Proper Treatment of Wisdom Tooth Pain

Painful wisdom teeth are common among teens and young adults. Between ages 17 and 21, a person typically develops their third molars, though they may come in earlier or later.

Even among older adults, wisdom teeth can cause dental issues, including impacted teeth, growth under the gums, or misalignment. Even perfectly straight wisdom teeth can cause significant pain when they erupt.

Common Confusion with Cracked Teeth and Fillings

If your wisdom teeth are coming in or you have pain in the back areas of the mouth, don’t assume you know where the discomfort comes from. Wisdom tooth pain isn’t something you should self-diagnose. Rather, what you mistake for a wisdom tooth issue may be something else, such as a cracked tooth or a damaged filling.

Persistent pain of any kind is the dentist’s responsibility to diagnose and treat. Nevertheless, there are ways to tell whether the discomfort is coming from the wisdom teeth or elsewhere. Here’s a quick way to compare the types of tooth pain:

Although biting-induced pain is more common with cracked fillings than wisdom teeth, it’s a symptom that you need to bring to your dentist, regardless of the oral health issue you’re experiencing. There are several reasons why it may hurt when you bite down on something:

• A crown or filling that’s too “high”
• Large cavity
• Tooth decay under a filling
• Cracked tooth
• Dental abscess, an infection with pus at the tip of the root
• Periodontal disease, or advanced gum disease
• Tooth root exposure
• Sinus pressure or congestion

Although not all types of tooth pain are serious, you should never ignore them. Schedule a dental appointment if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Swelling in the face or gums
• Throbbing pain that’s intense
• Fever that accompanies the pain
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Visible pus or abscess

5 Ways to Treat Wisdom Tooth Pain at Home

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort from wisdom teeth, you can take steps to alleviate the pain and avoid damage before you see your dentist, such as taking over-the-counter pain medication. It also helps to avoid chewing or drinking on the painful side of your mouth, if possible. We also recommend these five natural relief methods while you wait for dental care.

1. Cloves

Cloves or clove oil can help reduce wisdom tooth pain. Cloves contain eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antibacterial compound that decreases swelling. Try placing whole cloves on the affected teeth or gums until the area feels numb. Be sure to spit out any saliva that accumulates while using the whole cloves.

If you have any clove oil, add a few drops to a cotton ball and place it on the gum and teeth. You can also apply the oil directly to the painful areas. Regardless of the method you choose, apply cloves every few hours and avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes afterward.

2. Ice Pack

You can always rely on properly applied ice to numb tooth pain and reduce inflammation. If you don’t have an ice pack, try using ice cubes in a sealable plastic bag wrapped in a towel or a package of frozen peas.

Gently hold the ice pack to the area of your face where you feel pain. To prevent skin or nerve damage, keep the ice on for no more than 20 minutes. Wait at least 30 minutes before reapplying the ice pack.

3. Onions

Did you know that onions have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties? Some people with arthritis already know that onions can help reduce swelling. They can also be very effective at easing wisdom tooth pain. Any onion will work in a pinch, but white and red onions are usually more effective than sweet onions.

After removing the outer layer, apply slice of onion to the affected area after removing the outer layer. If your wisdom tooth isn’t too painful, gently chew on the onion slice to coat it with juice, but avoid swallowing. Chew on it for a few minutes before spitting it out.

4. Tea Bags

Here’s a remedy you can use before and after a wisdom tooth extraction at the oral surgeon’s office. Black, green, peppermint, and chamomile tea bags can help ease pain, inflammation, and swelling. Green and chamomile tea, in particular, have antibacterial properties.

To try this method, place a tea bag in a cup and pour hot water over it. Make sure it’s fully soaked, and let it steep until it’s cool enough to apply without discomfort. Place the tea bag on the affected area and leave it in place until you notice the pain lessen. For peppermint tea bags, you can let them cool or freeze them to create a cooling effect.

5. Warm Saltwater Rinse

A parent or older relative might have used a warm saltwater rinse when dealing with their wisdom teeth. Your dentist might also suggest this remedy, since most households have salt on hand.

Mix 1-2 tablespoons of salt into a cup of warm water. Ensure the water isn’t too hot and that the salt is fully dissolved. Swish a small amount of the mixture in the area of the mouth where you feel pain. After about 30 seconds, spit it out and repeat until you finish the entire mixture. Wait one hour before trying saltwater again. Also, never swallow the saltwater.

When you don’t have over-the-counter pain medication available, these natural remedies can provide temporary relief from wisdom tooth pain. Try different approaches until you find one that works for you. However, these remedies are not a substitute for dental care that addresses the various issues caused by wisdom teeth.

Local Expert Help for Wisdom Tooth Pain

If you’re experiencing pain related to your wisdom teeth, visit Beckham Square Family Dental. If you complete our online contact form below, we’ll be happy to answer your questions and schedule an appointment. We can also refer you to a trusted local oral surgeon if we believe you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed.