Wisdom teeth can cause headaches when they emerge or if they become impacted

With age comes wisdom. That’s how wisdom teeth, which emerge at the transition between childhood and adulthood, got their name.

But for many people, these teeth are associated with pain and discomfort, not wisdom. Commonly, wisdom teeth cause headaches and a whole lot of other problems.

“Headaches from wisdom teeth are likely a type of referred pain,” says oral and maxillofacial surgeon Alan Martinez Lopez, DDS. “Your wisdom teeth are located at the back of your jaw — an area dense with muscles and nerves. Pain that starts there can feel like a headache.”

Dr. Martinez explains more about the link between wisdom teeth and headaches and how to relieve the pain.

Causes of wisdom teeth-related headaches

Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars and the last to come in. But they’re large — often too large for the small space, says Dr. Martinez. The sheer size of wisdom teeth can cause all types of toothaches and headaches, including:

Teething pain

Teething isn’t just for babies. Wisdom teeth typically come in between ages 17 and 25. As they push through your gums, they can cause inflammation, pain and headaches.

“This pain isn’t necessarily abnormal,” clarifies Dr. Martinez. “But if it continues, see a dentist. They can make sure your wisdom teeth are healthy and growing into your mouth properly.”

Most dentists recommend panoramic X-rays every three to five years. These images give a detailed view of your wisdom teeth, even if they haven’t emerged. (They can also show if you’re among the nearly 25% of people born without one or more of their wisdom teeth.)

Impacted wisdom tooth

An impacted wisdom tooth doesn’t come in the way it should. It may emerge partially or stay completely below your gums. In some cases, the tooth grows in angled or sideways. Pressure on nearby teeth and tissues can result in tooth pain and headaches.

It’s very common for wisdom teeth to become impacted (when a tooth is partially or fully trapped in your gums or jawbone). According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, it happens to about 90% of people.

The problem stems from our evolutionary history. “Wisdom teeth were essential for our ancestors, who needed large molars to chew tough, dense food,” Dr. Martinez explains. “But over time, our diet has changed, and our jaws have gotten smaller. There’s less room for wisdom teeth to grow.”

Dental decay

Because they’re so far back in your mouth, wisdom teeth can be difficult to keep clean. Without good oral hygiene, you can develop painful and headache-inducing cavities and gum disease. Partially impacted wisdom teeth are especially at risk for dental decay, says Dr. Martinez.

Cysts

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form anywhere in your body. Dentigerous cysts develop around the crown (top) of an unerupted tooth. And most often, they occur in wisdom teeth.

“Dentigerous cysts are rare, usually affecting people in their 20s and 30s,” reports Dr. Martinez. “Symptoms include jaw pain and infections — both of which can cause referred headache pain. Oral surgery is the main treatment to remove both the cyst and the tooth.”

Complications after wisdom teeth removal

If there are signs your wisdom teeth are impacted, your dentist will likely recommend an oral surgeon to remove them. While wisdom teeth removal is quite safe, problems can occur after removal that can lead to headaches, including:

  • Exposed bone and nerves in the hole left by the extracted tooth (dry socket)
  • Infection in the area around the extracted tooth

“Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but it can prevent future issues,” says Dr. Martinez. “We typically recommend people have it done in their late teens or early 20s. Younger people have a lower risk of complications and tend to heal faster.”

Signs your headache is due to tooth pain

There are many causes of headaches, so it can be difficult to know if a headache is related to your wisdom teeth or something else. If your wisdom teeth are to blame, you’ll probably have pain elsewhere, such as:

  • Below your gum
  • In or around a tooth
  • In your jaw

What to do about tooth pain and headaches

At-home remedies can help ease wisdom tooth pain and related headaches. Dr. Martinez recommends:

But if the pain is severe or ongoing, let your dentist know. They can figure out the cause of your pain and the best way to fix it. That may include filling a cavity or oral surgery to remove impacted wisdom teeth.

“Dental issues don’t usually heal on their own and can lead to bigger problems if you let them go,” warns Dr. Martinez. “The sooner you get care, the sooner you’ll find relief — and the better off you’ll be in the long run.”