Home Remedies to Ease Wisdom Tooth Pain

Home Remedies to Ease Wisdom Tooth Pain

Wisdom tooth pain can strike when you least expect it, causing discomfort, swelling, and irritation that can make eating, talking, and even sleeping a challenge. If you’re experiencing wisdom tooth pain, you’re not alone; it’s a common issue for many people. Australia has one of the highest hospitalisation rates for wisdom tooth extractions in the world, which could indicate that many wisdom teeth are being removed as a preventive measure.

Before we dive into wisdom teeth pain relief home remedies, let’s first understand what wisdom teeth are, why they hurt, and what symptoms to look out for.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

These are the third set of molars at the back of your mouth. These teeth typically emerge during your late teens or early twenties, which is why they’re called “wisdom” teeth. For some people, wisdom teeth grow without causing any problems. However, for many others, these teeth can become problematic and lead to discomfort and pain.

There are four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of your mouth, and they’re the last teeth to come in. Unfortunately, there’s not always enough space in your mouth to accommodate them, leading to various issues such as impaction, infection, and inflammation.

Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain

Wisdom tooth pain can happen for a variety of reasons. Here are some common causes: 

Impacted Wisdom Teeth:

This occurs when there isn’t enough room in the jaw for the teeth to come through correctly. Impacted teeth can become trapped beneath the gum line or grow sideways, which can cause significant pain, swelling, and infection. 

Infection

When the wisdom tooth partially emerges, it can create a flap of gum tissue that can trap food, bacteria, and plaque. This may lead to infection, which causes pain, swelling, and even a bad taste in your mouth. 

Cavities or Tooth Decay

Because wisdom teeth are at the back of the mouth, they are harder to clean. This increases the risk of cavities and decay, which can lead to pain and discomfort. 

Gum Disease

The eruption of wisdom teeth can sometimes irritate the surrounding gums, making them inflamed, swollen, and painful. 

Misalignment

When wisdom teeth come in crooked or crowded, they can press against neighbouring teeth, causing pain and discomfort.

Symptoms Associated with Wisdom Teeth Pain 

Wisdom tooth pain can manifest in a variety of ways, and understanding the symptoms is key to figuring out whether you’re dealing with an eruption or a more serious dental issue. Common symptoms include: 

  • Throbbing Pain: Pain at the back of your mouth that feels like a constant ache. 
  • Swelling: Swelling in the gums or cheek near the affected tooth. 
  • Red or Inflamed Gums: Gums around the emerging wisdom tooth may appear red, swollen, or tender. 
  • Bad Breath: If an infection is present, you might notice a foul taste or bad breath. 
  • Difficulty Opening Mouth: In some cases, the pain from wisdom teeth can stop you from opening your mouth fully. 
  • Jaw Stiffness: Pain and swelling can cause the jaw to feel stiff or sore, making chewing difficult. 
  • Ear Pain: Pain from an inflamed wisdom tooth can sometimes radiate to your ears. 

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, your wisdom teeth are likely the cause of your discomfort. 

Home Remedies for Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief

While professional dental care is needed for long-term relief, there are several home remedies you can try to ease wisdom tooth pain and manage symptoms in the meantime. Let’s go over some of the most effective remedies that give you the answer to what helps wisdom tooth pain.

Numbing Gel or Anaesthetic Gels

Numbing gels are widely available over the counter and can provide temporary relief from wisdom tooth pain. These gels numb the affected area, helping to reduce the pain and discomfort, making it easier to go about your day. Numbing gels are a temporary solution, so they should be used in conjunction with other remedies or professional dental care.

Saltwater Rinse 

A saltwater rinse is one of the most effective home remedies for wisdom tooth pain. Saltwater has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help cleanse the area, reduce swelling, and promote healing. 

Ice Pack or Cold Compress

Applying cold to the outside of your cheek can help numb the pain and reduce swelling, providing temporary relief from wisdom tooth discomfort. The cold causes the blood vessels to constrict, reducing inflammation.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Pain medications like Ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation caused by wisdom teeth. These medications work to block pain signals and bring down swelling.

Clove Oil or Clove Buds

Clove oil is another powerful natural remedy for tooth pain. It contains eugenol, a compound that has numbing and pain-relieving properties. It’s been used for centuries to help with toothaches and can be especially helpful for easing wisdom tooth pain. 

When to Seek Professional Help

While home remedies can help in easing wisdom tooth pain, they are only temporary solutions. If your pain persists or worsens, or if you experience symptoms like fever, excessive swelling, or pus, it’s important to see our dentists in Rouse Hill. We are here to determine the cause of your pain and provide tailored solutions to address it. If the need be, we may suggest wisdom teeth removal in Rouse Hill. 

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