If your jaw hurts on a daily basis, you may be suffering from an impacted wisdom tooth. This third set of molars usually develop between the ages of 17 and 25. If your mouth doesn’t have enough room for them, they may become trapped in the jaw bone or gums, leading to pain and other symptoms such as headache. In some cases, the pain is centered around the impacted wisdom teeth, but it can also affect other parts of your head such as your neck and forehead.
Visiting your dentist to get the problem checked is the best way to find out the cause of your headache. A simple dental exam and X-ray can determine if the tooth is coming in at a wrong angle or causing pressure on other teeth.
Then the dentist will recommend removing the impacted wisdom tooth to alleviate the pain and prevent future problems. This procedure is a common one and is normally done in the office of your dentist or an oral surgeon.
Some bruising and swelling after the removal of your wisdom tooth is normal, but if it becomes chronic and severe, it’s time to see a doctor. You can take over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin to dull the tooth and head pain, or you can request prescription pain medication from your dentist. You can also use ice packs and warm compresses to reduce the inflammation. Inhaling lukewarm saline rinses can help relieve the pain and swelling of your jaw and throat as well.