Pain Relief From Wisdom Teeth Problems

The best way and more often than not, the only way to treat a toothache is to go and see your dentist. Then you can be certain you are getting the safe and required treatment you need.

However, until you get an appointment with your dentist there are a few ways to treat wisdom teeth pain at home.

  1. Salt Water Rinse
    Salt water has natural disinfectant properties that can help reduce bacteria in the broken gums that can be the source of the pain.
    Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of cooled boiled water. Swirl it around your mouth for a couple of minutes before spitting down the sink. You can do this a few times a day as necessary.
  2. Ibuprofen
    Over the counter pain relief like ibuprofen can definitely help reduce inflammation of the gums and that throbbing pain that comes with it. Make sure to follow the package directions and recommended dose to keep safe and help relieve discomfort.
  3. Numbing Gel/ Benzocaine
    A numbing dental gel that contains the active ingredient benzocaine can help reduce the feelings in the gums therefore numbing the pain.

You can get these gels over the counter and you apply the gel directly to the affected gums throughout the day. Again, keep safe by following the packets instructions.

Sometimes household items such as an ice pack, chewing on an onion, clove or peppermint, and soaked tea bags can all be used to relieve wisdom tooth pain.

While these remedies can reduce pain caused by wisdom teeth, they are only short-term solutions.

When wisdom teeth become impacted, a dentist will normally advise that they be removed to provide long-term relief.

Removal of Wisdom Teeth

If your dentist thinks you may need your wisdom teeth removed, they’ll usually carry out an X-ray of your mouth. This gives them a clearer view of the position of your teeth and the relative ease at which it can be removed.

Before the procedure, you’ll usually be given anaesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. You’ll feel some pressure just before the tooth is removed, but apart from that the procedure should be entirely painless thanks to modern medicine and a calm hand of an experienced dentist. In some cases a cut may be needed in your gum, and the tooth may need to be cut into smaller pieces before it’s removed.

The time it takes to remove the tooth will vary. Some procedures only take a few minutes, whereas others can take 20 minutes or longer.

After your wisdom teeth have been removed, you may experience some swelling and discomfort. This can be on both the inside and outside of your mouth lasting for between 1 or 2 weeks.

Prevention

You can’t stop your wisdom teeth coming through, but there are things you can do to make sure the gums are less likely to become infected.

  • Practicing good oral hygiene: Brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash can help reduce the bacteria in the mouth that cause infections.
  • Drinking plenty of water: This helps to flush food and bacteria away from the teeth and gums.
  • Avoid sugary foods: Sweet foods can get stuck inside the broken gums, encouraging bacteria to grow.