So tomorrow’s grad day, and like all young women your age, you want to look your best and you gotta have that beauty sleep to wake up fresh as a lily. However, right when the clock strikes midnight, you wake up with a throbbing pain at the back of your mouth that just won’t go away and won’t even let you fall back to sleep. Yup, happened to me, and as my brethren in pain would know the culprit is wisdom tooth pain which can be a common issue, for peeps in their late teens or early twenties as their third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, begin to erupt.
These back molars can sometimes wreak havoc when they grow in or don’t have room to grow due to a lack of space, often resulting in tenderness, swelling, or even infection. As many of my readers would know, I am a firm believer and advocate of home made remedies passed along generations so today, I am gonna share some effective home remedies and essential advice to help manage this pain naturally.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth and Why They Cause Pain
In case you didn’t know, wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that develop at the back of the mouth. Researchers suggest that these teeth might’ve played a crucial role in chewing tough foods like raw nuts and meats sometime in our evolutionary past, However, our diets and jaw structures have long evolved haven’t they? So wisdom teeth have become unnecessary and, in potentially problematic.
In many cases, wisdom teeth often have limited room to grow, which could very well lead to impaction (that’s when they grow at an angle or are trapped under the gums – shudders). This can cause pain, gum sensitivity, and swelling.
Common Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Eruption
You may experience several symptoms as wisdom teeth emerge, including:
- Red or swollen gums near the back of the mouth
- Persistent jaw or facial pain
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
- Small, white bumps or emerging tooth edges behind the second molars
If you notice these signs, consider consulting a dentist for an evaluation to determine if your wisdom teeth are aligned for proper growth or may need removal.
At-Home Remedies to Soothe Wisdom Tooth Pain
While wisdom tooth discomfort may eventually require dental intervention, the following remedies can help alleviate pain and manage swelling in the meantime:
Salt Water Rinse
A warm salt water rinse is a simple yet effective method to relieve wisdom tooth pain. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds, and spit it out. Salt water has natural antibacterial properties that can reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Cold Compress
Applying an ice pack or cold compress on the affected side of your face can numb the area, temporarily easing pain and reducing swelling. Use a cold compress for 15–20 minutes, repeating as necessary.
Clove Oil
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural pain-relieving compound with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Dip a cotton ball in a few drops of clove oil and gently apply it to the sore area. Alternatively, you can chew on a whole clove placed near the wisdom tooth for natural pain relief.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications can provide quick relief from wisdom tooth pain by reducing swelling and easing discomfort. Always follow dosage instructions, and consult a dentist if the pain persists despite these treatments.
Peppermint Tea Bags
Used peppermint tea bags can be placed in the refrigerator to cool, then applied to sore gums for natural numbing. The cooling effect combined with peppermint’s mild numbing properties can offer temporary relief.
Toothache Gel
Over-the-counter toothache gels or creams, like Orajel, can be applied directly to the gums to help numb the pain. These products are typically fast-acting and offer temporary relief for severe toothaches and gum discomfort.
When to See a Dentist
While these remedies can manage minor discomfort, there are times when professional evaluation is essential. A dentist may recommend wisdom tooth extraction if the tooth:
- Is impacted and causing persistent pain or infection
- Shows signs of decay or damage due to difficult cleaning
- Crowds neighboring teeth, leading to alignment issues
Signs of Wisdom Tooth Infection
An infected wisdom tooth can escalate discomfort and, if untreated, lead to serious oral health issues. Early signs of infection include:
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- Fever and difficulty swallowing
If these symptoms occur, promptly seek dental care. Antibiotics or extraction may be necessary to manage the infection and prevent further complications.
Wisdom Tooth Removal: Is It Always Necessary?
Here’s the good news – not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. If you are among those lucky folks, you may never experience problems with your wisdom teeth. Most dentists may suggest monitoring them instead of pushing for immediate extraction. So no need to lose your sleep over this, just your regular dental check-ups can help track the growth and alignment of wisdom teeth which will allow for timely action if problems arise.
Takeaway
Wisdom tooth pain is a common experience that may require patience, self-care, and in a few cases – professional guidance. You’ll be good with home remedies like salt water rinses, clove oil, and cold compresses that can provide relief in the early stages of discomfort. However, you might want to consult a dentist if pain persists or is accompanied by signs of infection.
These natural methods, combined with regular dental check-ups, can help you manage wisdom tooth pain effectively and maintain your oral health in the long term.