Wisdom teeth, the third set of molars that typically emerge during late adolescence or early adulthood, can cause significant discomfort as they appear. This pain often arises due to limited space within the jawbone, which puts pressure and inflammation on the gums and potentially results in complications and discomfort. While consulting your dentist is essential when managing wisdom teeth issues, there are also natural remedies and practices you can implement to alleviate pain, aid healing, and relieve discomfort associated with wisdom teeth pain.
Clove oil and clove buds have been shown to reduce pain from wisdom teeth as well as other toothaches. Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural numbing agent that can help alleviate pain and inflammation. Here are some ways to use clove oil and clove buds for wisdom tooth pain relief:
Apply a small amount of clove oil to a cotton ball and position it near the painful area. Reapply 2 or 3 times a day. If you find clove oil too strong, dilute it with a bit of olive oil.
Place 2 or 3 whole cloves in your mouth close to the aching wisdom tooth. As the cloves begin to emit their essential oil, you’ll find relief from the discomfort. Follow this remedy as needed.
Mix a little rock salt, a few drops of clove oil, and one crushed garlic clove to create a paste. Apply a thick coat of it on the swollen gums and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes. Then rinse it off with warm water. Do this once or twice daily.
Saltwater rinses are another effective home remedy for wisdom tooth pain. Salt helps reduce inflammation in the gums and prevents infection. Here’s how to use saltwater rinses:
Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of salt into a glass of warm water and mix until it dissolves. Swish the mixture in the mouth, especially around the painful area, for one minute and spit it out; do not swallow. Repeat the process as necessary multiple times during the day. The saltwater solution will aid in the facilitation of wound healing and removal of small particles trapped in a specific area. You should experience relief after a few rinses.
In addition to clove oil and saltwater rinses, there are several other home remedies and tips that can help alleviate wisdom tooth pain:
Applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Apply for 15-20 minute intervals every few hours.
Turmeric contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce wisdom teeth pain. Try rubbing loose turmeric on the sore gums or make a paste by mixing baking powder, toothpaste, and turmeric. Rub the paste around the wisdom teeth and allow it to rest for a few minutes before rinsing it out.
Some people find that chewing on an onion or applying onion juice to the affected area can help alleviate pain. This is because onions contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties.
Specific herbal remedies like peppermint, myrrh, and tea tree oil have been found to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate wisdom tooth pain. Mix these essential oils with water to create a soothing mouth rinse, or soak a cotton ball in the mixture and place it on the affected area.
Over-the-counter pain-relieving medication like Ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. However, it should only be used for the short term and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
While these home remedies can provide temporary relief, it is essential to seek professional help from a dentist if you experience persistent wisdom teeth pain. A dentist can diagnose the underlying cause of the pain and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include wisdom teeth removal. Regular dental check-ups can also help monitor the growth of wisdom teeth and ensure gum health.