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If you’ve ever had a sore throat along with pain in your back teeth, you may have wondered if they are linked. A wisdom tooth sore throat can happen when wisdom teeth cause discomfort or infection. This often occurs when wisdom teeth begin to come in or become infected. In this article, we will explain how these two issues can be connected and what you can do to find relief.
Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Sore Throats?
Yes, wisdom teeth can cause a sore throat before and after removal. When wisdom teeth are coming in or if they become infected, they can cause pain in the mouth that spreads to the throat. Since the back of the mouth is close to the throat, any swelling or infection from the wisdom teeth can make the throat feel sore.
How Do You Know If Your Sore Throat Is From Wisdom Teeth?
If your sore throat is caused by wisdom teeth, you may experience the following:
- Pain in the back of your mouth
- Pressure or swelling near your gums
- Pain that gets worse when you swallow, chew, or open your mouth
- Throat pain that spreads if the wisdom teeth are infected or impacted
If you have these symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a dentist to check if your wisdom teeth are the cause.
How Can Wisdom Teeth Cause a Sore Throat?
Wisdom teeth can cause a sore throat in different ways:
- When the teeth are coming in, they can push against your gums, and cause swelling that spreads to the throat.
- Impacted wisdom teeth that don’t come in fully can get infected, and lead to swelling and throat pain.
- An infected wisdom tooth can cause swelling in nearby areas, including the throat.
- In some cases, the infection spread to the lymph nodes, making the throat pain worse.
Sore Throat Before Removal
A sore throat before wisdom teeth removal may be a sign that the teeth are infected or impacted. When wisdom teeth do not come in properly, they cause pain and swelling in the surrounding tissues. This can lead to a sore throat. If you feel a sore throat along with pain in your teeth or gums, you should see the best dentist Ahwatukee right away to prevent further problems.
Post-Extraction Sore Throat
After wisdom teeth are removed, a sore throat can happen. This may be because the dentist or surgeon had to keep your mouth open during the procedure, which can make your throat muscles sore.
Swelling around the area where the teeth were removed can also cause throat pain. It’s normal to feel some throat soreness for a few days after the extraction, but it should go away as you heal. To reduce the discomfort, you can:
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Use warm saltwater gargles to soothe your throat.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
Treatment of a Sore Throat Caused by Wisdom Teeth
The treatment for a wisdom tooth sore throat depends on what is causing the pain:
- If there is an infection, your dentist may give you antibiotics to treat it.
- For less severe pain, over-the-counter pain relievers or warm saltwater gargles can help reduce discomfort.
- If the wisdom teeth are causing the pain, your dentist might suggest removing them to stop the pain and prevent the infection from spreading.
Last Word
A wisdom tooth sore throat can happen if the wisdom teeth are impacted, infected, or coming in. It is important to pay attention to any signs of pain in the back of your mouth and throat. If you notice this, it’s best to visit your dentist for a proper diagnosis. Getting treatment early can help relieve pain and prevent more serious problems from happening.
FAQs
Is it normal for wisdom teeth to hurt during pregnancy?
Yes, wisdom teeth can hurt during pregnancy. Ask your dentist in Ahwatukee about safe options for pain relief.
Can a wisdom tooth cause headaches?
Yes, wisdom teeth can cause headaches. Pain from the teeth may spread to the head, causing discomfort.
Should I tell my dentist I have a sore throat?
Yes, you should tell your dentist if you have a sore throat. It can help them determine if your wisdom teeth are the cause.
How do you know if a tooth infection has spread to your throat?
Signs that a tooth infection has spread to the throat include swelling in your neck, trouble swallowing, or increased pain. If this happens, see your dentist as soon as possible.
