assessment requires a face-to-face appointment, usually with an X-ray first. ToothAid can refer you to a participating practice near you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does wisdom tooth pain last?
Mild soreness while a wisdom tooth is coming through often comes and goes over a few days, and can flare up again over weeks or months. An episode of gum inflammation usually settles within about a week with good cleaning and salt water rinses. Pain that is severe, getting worse or lasting more than two or three days should be checked by a dentist.
Why does wisdom tooth pain spread to my ear, jaw or head?
The nerves at the back of the jaw are shared with the ear and side of the head, so pain from a wisdom tooth is often felt there too. Swelling can also affect the jaw muscles, making it hard to open wide.
When should I worry about wisdom tooth pain?
Speak to a dentist if the pain stops you sleeping or eating, lasts more than a few days, or comes with a bad taste or swollen gum. Call 999 or go to A&E if swelling spreads to your eye or neck, or you have difficulty breathing, swallowing or opening your mouth.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. Many wisdom teeth cause no problems and do not need removal. Extraction is usually only recommended when a tooth causes repeated infection, decay or damage to neighbouring teeth.
Can I treat wisdom tooth infection myself?
Salt water rinses and careful cleaning can help mild symptoms, but a recurring or worsening infection needs assessment by a dentist. Antibiotics are only helpful when infection is spreading or you are unwell, and they don't stop it coming back.
Can I see a dentist online for wisdom tooth pain?
Yes. A video consultation with a GDC registered UK dentist costs £19.99. They can assess the area, advise on pain relief, prescribe where clinically appropriate and refer you to a practice if the tooth needs X-rays or removal.