Home remedies for wisdom teeth pain relief

Wisdom teeth are our third and final set of molars to grow.

They  usually start sprouting around the ages of 17-25 years.

It is normal to experience some pain and discomfort (stomach upset included) when the teeth are coming in.

However, extreme pain could be caused by crowding or lack of adequate space in the bone, leading to an impacted tooth.

Tooth impaction is a condition in which a tooth fails to fully grow out (erupt) from the gum.

It usually comes through at a different angle and pushes into the gum or tooth beside it.

Symptoms of a problematic wisdom tooth include;

• Difficulty chewing
• Swelling of gums (usually behind your second molar )
• Bad taste in your mouth/ bad breath
• Bleeding or tender gums
• Jaw pain
• Difficulty opening your mouth wide

Here are some home remedies to help you find relief from wisdom teeth pain;

1. Over The Counter medication (OTC)

This may be the fastest way to relieve the pain. Aspirin, especially, works fast. However much the pain may be, don't take more than the recommended dose and don't take the pills continuously without supervision from a dentist or doctor.

2. Salt water rinse

This is one of the most popular remedies for toothache. Rinsing your gums with warm water and dissolved sodium chloride (table salt) has been known to kill bacteria and promote healthy gums.

Growing wisdom teeth can sometimes hurt your other teeth and create cysts so keeping your mouth free of bacteria is a good idea and will help relieve your pain.

3. Rubbing liquor Bourbon, brandy and whisky

These are pain relievers because of the numbing qualities of distilled liquor.

Rubbing whisky (or any other strong liquor) onto your wisdom teeth as they erupt to the surface of your gum may help numb pain receptors, easing your discomfort.

4. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a non-toxic plant that can be used to soothe and reduce inflammation around the area your wisdom teeth are coming in. You can apply pure aloe vera gel to the back of your mouth for temporary pain relief.

However, you need to note there are different types of aloe vera plants, if you don't have clear knowledge of them you can ask for insight from someone who does, google the difference or order the a stem of the one you require online.

5. Heat and cold therapy

Applying a cold or hot compress to your cheeks can help reduce inflammation, swelling and pain.

Apply compress for 15 minutes at a time then wait for 15 minutes before reapplying. Alternate this method throughout the day keeping in mind to always finish with cold treatment.

6. Crushed garlic and ginger

Crushed garlic was found to be one of the most effective killers of pathogens that invade and infect the gum line. Combining it with crushed ginger makes it even more effective.

Crush the garlic to a paste like consistency and add freshly chopped ginger, then proceed to apply the paste to your gums.

Alternatively, you can chew the garlic with the side of the tooth that hurts.

Note; uncooked garlic has a sharp, almost bitter taste so it'll be uncomfortable in your mouth.

If you have sharp pain that persists, frequent headaches, bloody saliva, sore throat or feel an abscess growing underneath your gums, you need to schedule an appointment with a dentist right away.

7. Rubbing cinnamon powder

Cinnamon is a spice that has over the centuries been used as a treatment for dental ailments.

The spice has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. Applying a little of it on the affected tooth will help relief you of your discomfort.

Note; don't swallow the cinnamon, let it sit around the affected tooth for 15 minutes the spit it out.

It also has a sharp taste that might sting your mouth a little.

Keep in mind not everyone needs to have their growing wisdom teeth removed, it is recommended that all teenagers and young adults have their wisdom teeth X-rayed and monitored as they sprout.

Edited by CM