Don’t have time for wisdom tooth pain?
In the middle of mid-terms, packed work schedules, family crises, and daily life, getting your wisdom teeth removed is probably the last thing on your mind.
These ten wisdom tooth pain relief tips will ease your discomfort and give you time to consult a dentist without having to put your life on hold because of the pain.
1. Dab a Cotton Ball with Clove Oil
Clove oil is a traditional toothache remedy with antibacterial and numbing properties.
Clove oil was used as an anesthetic before modern dental medicine was invented. Studies have found eugenol, the active ingredient in clove oil, as effective as commercial topical anesthetics like benzocaine.
You only need a small drop of clove oil for a wisdom tooth pain relief home remedy. Apply a bit of the essential oil to a cotton ball and hold it to the area where you feel wisdom tooth pain.
2. Swish with Salt Water for Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief
Salt water is one of the most tried and true wisdom tooth pain relief methods. Swishing salt water is recommended by dentists everywhere for wisdom tooth pain removal before and after an operation.
A saline solution made of water and salt promotes gum health and wound healing. Swish salt water to reduce the risk of infection and fight bacteria.
Heat a warm cup of water and add a teaspoon (or more) of salt to the cup. Hold and swish this mixture in your mouth several times a day until swelling or discomfort has subsided.
3. Make a Paste out of Onion and Ginger
Chewing a raw onion is a traditional Western wisdom tooth pain relief trick.
Onions have anti-microbial properties that will reduce pain and infection.
Combine this method with ginger, an anti-inflammatory ingredient in Eastern medicine to provide stronger relief and cut the taste of raw onion.
To make a paste, peel the onion and ginger root. Place them in a blender or food processor, and apply to areas where you feel discomfort.
4. Boil Guava Leaves
Guava leaf, native to the Amazon, is packed with anti-inflammatory flavonoids.
These flavonoids ward off bacteria and infection. Like ginger, guava leaf can be used in conjunction with another home remedy: warm salt water.
To make a guava leaf saline rinse, boil water with a few teaspoons of salt. As the water comes to a boil, add dry guava leaves. Steep the leaves as a tea and swish the warm mixture.
5. Pack Tea Bags Against Gums
Tannin, a homeostatic compound found in black tea leaves, helps blood coagulate and reduces swelling.
Dentists often recommend packing black tea bags after a wisdom tooth extraction, but they can also be helpful to reduce swelling before an extraction.
Place black tea bags in warm water as if making a cup of hot tea. Remove the bags and squeeze out excess water. Chill the bags in the refrigerator to ensure maximum comfort.
Pack a tea bag between the cheek and gum of any areas where you feeling pain or swelling. If necessary, replace every 25-30 minutes.
6. Make a Mouthwash from Baking Soda
Baking soda is known for its numerous household uses. Baking soda whitens teeth naturally, protects against tooth decay, and alkalizes your mouth.
Baking soda can also provide temporary pain relief while disinfecting your mouth.
Baking soda can be swished as a cleansing mouthwash or provide pain relief when dabbed using a cotton ball.
Make a baking soda mouthwash by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of water. Swish around thoroughly 2-3 times a day for wisdom tooth pain relief.
To make a pain relief dab, coat a cotton ball completely in baking soda. Apply the ball directly to the affected area and leave in for 15-25 minutes.
7. Hold an Ice Pack Against Your Cheek
Ice packs are commonly used for muscle pain, but they can also help provide wisdom tooth pain relief.
The cooling sensation will help inflammation in the teeth and gums, alleviating your pain temporarily.
Be careful not to apply the ice pack directly, as this could cause more discomfort. Wrap a frozen pack in a dish towel or thick cloth and hold to the cheek. You can refreeze and repeat the ice pack several times if pain persists throughout the day.
8. Rub Vanilla Extract on Sore Areas
Vanilla extract may be considered a baking ingredient, but its antiseptic and analgesic properties make it a great pain relieving agent.
Make sure to use pure vanilla extract, as imitation vanilla does not contain the active ingredient eugenol.
You can apply a drop of vanilla extract directly to your finger or use a cotton swab for quick relief.
9. Massage with Turmeric
Turmeric has been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, but its many health benefits are just now being recognized in the West.
Turmeric is a strong antioxidant with astringent, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
For wisdom tooth pain relief, turmeric can be swished as a liquid or applied in its dry form. Massage gums and areas near tooth pain with turmeric for a soothing effect.
The spice will provide relief and cleanse affected areas of bacteria.
10. Rinse with Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful natural agent against gum disease.
This essential oil is alsoa natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ingredient.
You can apply a drop of tea tree oil directly to painful areas, but the oil should not be swallowed. Dilute tea tree oil as a mouthwash or dab it on with a cotton ball for best results.
Schedule a Wisdom Tooth Appointment
Do you need to get your wisdom teeth removed?
Consult a trusted family dental practitioner at Doug Lewis Dentistry to discuss your options.
You may not need to have wisdom teeth removed, but if they are causing you pain, it’s best to see an expert as soon as possible.
Professionals at Doug Lewis Dentistry have years of experience treating Birmingham families and are dedicated to providing excellent patient experiences with state of the art procedures.
End wisdom tooth pain today by calling (205) 933-2460.