Things To Do to Reduce Wisdom Tooth Pain
Is wisdom tooth pain getting you down?
If yes, then you will be pleased to hear that there are several ways that you can reduce wisdom teeth pain, most of which you can carry out from the comfort of your own home.
From how to reduce swelling and how to reduce inflammation to how to protect your teeth, read on to discover the most effective things to do to reduce the wisdom tooth pain.
What causes wisdom tooth pain?
Before you find out how to treat wisdom tooth pain, let’s first find out what causes it. The most common reason why people experience wisdom tooth pain is that their wisdom teeth are impacted. This means that they are not completely able to enter the mouth and, in some cases, they are not able to break through the gums.
Wisdom teeth typically start to push their way through the gums when a person is between the ages of 17 and 21. Although, it can occur in younger teens and slightly older adults.
As well as pain from impacted wisdom teeth, you may also develop:
- An infection
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- A cyst surrounding the affected area
Any of the above issues may lead to your dentist recommending the removal of one or more of your wisdom teeth.
If you are looking for an Asheville dentist to discuss the right treatment for your wisdom teeth pain, then this family dentistry clinic is a great choice.
How to relieve wisdom tooth pain
There are several oral health practices and home remedies that you can try to reduce wisdom tooth pain. Some of the most popular ones are:
Saltwater rinse
Salt has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to prevent bacteria from growing in your mouth and reduce your risk of developing an infection. All you need to do is rinse your mouth and gums with warm water and dissolved salt twice a day for instant relief.
Clove oil
Cloves have been used as a toothache remedy for centuries due to their antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. For best results, massage clove essential oil directly onto the affected area. Alternatively, boil 4-6 whole cloves and then use the water to rinse your mouth.
Cold and heat therapies
Both heat and cold can be used to effectively treat pain in your mouth. Choose between an ice pack that you can hold up to your face or apply gentle heat to the affected area.
Some people find that alternating hot and cold therapies offer the best results.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is another essential oil that has shown promising signs of reducing toothache. As an antibacterial agent, it can be used to kill bacteria and prevent infections. However, you should never apply tea tree oil directly to your mouth, gums, or teeth. Instead, dilute it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and then apply to the inflamed area.
Acupuncture
If you have been struggling with wisdom tooth pain for quite some time and you have found home remedies and OTC painkillers to be ineffective, you may want to try acupuncture. This involves the use of small needles to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Acupuncture can relieve wisdom tooth pain before and after oral surgery.
Aspirin
If you take aspirin for headaches, then you will be pleased to hear that this over-the-counter treatment can also relieve tooth pain. Make sure that you only take the recommended dosage and speak to your dentist before taking this medication.
Benzocaine
Benzocaine is a numbing agent that can be bought over the counter without the need for a prescription. You should not use benzocaine if you have any deep wounds or lesions or on children under two years of age.
Ibuprofen
An anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, ibuprofen can be bought at most pharmacies and supermarkets. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and often comes under the brand name Advil.
How to reduce wisdom tooth pain after surgery
Once you have had your wisdom tooth or teeth out, you will likely experience pain and discomfort for at least a few days. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce this pain, including:
Avoid hard foods
Hard foods like nuts, potato chips, and apples can all make tooth pain worse, so you should aim to only eat soft foods for the first few days after surgery.
Avoid chewing on sensitive areas
You are likely to have tooth sensitivity near the affected area, so you should avoid chewing near where the wisdom tooth was removed.
Use a manual toothbrush
If you usually clean your teeth with an electric toothbrush, then you should switch to a manual one while your mouth heals, as this is gentler on the gums.
Use a prescription mouthwash
Rather than use a store-bought mouthwash after dental surgery, it would help if you asked your dentist for a prescription one that will actively help your mouth to heal.
Continue to brush your teeth
Although you may be tempted to avoid brushing your teeth, especially if you are in a lot of pain, it is essential that you look after your oral health when recovering from dental surgery.
Avoid using straws
Sucking through a straw after dental surgery can increase your risk of bleeding, so it should be avoided. Instead, slowly sip cool or warm drinks. Avoid very cold or very hot drinks that are likely to make your pain worse.
When to speak to your dentist about wisdom tooth pain
If you experience any of the below symptoms, then you should seek dental care and talk to your dentist as soon as possible:
- Persistent sharp pains
- Frequent headaches
- Bleeding or bloody saliva
- A fever
- You can feel an abscess growing underneath your gums
If you are not sure whether or not you should have your wisdom teeth removed, you should also make an appointment with your dentist to discuss your options. Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth taken out, and there may be a better treatment option available to you.