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Are you in your late teens or early twenties? And have you been experiencing a dull ache in the back of your gums lately? Congratulations! You are finally a fully grown adult because this is a sign of the emergence of wisdom teeth. Although you may not remember teething as a kid, the eruption of wisdom teeth pretty much makes up for it.
Well, there is nothing exciting about it, given that the process can be quite painful. In fact, some individuals may also get crooked or misaligned wisdom teeth, which worsen the pain. So, what can be done about this? Many opt for surgical extraction when the pain becomes unbearable. But if you don’t want to do that yet, you can give the following home remedies for wisdom tooth pain a try to get relief from the pain naturally.
The Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain
- Crooked wisdom tooth
- Your wisdom teeth do not fit properly in your mouth.
- An infection around your teeth.
Signs and Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Pain
It is also important to be aware of the warning signs of wisdom tooth pain so that you can address the issue immediately. Here are the signs that you need to look out for:
- Your gums begin aching, especially behind your molars.
- Your wisdom tooth begins to tear out of your gums.
- Red, swollen or inflamed gums.
- Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw.
- Difficulty in swallowing and opening the mouth.
- Slight fever.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Some individuals may show no signs at all while getting their wisdom teeth. However, if you aren’t so lucky, don’t worry. You can ease your pain by using the home remedies listed below.
1. Hot or Cold Compress
Both hot and cold compresses help alleviate pain and swelling. This makes both of them excellent home remedies for wisdom tooth pain.
You’ll need:
- A hot water bottle OR ice pack
Process:
- Take a hot water bottle or ice pack and place it on the side of the cheek where the wisdom tooth is coming in.
- Hold the compress for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Repeat this 3 to 4 times daily.
[ Recommended: How To Take Care of Yourself After a Tooth Extraction ]
2. Cloves
Clove is a popular spice that is used to enhance the flavor of various dishes. And it has also been used to treat toothache and the inflammation and swelling that accompany it due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anesthetic properties. Hence, clove is one of the best options to get relief from wisdom tooth pain.
You’ll need:
- Clove or clove oil
Process:
- Take a clove and place it on the wisdom tooth.
- Bite on it so that it doesn’t move away from the tooth.
- Alternatively, you can also apply clove oil on the affected tooth and the surrounding gums to relieve pain.
- You must do this 4 to 5 times a day.
3. Tea Tree oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and has antimicrobial properties that can protect your wisdom teeth from infection. It also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it the perfect remedy for reducing wisdom tooth pain.
You’ll need:
- 1-2 drops of tea tree oil
Process:
- Take a drop or two of tea tree oil and apply it directly to the wisdom tooth.
- Massage the tooth and gums gently for 2 to 3 minutes and then rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.
- You must follow this procedure 1 to 2 times daily.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar possesses antimicrobial properties that can protect your teeth and mouth from oral infections. And its anti-inflammatory properties can be helpful in getting rid of wisdom tooth pain.
You’ll need:
- 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 glass of water
Process:
- Add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and mix well.
- Use this solution to rinse your mouth.
- You can do this 1 to 2 times a day.
5. Lemon Juice and Salt Water
Lemon has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as a natural pain reliever. And as we already know, salt is used to maintain oral health due to its antimicrobial and pain-relieving properties. A combination of these two ingredients helps relieve wisdom tooth pain quite effectively.
You’ll need:
- 1/2 lemon
- A pinch of salt
- Water
Process:
- Take half a lemon and extract its juice.
- Add a few drops of water to the lemon juice to dilute it.
- Add some salt to the diluted lemon juice and apply it to the affected tooth and the surrounding gums.
- Do this whenever you experience wisdom tooth pain.
Note: Do not use lemon juice without diluting it as it may be too abrasive for the enamel of your tooth.
6. Coconut oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a great way to help reduce the inflammation and swelling of the gums. Coconut oil possesses antimicrobial and analgesic properties, which protect your teeth and mouth from oral infections and reduce wisdom tooth pain.
You’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Process:
- Take a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Spit it out and rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.
- You must do this once daily, preferably every morning, before brushing your teeth.
7. Salt Water
Salt contains sodium that has been quite widely used for relieving pain. It also has antibacterial properties, making it a great option for treating wisdom tooth pain.
You’ll need:
- 1-2 teaspoons of table salt
- 1 glass of warm water
Process:
- Dissolve a teaspoon or two of table salt in a glass of warm water.
- Rinse your mouth with the saline solution for a few minutes.
- Do this twice daily for effective results.
8. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil contains a compound called menthol that has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and relieve wisdom tooth pain.
You’ll need:
- 1 teaspoon of peppermint essential oil
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
Process:
- Mix equal amounts of peppermint essential oil and coconut oil.
- Apply this mixture with your finger on the affected tooth and the gums around it.
- Massage gently for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.
- Do this 1 to 2 times daily.
These remedies will surely help you deal with the pain and discomfort. However, if nothing seems to work, you might have to go ahead and get your wisdom tooth removed surgically. And you may want to keep the following tips in mind to avoid the pain and inflammation that may surface after the procedure.
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- Vanilla Extract For Teething
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- 10 Essential Oils for Pain Relief: How To Use It?
