How to Reduce Wisdom Tooth Pain

Usually, between the age of 17 and 25, your wisdom teeth will finally make their arrival. However, it usually isn’t a grand arrival as this third set of molars can result in significant pain. Impacted wisdom teeth can result in everything from overcrowding to infections, and it is often recommended they are removed before any further damage is caused. 

Yet this usually isn’t something you can do immediately – an appointment needs to be scheduled first. When you are experiencing constant pain, the wait until this appointment can be an arduous one. Time seems to go slower as you count down the minutes and hours of each day before getting the problem permanently resolved. 

Fortunately, there are ways to relieve this pain to some extent before any wisdom teeth removal. With the many years of combined experience we have gained at Bafdentistry, we have put together a few tips below on how to reduce wisdom tooth pain. 

Salt-water rinse 

One of the easiest home remedies is to use a salt-water rinse. Everyone has salt available at their home. Then it’s simply a case of adding this to a glass of warm water, giving it a quick stir, and you’re ready to go. Although, be warned – it’s not the most pleasant taste! 

Why is a salt-water rinse effective? It is said that when you rinse your gums with this rinse, it kills off harmful bacteria and promotes healthy gums. Removing bacteria from your mouth is wise when your wisdom teeth are coming in. As they push through the gums, wisdom teeth can create cysts and impact your other teeth. By being clear of bacteria, this limits potential complications. 

Make use of cold and heat therapy 

The use of an ice pack is another tried-and-tested method for dealing with tooth pain. Whether you purchase an ice pack or grab a bag of frozen vegetables from the freezer, all you have to do is wrap this with a towel. Then in 15-minute intervals every couple of hours, you should apply your ice solution to the impacted area. By doing so, you are able to reduce swelling which currently exists around the wisdom tooth. Furthermore, the numbing effect from applying cold to the area can lower pain levels.  

On the opposite end of the scale is heat therapy. When you apply gentle heat to the affected area, this can increase blood flow and relieve tension. If you’re not sure whether hot or cold therapy will work best, you can try both out to see which is most effective. You might even decide to incorporate both and alternate between the two. 

Take ibuprofen 

While there are different medicines available that can act as a pain reliever for impacted wisdom teeth, one of the most proven is over-the-counter ibuprofen. When taking ibuprofen, this will help with reducing swelling and inflammation. The result: the painful throbbing sensation typically experienced with impacted wisdom teeth can be reduced significantly. 

Just remember that ibuprofen is only a temporary aid. It should not be incorporated into a long-term pain relief strategy. Also, make sure you consult the instructions to know what recommended dose to follow when taking ibuprofen. 

Numbing gel 

Another over-the-counter option alongside ibuprofen is numbing gel. You want to acquire a numbing gel that contains benzocaine. This active ingredient is effective for numbing the gums. Numbing gels also typically include menthol, which soothes your gums, and an astringent that lowers gum irritation. 

If you’re not sure about which numbing gel is best for your wisdom teeth pain, you can consult a pharmacist for their recommendation. 

Create a turmeric rub or paste 

One of the less conventional tactics for wisdom teeth pain relief is found in the form of turmeric. However, don’t overlook the power of this spice. Turmeric is said to possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, the application of turmeric can assist with lowering wisdom teeth pain. 

The easiest way to do this is to rub loose turmeric onto your sore gums. For a more effective solution, however, you can create a paste. A mixture of turmeric, toothpaste, and baking powder might sound like one of the worst meals ever created, but it is a useful solution to reduce inflammation. With this paste, rub it across the affected area and leave it there for several minutes. As with other treatment options like ibuprofen and ice packs, this can be done numerous times across the day. 

Apply clove oil 

Clove oil is another home remedy that can be utilized to reduce wisdom teeth pain. Clove oil includes eugenol, an ingredient that helps reduce inflammation while acting as a numbing agent. Both aspects are effective in your battle to reduce the pain you’re experiencing. 

Clove oil is strong, so you have to take care when applying it to the impacted area. It is recommended you apply the clove oil to a cotton ball. This cotton ball can then be placed in your mouth, directly on the wisdom tooth area. Leave the cotton ball in place for up to 15 minutes before taking it out. This can be repeated several times throughout the day. As mentioned, clove oil is strong – and it might be a little too strong to handle. In that case, you can use coconut oil to dilute the liquid. 

Aside from clove oil, you can also use a clove bud. Simply crush the clove bud and tuck it into the side of your mouth where you’re experiencing the tooth pain. Again, this should be done for up to 15 minutes at a time, numerous times a day. 

Wisdom tooth extraction 

In most cases, the pain you’re experiencing will only be permanently resolved once your wisdom teeth are extracted. However, the above remedies will hopefully help to make the pain easier to cope with as you wait for your appointment. 

These tips can also help following the extraction. Discomfort after the procedure often lasts for up to seven days, so make sure you’re prepared with some aftercare treatments.