If you have ever dealt with the discomfort of wisdom teeth coming in, you must know how painful it can be. The pain can range from mild irritation to severe pain, making it hard to focus on anything. Whether due to inadequate space for eruption or infection, finding wisdom tooth pain relief can be a top priority for anyone experiencing the pain. The good news is, there are some easy, effective ways to ease the discomfort.
Read on to find out what wisdom teeth are, the common causes of wisdom teeth pain, how to get rid wisdom tooth pain, and when it might be time to seek professional care.
What is Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. Most people develop four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth. They are the last molars to come in on each side of the jaws and the last teeth to emerge and erupt. Most of the time, there is not enough space for the wisdom teeth to erupt, and as a result, they can get stuck beneath the gum or impacted.
What Causes Wisdom Teeth Pain?
The process of a tooth breaking through the gums can be quite painful, and this discomfort is common during any tooth eruption. However, when it comes to wisdom teeth, the situation often becomes more painful due to the limited space available for these teeth to emerge. Not having enough room for eruption can cause wisdom teeth to erupt at an angle or become partially trapped beneath the gums.
When this happens, it is referred to as impacted wisdom teeth. Impacted teeth can leave the gums vulnerable because the tooth begins to break through but does not fully emerge. This partial eruption can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to gum disease, abscesses, cysts, tooth decay, and infections that cause wisdom tooth pain.
Home Remedies For Wisdom Teeth Pain
When you start feeling discomfort, seeking wisdom teeth pain relief is often the first thing to do. While visiting a dental professional is always the best thing to do, understanding how to cure wisdom tooth pain can be beneficial. There are several home remedies for wisdom tooth pain that can help ease the pain in the meantime. Below are a few of them:
Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater is widely known for its natural disinfectant properties. To help with wisdom tooth pain relief, you might try rinsing your mouth by mixing a cup of warm water and a teaspoon of salt. Typically, the solution is swished in the mouth for 30 to 60 seconds before spitting it out. This can be repeated as needed to help reduce the discomfort. However, if you are experiencing severe pain, it is best to consult a dental professional. They can provide a more suitable treatment based on your specific situation.
Ice Pack
Applying an ice pack to the outside of the cheek is believed to help reduce inflammation. A cold compress can also provide a numbing effect and thus offer wisdom tooth pain relief. Usually, a few ice cubes are wrapped in a cloth and held against the affected face area for about 15 minutes. One may apply it off and on with 15-minute breaks until the pain goes away.
Cloves And Clove Oil
Clove is popularly considered a topical pain reliever as it contains eugenol, which acts as a numbing agent. They are used by many for wisdom teeth pain relief and to soothe other toothaches as well. One may use a whole clove by placing it over the tooth that is causing the pain, or may apply a few drops of clove oil in cotton wool and place it on the affected tooth until the pain reduces. However, take care not to use this for long-term, as clove oil may burn the soft tissues.
Peppermint And Menthol
Peppermint leaves have menthol, a natural compound with cooling properties that might help ease pain. While there is no scientific evidence that peppermint provides wisdom tooth pain relief, it is generally regarded as a safe remedy. While trying this wisdom tooth pain remedy, people usually soak a cotton ball in a bit of peppermint extract and apply it to the sore gums or gently rub peppermint oil on their teeth. Additionally, one may also use cooled peppermint tea as a mouth rinse or place a tea bag in the mouth at the affected area.
Medical Treatments For Wisdom Tooth Pain
Apart from home remedies, there are over the counter medicines for wisdom tooth pain available to relieve the pain. However, these over-the-counter medications are to be taken with caution and are never a substitute for professional wisdom tooth pain treatment. To avoid any complications, it is recommended to consult with a dental professional before taking any over-the-counter medications.
When to See a Dental Professional?
If you are experiencing persistent pain, swelling, and inflammation in your wisdom teeth, it may be time to visit a dentist for an x-ray and thorough check-up. A dental professional can evaluate your dental health and decide if your wisdom teeth should be retained in your mouth or if you need a wisdom tooth extraction which is usually done by an oral surgeon. Learning how to cure wisdom tooth pain can be crucial, as early wisdom tooth pain treatment can help prevent complications and avoid wisdom tooth removal.
Additionally, to prevent cavities and other issues related to wisdom teeth, maintaining a regular oral care routine is essential. Brushing daily with fluoride toothpaste plays a key role in avoiding dental problems. For instance, consider using Colgate Total Advanced Health antibacterial toothpaste. Its dual zinc and arginine formula is designed to protect against eight common dental issues, including gum disease and plaque buildup.
