The eruption of wisdom teeth often marks a significant milestone in one's dental health journey. For many, it can lead to discomfort, particularly in the form of swollen gums. If you've recently experienced this, you're not alone. In this article, we explore why your gums swell when wisdom teeth come in, the signs to look out for, and the relief tips that can help you manage the pain and discomfort associated with this common dental occurrence. 

Why Do Your Gums Swell When Wisdom Teeth Come In? 

Swollen gums around the area where wisdom teeth emerge are a typical response to the eruption process. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually come in during late adolescence or early adulthood, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. The process of these teeth emerging through the gums can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to swollen gums. 

The swelling can occur for several reasons, but it is most commonly caused by the pressure of the tooth pushing through the gum line. As the wisdom tooth erupts, it can irritate the gum tissue, causing it to become inflamed. In some cases, this can lead to more severe symptoms such as bleeding, infection, or persistent pain. 

What Are the Common Signs of Swollen Gums from Wisdom Teeth? 

When wisdom teeth are coming in, there are several signs you should look out for. Swollen gums around the back molars are often the first indication that your wisdom teeth are erupting. Here are some common symptoms: 

• Tenderness or Pain: The gums around the emerging tooth may feel sore or tender to the touch, making it uncomfortable to chew or even talk. 
• Swelling: The gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become swollen, often making the area look puffier than usual. 
• Redness: Inflamed gums may appear redder than the surrounding tissue, indicating irritation and inflammation. 
• Bleeding: It’s common to experience slight bleeding when brushing or flossing the area near the wisdom teeth. 
• Difficulty Opening the Mouth: As the teeth push through the gum line, they can cause tension, making it difficult to fully open the mouth. 
• Bad Breath: The pressure of the emerging tooth and the resulting inflammation can lead to a bad taste or smell in your mouth. 
• Headaches and Jaw Pain: Sometimes, the swelling and discomfort around the wisdom teeth can radiate to other areas, such as your jaw or head. 

Are There Any Possible Complications from Swollen Gums? 

While swollen gums around wisdom teeth are often a normal part of the eruption process, there are some possible complications to be aware of: 

1. Pericoronitis: This is an infection of the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth, which can occur if food particles and bacteria become trapped beneath the gum flap. This condition can lead to severe swelling, pain, and sometimes pus. 
2. Impacted Wisdom Teeth: In some cases, the wisdom teeth may not fully emerge through the gums. This is known as impaction, and it can lead to prolonged swelling, pain, and even infection. 
3. Gum Disease: If the swollen gums are not properly cleaned or treated, it can result in gum disease, which can cause further oral health complications. 
4. Abscess: In rare cases, a bacterial infection can lead to the formation of an abscess, causing severe pain and swelling. This is a more serious condition that requires immediate dental attention. 

How Can You Relieve the Discomfort Caused by Swollen Gums? 

While the swelling caused by wisdom teeth is often temporary, managing the discomfort is essential. Here are some effective tips for relieving swollen gums associated with wisdom teeth: 

Symptom	Relief Tip	Notes
Mild gum swelling around wisdom teeth	Saltwater rinse	Reduces bacteria and promotes healing
Painful swelling and discomfort	Over-the-counter pain relief	Medications like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling
Tender gums with redness	Cold compress on the cheek	Helps numb the pain and reduce inflammation
Difficulty opening mouth	Soft foods diet	Prevents further irritation and discomfort from chewing
Bleeding gums	Gentle brushing and flossing	Helps avoid gum injury while maintaining cleanliness

How Long Does Gum Swelling Last During Wisdom Tooth Eruption? 

The duration of gum swelling varies from person to person. In most cases, gum swelling due to the eruption of wisdom teeth lasts for several days to a couple of weeks. However, if the swelling persists for an extended period, or if you experience severe pain or other complications, it may be a sign that you need to seek dental advice. 

It's important to monitor your symptoms and consult a dentist if you notice signs of infection or if the swelling becomes significantly painful. If left untreated, complications like pericoronitis or impacted wisdom teeth can exacerbate the problem, leading to more serious health concerns. 

When Should You See a Dentist for Swollen Gums from Wisdom Teeth? 

It’s always a good idea to consult with a dentist if you’re concerned about the pain or swelling associated with your wisdom teeth. You should particularly seek professional care if: 

• The swelling lasts longer than a few weeks or seems to get worse 
• You experience severe pain or difficulty swallowing 
• You notice pus, indicating an infection 
• There’s a bad taste or bad breath that doesn’t improve with cleaning 
• Your wisdom teeth are coming in at an unusual angle or causing significant discomfort 

Your dentist will be able to assess the situation and determine whether further treatment, such as a tooth extraction or antibiotics, is necessary. 

 

Can You Prevent Gum Swelling with Wisdom Teeth? 

While you can’t necessarily prevent wisdom teeth from causing swelling, you can take steps to reduce the risk of complications: 

• Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing can help keep the area clean and reduce the chances of infection or gum disease. 
• Rinse with Saltwater: A gentle saltwater rinse can help soothe the swollen gums and prevent infection by removing food particles and bacteria. 
• Avoid Hard Foods: Eating soft foods that don’t put pressure on your gums can prevent irritation and discomfort during the eruption process. 

 

Visit Tamworth Oral Health and Dental Care 

If you’re experiencing discomfort from swollen gums due to wisdom teeth or need advice on how to manage the eruption process, Tamworth Oral Health and Dental Care can provide expert guidance and care. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that you maintain optimal oral health, whether you need a routine check-up, advice on wisdom teeth, or more advanced dental procedures. We’re here to make your visit as comfortable and informative as possible. 

Read More: Do Gums Swell When Permanent Teeth Come In? What’s Normal & When to Worry

References: 

• Australian Dental Association (ADA) - www.ada.org.au 
• Australian Dental Journal - www.adj.com.au 

 

FAQs 

1. Why do wisdom teeth cause swollen gums? Wisdom teeth cause swollen gums due to the pressure of the teeth pushing through the gum line. This can irritate the surrounding tissue and lead to inflammation. 
2. How long will the swelling last when wisdom teeth come in? Swelling typically lasts for a few days to a couple of weeks. If the swelling persists or worsens, it may indicate an infection or other complication that requires dental attention. 
3. Should I see a dentist if my gums are swollen due to wisdom teeth? Yes, it’s a good idea to see a dentist if the swelling persists, becomes severe, or if you notice signs of infection, such as pus or a bad taste in your mouth. 
4. Can I prevent gum swelling when wisdom teeth come in? While you can’t fully prevent swelling, maintaining good oral hygiene, using saltwater rinses, and avoiding hard foods can help reduce the chances of severe swelling and infection. 
5. What should I do if my gums are bleeding because of wisdom teeth? If your gums are bleeding, gently brush and floss the affected area and rinse with saltwater. If the bleeding continues, or if it’s accompanied by pain, seek dental advice. 
6. What are the signs that I should see a dentist about swollen gums from wisdom teeth? You should see a Emergency dentist tamworth if the swelling lasts longer than a couple of weeks, if you experience severe pain, or if you notice pus or a bad taste in your mouth, which could indicate an infection.