The Problem: Why Wisdom Tooth Pain Happens
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically begin to emerge in your late teens or early twenties. Unlike normal teeth, many people do not have enough space for these teeth to emerge properly, leading to a common issue you may know as impaction. Impacted wisdom tooth are either fully, or partly trapped beneath the gums and often grow at an angle which will put pressure on the surrounding teeth.
When wisdom teeth become impacted, a range of problems can follow:
- Swelling and Inflammation: As the wisdom tooth pushes against your gums and surrounding tissues, it can cause significant swelling and tenderness. This swelling can make the area around the tooth feel sore or even throb with pain, making it difficult to open your mouth fully or chew food comfortably.
- Infection (Pericoronitis): Because impacted wisdom teeth are often partially submerged under the gum line, they create small flaps where food and bacteria can get trapped. This can lead to infections like pericoronitis, which causes redness, swelling, and even pus around the affected tooth. Infections can spread and may result in fever, swollen lymph nodes, or a foul taste in your mouth.
- Cysts or Abscesses: In more severe cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that can form around the tooth. Cysts can damage the surrounding bone and teeth, and if left untreated, they can turn into abscesses, leading to extreme pain and a need for urgent medical attention.
- Crowding and Damage to Nearby Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can push against the adjacent molars, causing them to shift out of alignment. This can not only cause discomfort but also lead to jaw pain and headaches. In some cases, the pressure can even damage the neighboring teeth, leading to decay or the need for more complex dental work down the line.
- Nerve Pain: The roots of wisdom teeth can sometimes press against the nerves in your jaw, causing sharp or shooting pain that radiates to other areas of your mouth, jaw, and even your ear. This nerve pressure can also lead to persistent sensitivity or discomfort, even when the tooth isn't fully visible.
The pain caused by these issues can range from dull and persistent to sharp and unbearable, making it difficult to eat, talk, sleep, or focus on everyday tasks. If left untreated, these problems don’t just go away on their own; they can worsen over time, potentially leading to long-term complications, including severe infection or damage to your oral health.
If you or someone you know is experiencing wisdom tooth pain it is very important for them to consult their dentist or book a wisdom tooth extraction.
The Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide to Relief
When you’re dealing with wisdom tooth pain, it’s essential to have a clear, simple plan to manage the pain and get back to normal. Here’s what you can do:
- Apply a Cold Compress
Reduce swelling and numb the pain by applying a cold compress to the affected area. Hold it there for 15–20 minutes at a time, and repeat as needed throughout the day.
- Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Non-prescription medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult a dentist if you have any questions about medication.
- Rinse with Warm Salt Water
A warm saltwater rinse can help soothe sore gums and keep the area clean, reducing the risk of infection. Mix a teaspoon of salt with warm water and gently swish it around your mouth a few times a day. If you’d like to learn more, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmRVqhZd4Xk
- Avoid Certain Foods
Stay away from hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that might irritate the area. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, or mashed potatoes until the pain subsides.
- Schedule a Dental Consultation
If your pain persists, it's essential to see a dentist. They’ll assess your situation and determine whether you need treatment like wisdom tooth extraction or other care to relieve your pain for good.
Other Home Remedies
While waiting for your dentist appointment, you may want to try some at-home remedies to minimise your pain. Just remember, these remedies are not a substitute for seeing a dentist. It is very important that if you are experiencing tooth pain to book in with your dentist for a check-up.
Clove Oil
Clove oil is a traditional remedy known for its natural numbing and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains eugenol, a compound with both anaesthetic and antibacterial effects that can help soothe pain and prevent infection.
- How to Use: Soak a cotton bud in clove oil and gently apply it to the painful area. Alternatively, you can dilute a few drops of clove oil in a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and rub it on the gums.
How to apply Clove Oil Video Instructions
Peppermint Tea Bags
Peppermint contains menthol, which has a cooling and numbing effect that can relieve discomfort. Peppermint also has antimicrobial properties that can help reduce inflammation around the tooth.
- How to Use: Steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water and allow it to cool to a lukewarm or cool temperature. Then, place the cooled tea bag on the affected area for 15–20 minutes.
How to use peppermint tea to relieve wisdom pain discomfort
Garlic
Garlic contains allicin and is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help fight infection and reduce swelling while also providing some relief from pain.
- How to Use: Crush a garlic clove to release its juice and apply it directly to the painful tooth or gum. You can also chew a clove of garlic slowly on the side of your mouth where the pain is occurring.
How to use Garlic for a toothache
Onion
Like garlic, onions have antibacterial properties that can help reduce infection and soothe the pain. Chewing a piece of raw onion can help reduce the intensity of wisdom tooth pain.
- How to Use: Slice a small piece of onion and place it on the affected area. Chew gently on the onion to release its juice, allowing it to reach the painful area.
How to use onion for tooth pain
Thyme Oil or Tea
Thyme is another herb known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It can help relieve pain and prevent infection.
- How to Use: Apply diluted thyme oil directly to the affected area using a cotton ball or use thyme tea as a mouth rinse. To make the tea, steep fresh thyme in hot water, let it cool, and then use it as a rinse.
Coconut Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth to remove toxins and bacteria. Coconut oil is especially effective due to its antimicrobial properties.
- How to Use: Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil around your mouth for 15–20 minutes. Afterward, spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with warm water. This can help reduce bacteria and alleviate pain.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile has natural anti-inflammatory and calming properties, which can help soothe swollen gums and provide some pain relief.
- How to Use: Brew a cup of chamomile tea, allow it to cool, and use it as a mouth rinse. You can also place a cooled chamomile tea bag directly on the painful area for a soothing effect.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce gum inflammation and provide relief from wisdom tooth pain.
- How to Use: Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the gums around the painful tooth to soothe irritation and reduce swelling.
Avoid Further Pain: What Happens If You Ignore It
Without proper care, wisdom tooth pain can lead to more severe problems. Ignoring the issue could result in infection, damage to surrounding teeth, or even cysts forming around the impacted tooth. These complications might require more extensive dental treatment down the road so it is always better to check-in with your dentist the moment you start experiencing pain.
Other preventative methods include regularly seeing a dental hygienist, staying on top of your oral hygiene routine and having dental check-ups every 6 months.
The Relief: What You Can Expect When You Take Action
When you follow these steps and consult a dental professional, you can expect significant relief from pain and a plan to resolve the issue. Wisdom tooth extraction or other treatments can prevent future complications, and you’ll be able to get back to living your life without the constant discomfort. It is best to check in with your dentist to determine which is the best option for you.
Ready for Relief? Take the First Step
You don’t have to endure wisdom tooth pain any longer. Start with the simple steps outlined here, and if the pain continues, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They’ll guide you to the solution that will bring you lasting relief and prevent further problems.
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