Wisdom Teeth Swelling - Healthline
Maybe your like
- Health Conditions
Health Conditions
All- Breast Cancer
- Cancer Care
- Caregiving for Alzheimer's Disease
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Digestive Health
- Eye Health
- Heart Health
- Menopause
- Mental Health
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Sleep Health
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Weight Management
Condition Spotlight
All
Controlling Ulcerative Colitis
Navigating Life with Bipolar Disorder
Mastering Geographic Atrophy
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
- Wellness
Wellness Topics
All- CBD
- Fitness
- Healthy Aging
- Hearing
- Mental Well-Being
- Nutrition
- Parenthood
- Recipes
- Sexual Health
- Skin Care
- Sleep Health
- Vitamins and Supplements
- Women's Wellness
Product Reviews
All- At-Home Testing
- Men's Health
- Mental Health
- Nutrition
- Sleep
- Vitamins and Supplements
- Women's Health
Featured Programs
All
Your Guide to Glucose Health
Inflammation and Aging
Cold & Flu Season Survival Guide
She’s Good for Real
- Tools
Featured
- Video Series
- Pill Identifier
- FindCare
- Drugs A-Z
- Medicare Plans by State
Lessons
All- Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Essentials
- Diabetes Nutrition
- High Cholesterol
- Taming Inflammation in Psoriasis
- Taming Inflammation in Psoriatic Arthritis
Newsletters
All- Anxiety and Depression
- Digestive Health
- Heart Health
- Migraine
- Nutrition Edition
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Wellness Wire
Lifestyle Quizzes
- Find a Diet
- Find Healthy Snacks
- Weight Management
- How Well Do You Sleep?
- Are You a Workaholic?
- Featured
Health News
All- Medicare 2026 Changes
- Can 6-6-6 Walking Workout Help You Lose Weight?
- This Couple Lost 118 Pounds Together Without Medication
- 5 Science-Backed Ways to Live a Longer Life
- Morning Coffee May Help You Live Longer
This Just In
- 5 Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle
- How to Disinfect Your House After the Flu
- Best Vegan and Plant-Based Meal Delivery for 2025
- Does Medicare Cover Pneumonia Shots?
- Chromosomes, Genetics, and Your Health
Top Reads
- Best Multivitamins for Women
- Best Multivitamins for Men
- Best Online Therapy Services
- Online Therapy That Takes Insurance
- Buy Ozempic Online
- Mounjaro Overview
Video Series
- Youth in Focus
- Healthy Harvest
- Through an Artist's Eye
- Future of Health
- Connect
Find Your Bezzy Community
Bezzy communities provide meaningful connections with others living with chronic conditions. Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app.
All
Breast Cancer
Multiple Sclerosis
Depression
Migraine
Type 2 Diabetes
Psoriasis
Follow us on social media
Can't get enough? Connect with us for all things health.
Nutrition
- Meal Kits
- Special Diets
- Healthy Eating
- Food Freedom
- Conditions
- Feel Good Food
- Products
- Vitamins & Supplements
- Sustainability
- Weight Management
Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — Written by Scott Frothingham on December 18, 2018- Causes
- Reducing swelling
- Takeaway
Overview
Wisdom teeth are your third molars, the furthest ones back in your mouth. They got their name because they typically appear when you’re between the ages of 17 and 21, when you’re more mature and have more wisdom.
If your wisdom teeth emerge correctly then they’ll help you chew and shouldn’t cause any problems. If there isn’t enough room for them to come out in the proper position, your dentist will refer to them as impacted.
Why are my wisdom teeth swelling?
When your wisdom teeth start to break through your gums, it’s normal to have some discomfort and swelling of your gums.
Once your wisdom teeth come through your gums, there could be complications that result in more swelling, including if they:
- emerge only partially, allowing bacteria into the gums and jaw
- aren’t positioned correctly, allowing food to become stuck and promoting the growth of cavity-causing bacteria
- allow for formation of a cyst that can damage teeth and the bone that holds your teeth
Swollen gums can also be caused by a vitamin deficiency or gingivitis, but typically that swelling wouldn’t be isolated to your wisdom teeth.
»MORE:Get care for dental pain in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Now Online Care.Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.
How can I reduce wisdom teeth swelling?
If your swelling is caused or worsened by a piece of food stuck in the area, rinse your mouth thoroughly. Your dentist might recommend warm salt water or an antiseptic oral rinse. Once the food’s washed away, your swelling should reduce on its own.
Other ways to deal with wisdom teeth swelling include:
- apply an ice packs or cold compress directly to the swollen area or to your face next to the swelling
- suck on ice chips, keeping them on or near the swollen area
- take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- avoid things that can irritate your gums, such as alcohol and tobacco
Takeaway
Experiencing some swelling and pain when your wisdom teeth come in isn’t unusual. Once your wisdom teeth are in, you may have swelling from a number of causes, such as lodged food or bacteria getting into your gums.
Once the cause is addressed, the swelling can usually be managed with items such as ice packs and NSAIDs.
If you experience pain or infections regularly, head to your dentist. They may recommend wisdom teeth removal to help your constant pain.
How we reviewed this article:
SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Impacted wisdom teeth. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/symptoms-causes/syc-20373808
- Renton T, et al. (2016). Problems with erupting wisdom teeth: signs, symptoms, and management. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp16X686509
- Wisdom teeth. (n.d.). https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth
- Wisdom teeth management. (2018). http://www.clevelandclinic.org/healthinfo/pdfv2/viewpdf.aspx?PDFID=17891#book/
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — Written by Scott Frothingham on December 18, 2018Read this next
- How Long Does It Take to Recover from Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery?Medically reviewed by Jennifer Archibald, DDS
Wisdom tooth extraction can take between 3 days and 2 weeks for you to recover. Here's what you can expect and why it might be longer for you.
READ MORE - What Soft Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth RemovalMedically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network
After you get your wisdom teeth removed, you should eat soft foods. Here's what to eat when you're recovering.
READ MORE - What You Should Know About an Impacted Wisdom ToothMedically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS
What does it mean to have an impacted wisdom tooth? We’ll explain what an impacted wisdom tooth is and how it’s treated.
READ MORE - Everything You Need to Know About Using a Cold CompressMedically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP
Many people use ice or cold compresses to help quickly relief pain, reduce swelling, and limit bruising.
READ MORE - Treatment Options for Tooth Decay in ChildrenMedically reviewed by Jennifer Archibald, DDS
Tooth decay is a common concern in children. The use of fluoride, dental sealants, and regular dental cleanings can help treat and prevent tooth decay.
READ MORE - How Long Does It Take to Recover from Dry Socket, and How Long Are You at Risk?Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS
With treatment, dry socket symptoms usually resolve within 7 days. You’re at the greatest risk for dry socket the first week following tooth…
READ MORE - One-Sided Jaw Pain: Likely Causes and TreatmentMedically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network
Likely causes of jaw pain include dental problems, TMJ disorders, and sinusitis. Rarely, pain on one side of the jaw can be an early sign of heart…
READ MORE - Byte Aligners ReviewMedically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS
Everything you need to know about Byte aligners and how to get your own.
READ MORE - Home Remedies for Dry SocketMedically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS
Dry socket after a tooth extraction is preventable but can lead to severe pain and discomfort. Home remedies such as honey, black tea, and warm salt…
READ MORE - 10 Ways to Remineralize Your Teeth and Stop DemineralizationMedically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS
As you age, you lose the minerals in your teeth. Yet it’s possible to help replenish or stop losing these minerals with lifestyle changes and home…
READ MORE
Tag » How To Reduce Wisdom Teeth Swelling
-
What To Do Is Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Extraction Occurs?
-
How To Reduce Swelling After Wisdom Teeth ... - St. Hope Foundation
-
The 5 Best Remedies To Relieve Wisdom Teeth Swelling And Pain
-
Reduce Wisdom Teeth Swelling - Crest
-
Wisdom Tooth Pain: Causes, Home Treatment, And Prevention
-
Ways To Reduce Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Removal
-
Wisdom Teeth Swelling – How To Relieve Discomfort? - Dapto Dentist
-
How To Deal With Swelling From Wisdom Teeth Removal
-
Wisdom Teeth Swelling | How To Reduce & Manage The Side Effects?
-
How To Reduce Swelling After Wisdom Teeth Removal
-
How To Reduce Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
-
Wisdom Teeth Swelling – Causes And Treatment - No Gaps Dental
-
Wisdom Tooth Removal - Recovery - NHS