Home Remedies for Wisdom Teeth Pain Relief

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last set of teeth to come out in the back corners of your mouth. Although they are called so, they do not make you wiser; rather, they cause a lot of discomfort and pain.

The emergence of wisdom teeth can cause different problems because of the insufficiency of space in the mouth. Usually, they may surface partially or get impacted, which means that they do not completely penetrate the gum line. These conditions can lead to pain, swelling, and even infection, as the teeth are looking for their place in a crowded dental landscape.

Addressing wisdom tooth pain promptly is crucial for several reasons. Besides, it can not only relieve the pain on the spot but also avoid the serious complications that may come later. 

In this article, we will explore natural ways to relieve wisdom tooth pain.

What Are The Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Pain

When wisdom teeth start to come in, common symptoms can include:

Toothache

A persistent, throbbing pain in the back of the mouth or jaw is a common symptom of wisdom teeth pain. This discomfort may be intense or mild and can increase when chewing or applying pressure to the affected area.

Gum Sensitivity and Swelling

The swelling and tenderness of the gums around the wisdom tooth that is about to emerge or is already impacted are the usual signs of wisdom tooth pain. The gums may look red, swollen, and inflamed, and touching the area makes the pain worse.

Pain and Stiffness in the Jaw

Jaw pain and stiffness, especially near the area of the wisdom tooth that is on its way to erupt, may happen. This can be a difficult task to chew and open the mouth fully, or it can cause pain when doing so.

Difficulty Opening Mouth

When wisdom teeth start to come out or get stuck, they can cause the jaw to be unable to move enough, leading to difficulty opening the mouth fully. This condition may deteriorate as time goes on, and thus, the symptom may get worse.

Headaches

The wisdom teeth pain can, at times, extend to other parts of the head and face, thus causing tension headaches or migraines. The most common symptom of this disorder is jaw discomfort, which is usually associated with the jaw movement and may be aggravated by it.

Bad Breath or Taste

Impacted wisdom teeth can produce pockets where food particles and bacteria are trapped; hence, the bad breath or the unpleasant taste in the mouth. This sign is usually an outcome of infection or inflammation around the affected tooth.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Sometimes, the body’s immune system reacts to the pain of wisdom teeth, and this reaction results in the swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck. This symptom usually comes along with other signs of the infection, for example, fever or fatigue.

What Causes Wisdom teeth pain

It is important for to understand the cause of your pain so that you can treat it effectively. Here are some common causes of wisdom tooth pain:

Impaction

One of the main reasons for the wisdom teeth pain is impaction, which is a situation when the wisdom tooth does not have enough space to come out through the gum line. This, in turn, can result in the tooth being partly or completely caught beneath the gum tissue, hence the pressure, inflammation, and pain.

Infection

The impacted wisdom teeth can form pockets where bacteria and food particles are collected, which in turn cause infection in the gum tissue around them. This illness, called pericoronitis, is usually accompanied by severe pain, swelling, and disability.

Eruption Pressure

As wisdom teeth try to break the gums and get into the mouth, they can cause pressure on the teeth and tissues that are around them. This tension can cause pain and discomfort, especially if the wisdom teeth are not aligned or angled properly.

Gum Inflammation

The emergence of wisdom teeth can irritate the gum tissue, leading to inflammation and tenderness. This inflammation can contribute to pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth fully.

Cyst Formation

In some instances, a cyst may appear around an impacted wisdom tooth. These cysts can put pressure on the teeth and tissues around them, which in turn leads to pain and discomfort.

Tooth Decay

Teeth that have partially come out of the gums may be hard to clean; thereby, the risk of tooth decay and cavities will increase. The decay in the wisdom teeth can be a source of pain and sensitivity, particularly when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages.

Gum Disease

The impacted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria thrive; thus, the gum disease risk is heightened. Gingivitis and periodontitis, the two most common forms of gum diseases, can cause gum inflammation, pain, and tenderness.

Misalignment

Wisdom teeth that come out at an angle or in a position that does not match the other teeth can be very painful and uncomfortable. Wise teeth that are not aligned may press the teeth next to them, thus causing the teeth to be crowded, shifted, and cause bite problems.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

People who grind or clench their teeth, a condition called bruxism, may suffer from wisdom teeth pain more than others. Grinding can cause additional pressure on the teeth and jaw; thus, the pain and discomfort increase.

Home Remedies For Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief

Navigating the discomfort of wisdom teeth pain can be challenging, but these home remedies offer a natural and accessible way to find relief. Here are some natural remedies for wisdom teeth pain relief:

Keep the Area Clean

It is therefore important to take care of our teeth to prevent various issues, including wisdom teeth pain.

Choose a soft brush and be gentle around the wisdom teeth area. Removing food particles stuck between the teeth can also help prevent inflammation and pain.

Salt Water Rinse

A warm salt water rinse is one more gentle but efficient treatment that can be used at home. Swish half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle several times a day to help lessen inflammation and kill germs.

Medicated Mouthwash

Using Chlorhexidine can also help alleviate wisdom teeth pain. It will be effective it will be used in the morning and night like a mouthwash.

Clove Oil

Clove oil contains eugenol which has an ability to numb the affected area where it is applied. For relief, dip a cotton ball in a little of the product and apply it on the affected area.

Peppermint Tea

Previous research has shown that peppermint has the capacity to make an area go numb as well as cause inflammation and therefore reduce pain. You can take a cup of peppermint tea, let it cool and then you can gargle with it.

Ice Pack

Applying crushed ice on the cheek near the area with the problem for approximately 15-20 minutes will reduce the swelling and numb the pain.

Turmeric Paste

It should also be pointed out that turmeric has the properties of an anti-inflammatory compound. Mix some turmeric powder in water to make a paste, apply this paste on the skin and wash it after 5 minutes.

Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods

Do not chew with the side of the mouth that is painful and do not take any hard foods. Some of the foods which many people find easier to eat include; yogurt, mashed potatoes and smoothies.

Use Garlic for pain relief

Garlic is an antibiotic that is found in nature. Squash a clove to get the juice out and then apply it on the affected area to reduce bacterial infection and pain.

Prevention and Professional Treatment

However these remedies may not treat the problem but merely act as analgesics to the pain and discomfort. Growth of the wisdom teeth should also be monitored often through dental check up in order to avoid any complications.

In the case of pain, one should go to the dentist to get the situation examined and to get advice.

Measures of safety for home remedies

These remedies are mostly harmless and the right use of them is the key. It is also important not to use too much clove oil or garlic that may cause redness of the skin and also after using these treatments, make sure to brush your teeth.

Please bear in mind that these remedies are most useful for a short-term condition and should not be used in place of a doctor’s advice if the situation persists.

Conclusion

Ways of managing the pain that comes with the growth of wisdom teeth can be quite challenging, however, with the above home remedies, you may be able to control and reduce the pain and swelling.

If proper oral hygiene is observed, natural remedies followed and a dentist consulted at the right time, the pain will be dealt with and other worst-case scenarios averted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does wisdom teeth pain last?

Wisdom teeth pain typically lasts for a few days to a few weeks as the teeth emerge or inflammation subsides. However, if pain persists or worsens, it’s crucial to seek dental evaluation to address any underlying issues promptly.

Can I prevent wisdom teeth pain?

While it may not always be possible to entirely prevent wisdom teeth pain, proactive measures can help minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of complications. Regular dental check-ups allow for early detection of potential issues, while maintaining good oral hygiene through proper brushing, flossing, and rinsing can help prevent infection and gum disease.

Is it safe to extract wisdom teeth at home?

No, it is not safe to extract wisdom teeth at home. Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that requires specialized training and equipment to ensure safe and effective removal. Attempting to extract wisdom teeth at home can lead to serious complications, including infection, excessive bleeding, nerve damage, and damage to surrounding teeth and tissues.

What foods should I avoid during wisdom teeth pain?

During wisdom teeth pain, avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods like nuts, chips, and chewy candies, which can irritate the surgical sites and impede healing. Spicy or acidic foods may also exacerbate discomfort. Opt for soft, easy-to-chew options such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and soup to minimize irritation and promote healing.

Can wisdom teeth pain cause headache?

Yes, wisdom teeth pain can sometimes cause headaches. The pain and inflammation associated with erupting or impacted wisdom teeth can radiate to other areas of the head and face, leading to tension headaches or migraines.