Wisdom teeth are notorious for causing a host of oral health problems. As the last set of molars to erupt through the gumline, the jaw is often unable to accommodate the new teeth, leading wisdom teeth to grow abnormally and affect the adjacent teeth and gums.
Pain is the first and most obvious symptom of an impacted wisdom tooth, but you can alleviate any discomfort with a wisdom tooth extraction. In the meantime, try some simple, natural home remedies to manage the pain.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The best way to alleviate wisdom tooth pain is with an extraction. Removing the wisdom tooth removes the source of pressure on your other teeth.
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to take before and after your wisdom tooth removal to eliminate any infection-causing bacteria.
If you are suffering from severe pain, your wisdom tooth may be impacted. Extracting an impacted tooth often requires a complex extraction under general anaesthetic at a dental hospital.
Regular visits to your dentist help dental professionals monitor the development of your wisdom teeth and perform extractions before a problematic wisdom causes any serious oral health complications. A simple tooth extraction takes only a few minutes at your local dental practice, and it is performed under local anaesthesia.
Natural Wisdom Tooth Pain Remedies
If you are unable to have your wisdom tooth extracted immediately, there are several natural ways to reduce wisdom tooth pain at home.
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Apply an Ice Pack
Inflammation of the tissue surrounding your impacted wisdom tooth can put pressure on the nerves in the root of your tooth. This causes pain ranging from a dull, persistent throb to a sharp, stabbing pain.
Applying an ice pack intermittently for 15 minutes can reduce blood flow to the area, thereby limiting inflammation and swelling in your gums.
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Take Over-the-Counter Medication
Over-the-counter pain medication can help reduce inflammation. However, this is a short-term solution that should not be used for more than a week, as prolonged pain-killer use can cause stomach problems.
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Tea Bags
If your wisdom tooth pain is the result of swollen gums, try applying chilled tea bags directly to the area. The tannic acid in tea bags can help to reduce the swelling and inflammation in your gums. Chilled bags also act as mild cold packs that can be applied directly to the affected area.
Pour boiled water over 3-4 tea bags and leave the cup in the fridge until completely chilled. Place a cold bag directly on your wisdom tooth for instant pain relief.
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Oil of Cloves
Clove oil and whole cloves contain an active agent called eugenol, which acts as a natural wisdom tooth pain remedy due to its numbing effect.
Dampen a cotton wool ball with clove oil and place on the tooth for 5-15 minutes, then remove and discard. If the flavour of the clove oil is too intense, you can dilute it with coconut oil. Coconut oil also possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
If you cannot find clove oil, crush 1-2 whole cloves and place them in your cheek next to the affected wisdom tooth for 15 minutes. Then discard the pieces and rinse your mouth.
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Garlic and Ginger
Studies have found garlic and ginger have potent antibacterial properties that can eliminate the microorganisms that contribute to wisdom tooth pain. The added benefit of this wisdom tooth pain remedy is that the ingredients are readily available in most homes.
Crush a clove of fresh garlic and an equal-sized piece of fresh ginger into a paste. Apply the paste to the gum tissue surrounding your wisdom tooth. You can leave the remedy in place as long as it provides relief, as the ingredients are edible.
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Salt Water Rinse
Food particles can become trapped underneath the flap of gum that forms as a wisdom tooth emerges and cause an infection called pericoronitis. The infection can make it difficult to brush and floss properly due to tender, swollen gum tissue. Rinsing with a salt water solution can remove food particles and help to eliminate bacteria that cause infection.
You can make a salt water rinse by combining 1 tablespoon of salt with 1 cup of warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds 5 to 6 times per day and after eating.
Additional Tips for Treating Wisdom Tooth Pain
A temporary wisdom tooth pain remedy is a simple way to improve your comfort until you can schedule a dental exam and tooth extraction. But there are a few other things you can do to avoid exacerbating the condition.
- Avoid foods and beverages high in sugar or acid, as these substances can irritate the nerves in your affected tooth and aggravate a bacterial infection. You should also avoid hard foods, as the pressure needed to chew these foods can intensify your tooth pain.
- Stay well-hydrated. Drinking water frequently throughout the day can flush away debris from the affected area.
- Rest with your head slightly elevated to minimise swelling.
The Final Word
Although the best method for alleviating pain due to an impacted or emerging wisdom tooth is to have it extracted, a natural wisdom tooth pain remedy can be an effective, temporary way to reduce swelling, inflammation, and infection.
At No Gaps Dental, we have multiple practices at locations across Sydney and offer affordable payment plans and HICAPS claiming, so you can book your wisdom tooth extraction consultation as soon as possible. Call us on (02) 8007 6727 or book your appointment online.