Pain at the back of the mouth can come from a wisdom tooth, the gum around it or another nearby tooth. It may settle and return, particularly when a partially erupted tooth traps food and plaque, and it can also worsen quickly if infection or swelling develops. This guide summarises general information from Healthdirect and the Australian Dental Association, it is not a diagnosis and cannot tell you what is causing your pain. Arrange a dental assessment for persistent or recurring pain, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 if you are unsure how urgently you need to be seen, and call 000 if swelling affects breathing, talking or swallowing.
Why can wisdom teeth hurt?
Wisdom teeth sit at the back of the mouth and often appear in the late teens or early twenties. Pain may be associated with gum inflammation around a partly erupted tooth, food and plaque trapped under a flap of gum, decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth beside it, pressure or inflammation around an impacted tooth, a dental abscess, or pain from another tooth or jaw structure that feels as though it comes from the wisdom tooth.
Healthdirect lists gum infection, limited space, impaction and pericoronitis among common wisdom tooth problems. Only an examination, and sometimes an X-ray, can identify what applies to you.
How long does wisdom tooth pain last?
There is no dependable home timetable. Mild gum irritation may settle, but recurring pain can mean the underlying problem remains, so pain that lasts, gets worse or repeatedly returns should be assessed rather than judged by the number of days alone.
A practitioner may monitor a wisdom tooth that is healthy and not causing problems. Pain does not automatically mean the tooth must be removed, and temporary improvement does not prove that treatment is unnecessary.
Why can it come and go?
A partly erupted tooth can be difficult to clean. Inflammation may ease when the area is less irritated, then return as plaque and food collect again, and biting on the gum flap can also vary from day to day.
Other dental conditions can behave in a similar way. That is why repeated episodes are useful information to give the dentist, but not a diagnosis by themselves.
Short-term relief while waiting for care
Healthdirect's guidance says that gentle cleaning with a small-headed toothbrush, warm salt-water rinsing and a cold pack may help while a person arranges care. Its toothache guidance advises asking a pharmacist, doctor or dentist about pain-relief medicines and following the packet directions.
These steps do not treat every cause of wisdom tooth pain. Do not place aspirin, peroxide, essential oils or another chemical directly against the gum, and do not take leftover antibiotics. A pharmacist can check whether an over-the-counter medicine is suitable for your health conditions, pregnancy status and other medicines.
When is it urgent?
Arrange prompt dental care if pain is severe, increasing or accompanied by swelling in the gum, cheek, jaw or face, fever or feeling unwell, pus or a persistent bad taste, difficulty opening the mouth, trouble eating or drinking, or pain that is not settling with appropriate short-term measures.
Call 000 or go to an emergency department if swelling affects breathing, talking or swallowing, or if there is serious facial or jaw swelling. If you are unsure how urgently you need to be seen, Healthdirect's helpline on 1800 022 222 can help you decide, or contact an emergency dentist directly.
What happens at an appointment?
The dentist will ask about the pain, examine the teeth and gums and may recommend imaging. The purpose is to identify whether the wisdom tooth, nearby tooth, gum or another structure is involved.
Depending on the findings, the discussion may include cleaning the area, treatment of decay or infection, monitoring, management of the gum around the tooth, or removal. Healthdirect's removal guidance explains the procedure and possible complications, but it does not mean removal is needed in every case.
Finding a dentist
For pain without medical emergency signs, look for a provider who can assess urgent dental problems and arrange appropriate imaging. Ask whether the practice can see a new patient, what the examination and X-ray fee is, and whether surgical referral is available if needed.
Frequently asked
Symptoms may ease, but the cause may still need attention. Recurring, persistent or worsening pain should be assessed by a dentist.
Not always. Inflammation, decay, impaction and other teeth can produce pain in the same area. Swelling, fever, pus or feeling unwell increases concern and needs prompt care.
A pharmacist can discuss whether an over-the-counter pain medicine is suitable and how to use it safely. Pain relief does not replace dental assessment of the cause.
No. The decision depends on the examination, imaging, repeated problems, tooth position, risks and alternatives.
