What is Wisdom Tooth Pain?
Wisdom tooth pain is discomfort or pressure at the back of your mouth, usually caused by the eruption or impaction of your third molars commonly known as wisdom teeth. This pain can range from mild soreness to severe throbbing and may come and go or persist for days.
Wisdom teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. For many people, there’s not enough space in the jaw to accommodate them properly, which can lead to complications such as gum infection, crowding, or impaction (when the tooth is trapped beneath the gum or bone).

What Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain?
Several issues can cause wisdom tooth pain, including:
• Tooth decay – wisdom teeth are harder to clean, increasing the risk of dental decay
• Pericoronitis – inflammation or infection of the gum flap over a partially erupted tooth
• Impacted teeth – stuck under the gum or growing at an angle
• Cyst formation – in rare cases, fluid-filled sacs can form around impacted teeth
Pain from wisdom teeth often worsens during periods of stress, illness, or poor oral hygiene. It may also flare up repeatedly over time.

Symptoms to Watch Out For
It’s important to monitor your symptoms. Contact a dentist urgently if you notice:
• Swelling around the back of the jaw
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully
• Bad taste or smell in the mouth
• Swollen or bleeding gums behind molars
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Raised temperature
• Feeling tired or generally unwell
These may indicate infection or impaction, which could require prompt antibiotic treatment.

Do I Need Antibiotics for a Dental Abscess?
A dentist may prescribe antibiotics if there are signs of spreading infection, such as:
• Facial swelling
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Raised temperature
At Online Dentist UK, our experienced dentists will carefully assess your symptoms and prescribe antibiotics if it is safe and appropriate for you.

How We Can Help
If you’re experiencing wisdom tooth pain, we’re here to help. While we don’t replace in-person dental treatment, we provide trusted support when pain strikes especially out of hours.

✔ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
We’re always here even when your local dental practice is closed.

✔ Experienced Dentists
Every consultation is reviewed by one of our GDC registered dentists.

✔ Same Day Prescriptions
Collect your medication from your local pharmacy, today

✔ Safe and Regulated
We follow strict guidelines to ensure ethical and clinically appropriate care.

✔ Transparent Pricing
Just £19.95 - only pay if a prescription is suitable for you.

What to Do Next
To find out if you need antibiotics for your wisdom tooth pain, start our online consultation now. It only takes a few minutes and it’s simple, secure and free.