The feeling of our final set of teeth emerging through the gums can catch many off guard, as not everyone has wisdom teeth. Unfortunately, this dental surprise can also be quite painful, particularly when they erupt at awkward angles or create crowding in the jaw. Wisdom tooth pain relief is essential for those experiencing discomfort during this phase.
The good news is that there are effective treatments to alleviate wisdom tooth pain. From easy home remedies to the option of wisdom tooth extraction, this guide will cover all you need to know to help soothe your aching gums and provide long-lasting relief.
Understanding Wisdom Tooth Pain
Wisdom tooth pain often indicates that your jaw lacks the space needed for the newly erupted molars. Over time, human jaws have become smaller, accommodating only 28 teeth comfortably instead of the full set of 32. This limited space causes wisdom teeth to push against adjacent teeth, resulting in pain and discomfort.
When wisdom teeth cannot fully emerge into the mouth, this condition is known as impacted wisdom teeth, and nearly 90% of individuals experience at least one impacted tooth. Impacted teeth can lead to various degrees of pain and may result in more serious dental problems, such as:
- Growth of harmful bacteria, resulting in gum disease
- Infections
- Jaw pain
- Mouth ulcers
- Cavities
Wisdom teeth that partially emerge, remain trapped in the gums, or come in at improper angles can also irritate the gums. Additionally, these teeth can be challenging to clean, increasing the risk of decay and the development of toothaches.
Symptoms Associated with Wisdom Tooth Pain
Along with wisdom tooth pain, you may experience additional symptoms that suggest your molars are not developing properly or that there isn’t enough space for them. While not everyone will exhibit the same symptoms, the most common ones include:
- Bad breath
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
- Swelling or stiffness in the jaw
- Tender, bleeding, or swollen gums
- Sinus discomfort
- Pain in the back of the mouth
- Swelling and redness in the gums
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
Best Remedies for Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief at Home
Ibuprofen
This over-the-counter medication relieves pain and reduces inflammation, helping to alleviate any swelling in the affected gums. However, it is typically just a temporary solution until appropriate medical treatment can be sought.
Numbing Gel
Dental gels with numbing properties can help relieve pain caused by emerging or impacted wisdom teeth. These gels are available over the counter and can be applied directly to your gums as needed throughout the day.
Saltwater Rinse
Mixing a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water can provide relief from wisdom tooth pain. Hold the mixture in your mouth for one to two minutes and repeat this process about four times a day to keep the affected tooth clear of potential infections and soothe the pain.
Ice Pack
Applying an ice pack or a small bag of ice to the impacted wisdom tooth for 15-20 minutes every few hours can help relieve dental pain and reduce swelling around the area.
Clove Oil/Buds
The eugenol found in cloves acts as a numbing agent and anti-inflammatory, making it an effective remedy for wisdom tooth pain. You can apply a bit of clove oil to a cotton ball and place it on the painful area for 5-15 minutes, or you can crush a clove bud and tuck it into the site for the same duration. Repeat as needed throughout the day.
Turmeric
To relieve pain and reduce swelling, you can rub loose turmeric directly on the affected gums or create a paste using baking powder, toothpaste, and turmeric. Make sure to rinse out the mixture after a few minutes of application.
Essential Oil & Vanilla Extract Rinse
Creating a mouth rinse with a cup of warm water, a few drops of vanilla extract, and select essential oils can soothe wisdom tooth pain. Effective essential oils include myrrh, peppermint, tea tree, lemon, Roman chamomile, thyme, and coconut oil. Swish this mixture in your mouth for a minute before spitting it out.
Onion
With its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, chewing a piece of onion on the side of your mouth where you feel pain can help fight bacterial infections and reduce swelling.
Teabags
The tannins in teabags have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helping to prevent infections while reducing swelling. After brewing a cup of plain tea, refrigerate it with the teabag still in. Once it’s cold, remove the teabag and apply it to the area experiencing the most pain.
Wisdom Tooth Removal for Pain Relief
When home remedies fail to sufficiently relieve the pain associated with wisdom teeth development or if there are complications with how the tooth is emerging, wisdom teeth removal may be necessary to address the problem.
The procedure for wisdom tooth removal is a type of dental surgery requiring a local anesthetic to numb the affected area before it begins.
Here’s how the procedure is performed.
- The dentist loosens the wisdom tooth from its socket by applying pressure.
- Small incisions are made around the tooth to fully expose it, allowing for the removal of any blockages at the roots.
- The wisdom tooth may be extracted in one piece or divided into smaller sections for easier removal.
- After the tooth is removed, the area is cleaned and stitched up, and a gauze pad is placed on top to control bleeding and assist in blood clot formation.
Takeaway
Incorporating natural remedies and practices into your daily routine can help alleviate wisdom teeth pain and support a smoother recovery.
If you experience severe or persistent discomfort, swelling, or other troubling symptoms, it’s crucial to reach out to your dentist as soon as possible.
Get in touch with Hardy Smiles in Louisburg, NC and learn more about the best remedies for wisdom tooth pain relief.
FAQs
1. How long does wisdom tooth pain last?
Wisdom tooth pain can vary from person to person. Generally, discomfort can last a few days to a week, especially if the teeth are erupting or impacted. If the pain persists beyond a week or is severe, we recommend scheduling an appointment for an evaluation.
2. Can wisdom teeth be a real hassle if you keep them too long?
Yes, keeping wisdom teeth too long can lead to several complications. As they emerge, they can cause crowding, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to cysts or other dental issues. Regular check-ups can help monitor your wisdom teeth and determine the best time for removal if necessary.
3. Is 30 too old to have wisdom teeth removed?
No, 30 is not too old to have wisdom teeth removed. While many people have them extracted in their late teens or early twenties, adults in their thirties can also benefit from removal if they experience pain, crowding, or other issues. Our team will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best course of action for your oral health.