If your wisdom teeth fail to emerge properly, they can cause intense discomfort, tooth misalignment and affect your overall oral health. The most effective way to minimise the adverse effects of an impacted wisdom tooth is with extraction, but there are a few ways that you can minimise wisdom tooth pain at home.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Your wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at either end of both the upper and lower arch of your mouth. Wisdom teeth typically emerge between ages 17-25. However, not all of your wisdom teeth may erupt, and in some cases, they may not erupt at all. When your wisdom teeth do not erupt through the gum line or emerge at an angle, this is known as an impacted tooth.
An impacted tooth can contribute to oral health issues. Many people do not experience any symptoms due to impacted wisdom teeth; however, for some impacted and erupting wisdom teeth can cause intense discomfort.
What are the Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Pain?
In addition to a sharp ache at the location of the wisdom tooth, you may also experience a range of other painful symptoms due to an impacted wisdom tooth including:
- Pain that radiates from the tooth down the jaw and to the neck
- Swollen or tender gums
- Swelling in the jaw
- Bad breath
- A foul taste in the mouth
- Limited ability to open your mouth
- Infection
What To Do For Wisdom Tooth Pain
There are many ways to manage wisdom tooth pain at home. Some simple home remedies for wisdom tooth pain include:
- Numbing Gel
Over-the-counter numbing gels can be applied regularly to the affected area. Be careful to apply the gel gently as not to irritate tender gums.
- Pain relievers
Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can help to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
- Saltwater rinse
Rinsing 3-4 times per day with salt water made from 1 cup of warm water a 1 tablespoon of salt. Rinsing can remove bacteria and debris from around the wisdom tooth which can help to reduce inflammation.
- Cloves
A traditional remedy for wisdom tooth pain that has been used for centuries is clove. Cloves have natural antibacterial properties and can also numb the area. Place the clove on your wisdom tooth and close your jaw to hold in place until the pain subsides. You can also apply clove oil to a cotton ball and place it on the wisdom tooth.
- Peppermint
To relieve wisdom tooth pain, and give you sweeter breath, use fresh peppermint leaves. Peppermint can eliminate bacteria that cause inflammation. Take a bunch of fresh leaves, and pack them into your mouth around the affected wisdom tooth and leave for approximately 20-30 minutes. You can also apply peppermint oil to a cotton ball and place it on your wisdom tooth.
- Onion
Onion contains antibacterial compounds that can help to reduce wisdom tooth pain. Chew a piece of raw onion on the affected side of your mouth. Continue to chew until the tooth pain subsides.
- Baking soda
Baking soda is an ingredient frequently used in dental products due to its ability to remove bacteria and reduce inflammation. To relieve wisdom tooth pain, make a thick paste using baking soda and your regular toothpaste. Apply the paste to your affected wisdom tooth and gums for instant pain relief.
- Black tea
Black tea contains compounds called tannins that have powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. To alleviate wisdom tooth pain, boil water and steep a black tea bag for 10 minutes, then put your cup in the fridge with the teabag still inside. Once the water is cool, take out the tea bag and place it directly on your affected wisdom tooth.
In addition to alleviating your wisdom tooth pain, you can prevent the pain from getting worse by maintaining proper oral hygiene, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding certain foods such as high sugar foods and hard or crunchy foods.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain, call your dentist immediately, as you may need to have the affected tooth extracted. If treated early, wisdom tooth extraction is a simple procedure that can be performed at the dental practice.
However, for complex cases, you may need to be admitted to a hospital and put under general anaesthesia for your wisdom tooth extraction.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Aftercare
You may still experience some mild discomfort following your wisdom tooth extraction, so it is essential to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to alleviate tenderness and speed up the healing process.
- Rest for 1-2 days immediately after your wisdom tooth extraction with your head elevated to minimise swelling. Continue to modify your activities for the next week or two while you heal.
- Apply an ice pack to the side of your face at 15-minute intervals.
- Do not drink through a straw or smoke as this creates negative pressure in your mouth, which can dislodge the blood clot that has formed in the socket where your wisdom tooth was. Removing the blood clot can lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
- Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours after surgery. After 24 hours have passed, you may rinse gently with a warm saltwater solution.
If you experience nausea, excessive bleeding, persistent pain, or fever, call your dentist immediately as you may have an infection.
Last Word
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe discomfort as well as a number of other potential oral health issues. However, if you follow our suggestions about what to do for wisdom tooth pain, you can minimise your discomfort until you are able to have the affected tooth extracted.
To find out more about wisdom tooth extraction or to book your appointment, call No Gaps Dental on (02) 8007 6727 to speak with our friendly and experienced staff.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.