How to Manage Wisdom Tooth Pain Effectively?

Wisdom tooth pain often starts as a throbbing ache in the back of the mouth, and in some cases may even lead to a wisdom teeth removal procedure. Still, it’s a common issue that many people face.
For some, it may be mild discomfort. For others, it can lead to severe tooth pain, jaw pain, swelling, and even dental infections. Don’t worry; in this article, we’ll break down the causes of this pain, how to relieve it, and when to seek professional care.

So, keep on reading.

What Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain?

According to the National Institute of Health, “wisdom teeth or third molars (M3s) are the last, most posteriorly placed permanent teeth to erupt. They usually erupt into the mouth between 17 and 25 years of age”. This appearance often causes pain, which comes and goes at first, but gradually can become more constant and intense. Some people have no problem when they come in, but many others experience pain or complications. But why? Here are the most common reasons:

1. Impacted wisdom teeth: Wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to grow and emerge properly. That small space in the jaw causes tooth impaction.
   These impacted wisdom teeth can press against neighboring teeth, which leads to pain, swelling, and potential damage to nearby teeth.
2. Pericoronitis (gum inflammation): When a wisdom tooth partially erupts, it can create a flap of gum tissue (operculum) that is a good place for trapping food and bacteria.
   This leads to inflammation known as Pericoronitis, which causes pain, swelling, bad breath, and even difficulty opening the mouth.
3. Tooth decay and gum disease: The bad news is that due to their location at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are more difficult to clean, which makes them prone to cavities and gum disease. Inflammation and decay in these teeth can cause significant discomfort.
4. Cyst formation: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts. They are fluid-filled sacs that can damage the jawbone, teeth, and nerves if left untreated.
5. Pressure on nearby teeth: A wisdom tooth can be dangerous to neighboring structures. As wisdom teeth attempt to erupt, they might apply pressure on adjacent molars. The result is pain or misalignment of teeth.
6. Eruption pain: The process of a tooth breaking through the gum can cause temporary discomfort, swelling, and sensitivity in the area. This eruption phase can be painful on its own.

How to Relieve Wisdom Tooth Pain

Managing wisdom tooth pain depends on the cause and severity. Fortunately for temporary relief, some simple home treatments can help. These remedies can soothe the tooth pain and discomfort until professional treatment is available.  If the pain persists for more than a few days, gets worse, or comes with intolerable gum inflammation or jaw pain, it’s important to see a dentist immediately.

Home Remedies for Quick Relief

If you need easy and fast pain relief when facing wisdom teeth complications, you can try these 5 common ways to soothe tooth pain at home:

Salt water rinse

Mix a teaspoon of salt with warm water (avoid hot water) and rinse your mouth several times a day. Salt is a natural disinfectant; therefore, it helps reduce bacteria in the mouth.
Salt water also pulls the extra fluid out of swollen gums, which helps reduce pain and inflammation.

Cold compress

Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas in a thin, clean towel and gently place it on your cheek for 15–20 minutes, then remove it for 15 minutes. Repeat this every few hours.
The cold narrows blood vessels, which decreases blood flow to the area and helps reduce inflammation and swelling. It also helps to feel less pain due to the numbness of the area.

Over-the-counter pain relievers

Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce inflammation and cause temporary pain relief. You should be cautious and check with a doctor or pharmacist if you have certain conditions, like kidney issues or liver problems.

Clove oil

Clove oil is a natural remedy known for its numbing effect and used by many people for wisdom tooth pain. Dip a clean cotton swab or small cotton ball in clove oil, then gently place it on the gum near the wisdom tooth. Leave it there for a few minutes, then remove it. Repeat this 3 times a day if needed.
Eugenol in the clove oil numbs the area and reduces the pain.

Hydrogen Peroxide rinse

Diluted hydrogen peroxide may help kill bacteria and ease gum discomfort, but be careful not to swallow it. Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide with water (for example, 1 tbsp. of both), swish the mixture around the mouth for 30 seconds, spit it out, then rinse the mouth with water. Don’t use this method more than once or twice a day.

When to See a Dentist for Wisdom Tooth Pain

While these methods can provide short-term relief, they won’t solve the actual problem if the wisdom tooth is impacted or infected. You should schedule a dental appointment as soon as your pain worsens and lasts more than a few days.

A swollen face or jaw with difficulty opening your mouth shouldn’t be ignored. You might see signs of more severe dental infection, like pus, a bad taste in the mouth, or even worse, fever or swollen lymph nodes. Unfortunately, these symptoms could not go away with just home remedies. The good news is that a dentist can take X-rays to see the position of your wisdom teeth and determine the cause of your pain. So, you can get rid of the wisdom tooth pain for real. In many cases, treatment may involve professional cleaning, antibiotics, or even tooth extraction.

Read More: How to Find the Best Cosmetic Dentist Specialist

Signs You Need a Tooth Extraction

Your dentist might advise tooth extraction, a form of oral surgery that includes removing the wisdom tooth completely from its socket in the jawbone. There are two main types of wisdom tooth extraction. If the tooth is likely obvious and easy to remove, it’s called a Simple Extraction, but if it’s partially or fully trapped in the gum or bone, it’s considered a surgical extraction.

Oral surgery to remove wisdom teeth is usually done in the dentist’s office. It’s a common and safe procedure.
Why is tooth extraction needed? It’s usually one of the following reasons:

• The tooth is impacted and causing pain or damage
• You have repeated infections or swelling in the gums
• There’s decay in the wisdom tooth or nearby teeth
• The tooth is pushing other teeth out of alignment
• A cyst or other abnormal growth has formed near the tooth

Read More: Why Is It Important to Address Broken Teeth Immediately?

Preventing Future Wisdom Tooth Pain

You can’t always prevent your wisdom teeth from causing problems, especially if they’re impacted. However, there are steps you can take to lower the risk and prevent future issues.

It’s good to know that in some cases, dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth early and before they cause pain. If you visit the dentist regularly for check-ups, this can help prevent future complications.

Read More: The Link Between Poor Oral Hygiene and Dental Infections

Conclusion

Wisdom tooth pain is a common experience that can differ from mild to severe depending on the situation. While home remedies can provide short-term relief, ongoing or intense pain should not be ignored at all. If you’re experiencing discomfort or are unsure about your wisdom teeth condition, don’t hesitate to talk to one of our dental professionals. At Dentistry on Gloucester, our team is here for your oral health, from emergency care services in case of sudden pain, to keeping your smile bright and healthy with dental hygiene and teeth whitening treatments.

FAQs

We hope these tips help relieve your wisdom tooth pain. Have you tried any of these tips? Which one worked best for you? Please feel free to share your experience in the comments below.