10 Home Care Tips to Reduce Wisdom Tooth Pain
Wisdom teeth that are coming through can sometimes be very painful and you cannot always get an appointment to see a dentist straight away. Food and bacteria can get stuck in the gum and around the wisdom tooth which can lead to tooth decay and gum infections. Below are some home care tips to bring you temporary relief.
1. Warm Salt Water Rinses
Salt is one of the oldest products used for a variety of medicinal purposes. The use of salt promotes healing as it creates an environment which temporarily increases the pH balance of your mouth. This is an environment that bacteria struggle to survive in. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, gently swish water around your mouth for 1 minute and then spit out. Repeat this process 3 times a day for the most effective relief. Rinsing with a warm salt water rinse may also help treat the infection and reduce the discomfort due the natural disinfectant properties of salt.
2. Ice
If swelling occurs in the area, use an ice pack to help reduce the inflammation. The ice will help relieve the pain as well.
3. Cloves
Clove is an amazing home remedy, and actually helps prevent infection from occurring. Clove has anaesthetic properties that will help numb the affected area as well as the antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. Using a cotton ball, apply a small amount of clove oil to the tooth and the gums surrounding it until the pain stops. Repeat this several times a day. Alternatively you can use a whole clove, placing the clove inside your mouth and keeping it in until you feel a numbing sensation.
4. Cucumber Slices
If your wisdom teeth start to ache, Place cold cucumber slices onto the affected area. This will help soothe the ache and take away the pain.
5. Tea Bags
Tea bags are a great way to help reduce pain and swelling due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Place a damp tea bag on the affected area for almost instant pain relief.
6. Pain Relief Medication
Taking pain relief will temporarily help reduce the discomfort.
7. Antibacterial Mouth Rinse
Using an antibacterial mouthwash will help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of food particles getting stuck underneath the gums. Antibacterial mouth rinses help prevent dental plaque formation which reduces gingival inflammation and promotes healing.
8. Avoid Hard, Hot, Spicy or Sugary Foods
Stick to a soft food diet if you are experiencing pain as this will help keep the tooth comfortable. Avoid eating hot or spicy foods as they encourage an increase in blood circulation which intensifies toothache pain. Sugary food will encourage bacterial growth and therefore increase the chances of infection.
9. Avoid Smoking
Tobacco and nicotine slow your ability to heal, they also irritate the gums which will worsen the toothache.
10. Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of water will help flush the area and reduce the risk of food from getting stuck under the gums, causing swelling and inflammation in the area.
If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Our home care tips will not cure the problem, these are just steps to manage the pain till you see a dentist.