23 May 2022
Wisdom teeth pain is a common problem, largely because many of us don’t have room in our mouth for this third and final set of molars.
This means they often:
- Grow in at an angle.
- Emerge too close to another tooth.
- Stay trapped in the gum.
- Only partially erupt through the gum line.
Any one of these problems can cause discomfort.
To make matters worse, wisdom teeth that remains partially embedded in the gum are difficult to clean and a magnet for bacteria that attack tooth enamel. This makes them more susceptible to decay in the future and the pain that comes with it.
But what can you do right now about wisdom teeth pain?
You can find out here.
There’s only one way to end the misery of wisdom teeth pain – have the teeth extracted (more on this later).
Meanwhile, as you wait for the wisdom teeth removal appointment, there are certain things you can do to ease the discomfort temporarily.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin or ibuprofen should help to lessen wisdom teeth pain.
They reduce gum and facial swelling caused by inflammation. This can relieve the throbbing sensation often associated with problem wisdom teeth.
Keep in mind, though, that anti-inflammatory medicines should not be used long term, and be sure you understand the dosage instructions.
Like anti-inflammatory medication, an ice pack applied to the face helps to reduce inflammation and swelling to ease wisdom teeth discomfort. It will also have a numbing effect on the painful area.
To avoid facial tissue damage, never apply ice directly onto your skin – wrap a bag of ice or frozen peas in a towel.
You shouldn’t use the ice pack for more than 20 minutes at a time, although you can repeat the process every few hours.
Salt water has antibacterial properties that can reduce inflammation, and using it as a mouth rinse may also help to dislodge any food debris stuck in or around your wisdom teeth.
Add one or two teaspoons of salt to a glass of warm water and mix well. Swish the mixture around the teeth for 60 seconds and then spit it out. You can do this several times a day, as needed.
Clove oil can help to alleviate wisdom teeth pain by acting as a numbing agent while also countering inflammation. Moisten a cotton wool ball with the oil and apply it to a painful wisdom tooth for five to 15 minutes. Repeat as needed throughout the day.
Research has consistently shown that the spice turmeric has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Make a paste by adding water to turmeric powder and apply it around your wisdom teeth.
Extraction ends the ordeal of wisdom teeth discomfort and avoids development of further painful dental issues.
Wisdom teeth removal is usually done with local anaesthetic, and recovery can take a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Wisdom Teeth Sydney specialises in wisdom teeth removal with comfortable procedures that result in straightforward recovery. Call us now on (02) 8045 5139 for the only permanent solution to wisdom teeth pain.