Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches?

How Wisdom Teeth Develop

Wisdom teeth are the final set of permanent teeth, located at the back of the mouth. In many people, these teeth emerge without issue. However, if there is not enough room in the upper jaw or lower jaw, they may become impacted wisdom teeth, partially impacted wisdom teeth, or grow at an angle. This can place pressure on surrounding teeth and the gum line, leading to inflammation, jaw stiffness, and discomfort.

Typical wisdom tooth development stages include:

• Formation in the jawbone during childhood.
• Wisdom teeth grow and emerge between the ages of 17 and 25.
• Presence of up to four wisdom teeth, though fewer (or none) is also common. 

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How Wisdom Teeth Can Trigger Headache Pain

The jaw muscles and joints are closely linked to structures in the head and neck. When wisdom teeth are impacted or misaligned, they may contribute to strain on these muscles, which can, in turn, lead to tension headaches. Inflammation around the gum line may also cause referred pain, where discomfort originating in the jaw is felt in areas such as the temples, forehead, or behind the eyes.

Another pathway involves the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to the teeth and jaw. If inflammation or pressure from a problematic wisdom tooth sensitises this nerve, the resulting irritation can transmit signals that trigger headaches and intensify existing symptoms. An improper bite or jaw misalignment caused by wisdom teeth can also increase jaw tension, potentially trigger headaches.

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Common Headache Types Linked to Wisdom Teeth

Tension Headaches  

Prolonged jaw tension or bite changes caused by wisdom teeth may result in tension headaches. These often feel like a tight band across the forehead or around the head. 

Learn more about tension headaches.

Sinus Headaches

Upper wisdom teeth roots are located near the sinus cavities. In some cases, infection or inflammation from these teeth may irritate the sinuses, causing congestion, facial pain, and sinus headaches. True sinusitis-related headaches usually occur with signs of active sinus infection. 

Read about sinus headache symptoms and causes. 

Migraines 

Severe wisdom tooth pain, jaw pain, or gum inflammation caused by wisdom teeth can act as a trigger for severe migraines in those who are prone to them. While not a direct cause, wisdom teeth cause headaches by amplifying existing headache disorders. 

Find out more about migraine headaches

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Other Symptoms Caused by Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom tooth-related headaches often occur alongside other dental issues, including:

• Tooth pain or sensitivity.
• Swelling of the gums near emerging wisdom teeth.
• Difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene in the affected area.
• Tooth decay or dental decay in nearby teeth or adjacent teeth.
• Headache accompanied by jaw discomfort and causing discomfort when chewing. 

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When Wisdom Teeth Affect Jaw and Dental Health

Impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth can irritate neighbouring teeth and surrounding tissues, and in some cases, affect other teeth through decay, gum disease, or cyst formation. Evidence is mixed on whether third molars directly cause crowding, but bite changes and jaw muscle overload may contribute to jaw stiffness, throbbing headache, and other dental issues.

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Diagnosing Wisdom Tooth-Related Headaches

If a headache from wisdom teeth is suspected, a thorough examination by a dentist or oral surgeon is recommended. This may include:

• Dental X-rays to check for impacted wisdom teeth
• Assessment of bite alignment to identify improper bite or jaw misalignment
• Checks for gum inflammation, infection, or other oral health concerns

Regular dental check-ups are important for maintaining good oral hygiene and identifying the root cause of symptoms early. In some cases, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend wisdom tooth extraction if the examination reveals that the teeth are impacted, damaging neighbouring teeth, or contributing to ongoing headache symptoms.

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Treatment Options for Wisdom Tooth-Related Headaches

• Wisdom teeth removal 
• Oral surgery or complex dental surgery in certain cases.
• Short-term pain relief measures such as cold therapy with a cold compress to reduce swelling, along with warm salt-water rinses (as directed by your clinician) and pharmacist-advised analgesics.
• Preventive dental care to support overall oral health and healthier jaws.

The procedure and recovery process after having wisdom teeth removed vary, but following your provider’s instructions will help keep your mouth clean and reduce complications.

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Preventing Wisdom Tooth-Related Discomfort 

• Maintain good oral hygiene, especially around the back molars and gum line.
• Attend regular dental check-ups to monitor wisdom teeth coming through.
• Address jaw tension early to help prevent wisdom teeth headaches and other issues wisdom teeth can cause. 

While wisdom teeth may contribute to headaches, they are not always the sole cause. If you are still experiencing persistent headaches after dental issues are resolved, it’s worth exploring other possible triggers. 

At Sydney Headache & Migraine Clinic™, we assess whether factors such as neck dysfunction or a sensitised brainstem could be driving your symptoms, helping you find lasting relief.

Book your initial consultation today.