How to Manage Wisdom Tooth Pain at Home until Your Appointment

Wisdom teeth, which are commonly known as the third molars, are the last set of teeth that emerge inside the mouth. Wisdom teeth generally appear between the ages of 17 and 25. While some individuals may never have problems with their wisdom teeth, others may experience pain and discomfort as the teeth grow.

Pain from wisdom teeth is often due to insufficient space in the mouth for the teeth to erupt fully. When they do not have enough space to break through the gum line, this can lead to infection and gum disease and may cause damage to adjacent teeth.

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What are the symptoms of wisdom tooth pain?

The most common symptom is pain and discomfort in the back of the mouth. You will notice a sharp, throbbing pain that radiates from the jaw to the ear and the head, persisting continuously. Other symptoms include redness or swelling of the gums and difficulty in opening the mouth completely. It can also cause bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Sometimes an individual can also experience a headache, neck pain and swollen face.

Home remedies for wisdom tooth pain relief

If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain, several home remedies can provide temporary relief until you get an appointment with the dentist.

Saltwater rinse

You can mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth with it. This helps reduce the inflammation associated with wisdom tooth growth, provides temporary relief, and gives you time to book an appointment.

Clove oil

You can apply a small amount of clove oil to the affected area with a cotton swab. Clove oil has natural anaesthetic and antibacterial properties that can help reduce pain and prevent infection simultaneously.

Cold compress

If you experience throbbing pain from the tooth to the head, use a cold compress or ice pack placed outside the cheek near the painful area for quick relief. The cold temperature will numb the area and reduce the pain. However, this provides temporary relief from wisdom tooth pain. For long-term relief, you need to contact a dentist for an extraction.

Over-the-counter pain relief

There are various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs available over the counter at pharmacies without a prescription. They can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with the wisdom tooth. Ask the pharmacist to help you with the dosage instructions and follow them for quick relief.

When should you see a dentist for wisdom tooth pain?

While home remedies can provide temporary relief, for long-term pain relief, you need to see a dentist who will perform a proper evaluation and provide a treatment plan. Here is when you should get in touch with a dentist

  • When severe pain does not respond to home remedies
  • When there is a swelling or infection in the gum
  • When you face difficulty in opening your mouth or swallowing things
  • When there is a persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • When you develop facial swelling and / or fever

Are you stuck with a painful wisdom tooth? Book your appointment with Avant Dental for quick relief. Being one of the best dental clinics near you, we boast of having state-of-the-art dental equipment like a full mouth X-ray machine (OPG), intra oral scanner, dental laser, etc. Our team of doctors are well-trained to operate these, ensuring a precise diagnosis of the problem.