The Top 5 Home Remedies to Soothe Wisdom Tooth Pain
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge during late adolescence or early adulthood, and while they are a natural part of the human mouth’s development, they can often cause intense discomfort. The pain associated with wisdom teeth can be caused by a number of factors, including impaction (when the tooth is trapped beneath the gum line), infection, or the tooth coming in crooked, which can lead to pressure against the surrounding teeth.
There are several effective home remedies that can help alleviate discomfort while you wait for a professional expert dentist treatment.
Here are the top 5 home remedies to soothe wisdom tooth pain:
- Salt Water Rinse
One of the simplest and most effective remedies for soothing wisdom tooth pain is a saltwater rinse. Saltwater has natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation, disinfect the affected area, and alleviate pain caused by infection. Additionally, it can help remove food particles and bacteria trapped around the wisdom tooth, which could be contributing to the discomfort.
How to Use:
- In a glass of warm water, combine one teaspoon of salt.
- Stir until the salt is dissolved completely.
- Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds, making sure it reaches the affected area.
- Repeat multiple times throughout the day, particularly after meals, and spit it out.
A warm saltwater rinse can help to reduce swelling and give you temporary relief from wisdom tooth pain.
- Cold Compress
A cold compress is another highly effective remedy to reduce the swelling and pain associated with wisdom teeth. The cold helps to constrict blood vessels, which in turn can reduce inflammation and numb the area. Applying a cold compress to your cheek or jaw can also provide a soothing effect, helping to dull the sharp pain of wisdom teeth.
How to Use:
- Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth or towel.
- Apply the cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the painful area for 15-20 minutes at a time.
- Repeat this process every 1-2 hours as needed, especially in the initial stages of pain.
This method works best for pain caused by inflammation or swelling, and it can provide immediate relief without needing to rely on medication.
- Clove Oil
The numbing effects of clove oil have made it a popular natural treatment for toothaches. The active compound in clove oil, eugenol, has been shown to have analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for soothing wisdom tooth pain. Clove oil helps numb the painful area and can reduce inflammation caused by infection or impaction.
How to Use:
- Dip a cotton ball or swab into a small amount of clove oil.
- Gently apply the oil to the painful area around your wisdom tooth.
- Leave it on for a few minutes to allow it to numb the area.
- You can also mix a few drops of clove oil with a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil to reduce the strength if necessary.
You may experience immediate relief from discomfort after using clove oil, but avoid swallowing it in large amounts as it can cause irritation.
- Peppermint Tea
Peppermint contains menthol, which has a cooling effect that can provide relief from tooth pain. Peppermint tea, when used as a mouth rinse or when applied directly to the affected area, can help numb the pain and reduce inflammation. Additionally, peppermint has antibacterial properties that can help combat any infection around the wisdom tooth.
How to Use:
- Pour some peppermint tea into a cup and let it cool to room temperature.
- Use it as a mouthwash by swishing the tea around your mouth for a few minutes.
- Alternatively, you can place a cooled peppermint tea bag directly on the painful area for several minutes.
- Repeat this a few times throughout the day.
Peppermint tea is a soothing, natural remedy that also serves as a mild antiseptic, aiding in reducing both pain and infection.
- Garlic
Garlic is well-known for its powerful antimicrobial properties, and it has been used for centuries to treat infections and reduce inflammation. Allicin, the active compound found in garlic, has been shown to help kill bacteria and reduce swelling. This makes garlic an excellent home remedy for wisdom tooth pain caused by infection or irritation.
How to Use:
- Crush one or two garlic cloves to release the juice.
- Apply the crushed garlic directly to the painful area, allowing it to sit for a few minutes.
- You can also chew on a small piece of garlic if you can tolerate the strong taste.
- Alternatively, mix garlic with a little salt and apply it to the area for an additional antibacterial effect.
While the smell and taste of garlic might not be pleasant for everyone, its natural healing properties make it a highly effective remedy for wisdom tooth pain. Just be careful not to leave it on for too long, as garlic can cause irritation if left in direct contact with sensitive gum tissue for extended periods.
Conclusion
While these home remedies can offer temporary relief from wisdom tooth pain, it’s important to remember that they are not a substitute for professional dental care. If the pain persists, becomes severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever or difficulty swallowing, you should seek the help of a dentist. In some cases, your dentist may recommend the wisdom tooth extraction or treating the underlying issue to prevent further complications. However, for mild to moderate pain, these remedies can help you manage the discomfort until you can see a professional. By utilizing natural ingredients like salt, cold compresses, clove oil, peppermint, and garlic, you can ease the discomfort and get back to your daily activities without too much disruption.