Why wisdom teeth hurt
Short answer
Wisdom teeth often hurt because they do not have enough space or come in partly, trapping food and germs.
Simple explanation
Repeated infections around a wisdom tooth (pericoronitis) can cause swelling, bad taste, and trouble opening the mouth. Sometimes extraction is the best solution.
When this usually matters
Repeated pain and infections wear down your health and your other teeth.
When to seek dental help
Swelling, fever, or trouble opening your mouth means see a dentist soon.
Questions to ask your dentist
- •Should this tooth be removed?
- •What kind of extraction — simple or surgical?
- •How long is the recovery?
This is simple educational information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a dental examination. Your dentist may recommend something different depending on your mouth, X-rays, pain, infection, gums, bone, medical history, and clinical judgment.