The mouth undergoes several stages of evolution throughout the human lifecycle. During which, it goes through several changes, most of them being in the late teens and early twenties. Of all the changes it undergoes, the most common one is the emergence and growth of the third molars at the back of the mouth, termed as wisdom teeth considering the time of its appearance (mature age of 17-25). As the molars emerge through the jaw, breaking the surface of the gums, the person may experience slight discomfort. If the wisdom tooth comes through properly, and there is space for it to emerge on the surface of the jaw, it might not cause any severe pain and discomfort. However, that’s not the case for everyone. In most cases, the third set of molars either do not emerge from the surface of the gums at all or come through at an angle very close to the existing teeth, causing the severe tooth pain, gum inflammation, which may then lead to bad teeth. In such cases, the person should consult a dentist immediately.      

     

However, it is not always possible to consult a dentist immediately when the wisdom tooth starts emerging. Meanwhile, a person can try the simple home remedies mentioned below to reduce a toothache caused due to the wisdom tooth. The treatments mentioned in the article may help for the time being until you schedule an appointment with the dentist for checkup and wisdom tooth removal.     

     

1. Apply Ice Pack on the affected area of the Toothache      

     

This is an instant remedy that may work within a few minutes of its application. Grab a small pack of ice or an ice pack available at the store. Then, wrap it in a towel and gently apply on the affected areas of the tooth for about 15-20 minutes. This method works even with frozen vegetables as well. The cold temperature of the ice helps reduce any swelling of the gums and also numbs the pain. Keep repeating this at regular intervals until the swelling reduces, and you feel better. The same procedure works for heat treatment, as well. Cold and heat treatment is an excellent way of healing since it helps reduce any tension in the jawbone and further increases the blood flow.     

     

2. Numbing gel      

     

Another product that may provide instant relief from the pain and swelling of the gums is a numbing dental gel. Make sure to choose a numbing dental gel with ingredients such as benzocaine, menthol, and astringent. Apply the numbing dental gel directly on the affected area of the gum by carefully following the instructions mentioned on the product. The benzocaine in the gel helps numb the sensation of the gums, while the astringent reduces any irritation, and menthol helps in soothing the gums offering great relief from the pain. Also, look out for specific components that you are allergic to and avoid using numbing dental gels with such ingredients.     

 

3. Onion      

     

Apart from causing pain, swelling, and inflammation in the gums, wisdom teeth can also create space where food particles and other bacteria get stuck. That can cause bacterial infection and gum inflammation in the surrounding areas of the wisdom tooth. In such cases, onions can be of great help as they are antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory as it prevents the growth of any bacteria and helps reduce the swelling. Just chew tiny pieces of onion on the side of the mouth, where you are experiencing the pain until the pain relieves. Once starting to feel better, spit the onion. This method can help hugely as the juices directly get in contact with gums while chewing, which further reduces any inflammation and swelling.     

     

4. Turmeric      

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Turmeric is one of the natural ingredients that offers many benefits and is available easily. It’s also one of the home remedies suggested by many people to cure several health problems because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. You can either gently apply the turmeric powder directly on the gums the wisdom tooth or make a fine paste of baking soda, regular toothpaste, and turmeric for the same. Leave the powder/ paste for a few minutes and then rinse with water. Brushing your teeth regularly with turmeric also whitens your teeth and prevents you from having bad teeth.     

5. Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs      

     

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly known as NSAIDs, can be a great way to numb the wisdom toothache. Aspirin and Ibuprofen are the most common types of NSAIDs that numb pain. The recommended dosage of Ibuprofen could be an instant pain-relief for Toothache. However, it is always better to always consult a doctor or dentist before consumption. Aspirin, on the other hand, is usually taken to numb headache. However, according to some recent studies, it also helps numb Toothache caused by the emerging wisdom tooth.     

     

6. Rinsing with saltwater      

     

Saltwater is highly disinfectant, which makes it one of the most efficient and simple home remedies to get rid of any inflammation and pain. Wisdom teeth create a breakage in gums while emerging, which leads to bacteria buildup in the gums around the wisdom tooth. It is one of the objects responsible for inflammation of the gums. Regular swish and rinse with salt and warm water kill the bacteria present in the mouth, reducing inflammation. Take a small amount of salt and add it to warm water. Stir well until the salt gets completely dissolved. Swish thoroughly for a few minutes, especially in the affected areas, and spit out the saltwater without swallowing it. You can repeat this at regular intervals until you feel better.      

     

7. Cloves     

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Here is another simple yet very effective home remedy to get rid of Toothache. This remedy works both with the whole clove or clove oil as well. Many studies have proven that clove is an analgesic and can provide relief from Toothache. The presence of an ingredient known as eugenol helps numb the pain and also reduce any inflammation as it fights against any bacteria present in the mouth. Just place a clove on the affected area of the mouth between the jaws and crush it for a few minutes without chewing it. Once relieved from the Toothache, you can spit out the clove. If you prefer clove oil, then dab a cotton ball in little amounts of clove oil and place it on sore gums and the wisdom teeth, leave it for 15 minutes at least. Once you start feeling better, remove the cotton ball and throw it. You can repeat this remedy whenever needed throughout the day at regular intervals.     

     

8. Teabags      

      

This remedy may sound strange but prove to be highly efficient to relieve the wisdom tooth pain. The tannic acid present in tea helps numb the pain and soothe the gums as it is highly anti-inflammatory. You just need to make small amounts of tea and store it in the refrigerator with the tea bag left inside the teacup. Once cold, take the teabag from the cup and put it upon the wisdom tooth and the sore gums, leave it there for a few minutes. This procedure will numb the pain within no time and also reduce gum inflammation and swelling.      

     

9. Cucumber      

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We all know that cucumber helps to get rid of dark circles and puffy skin whenever placed on the eyes for a few minutes every day. The same cucumber also benefits you get rid of the wisdom tooth pain as well. Plus, it tastes better than onion anyway. Cut a cucumber into slices, rinse it thoroughly and leave it in the refrigerator to cool for a while. Once the slices are cold enough, place them between the jaws on the wisdom tooth and swollen gums. Leave it there for a few minutes without chewing until it’s hydrating properties numb the pain entirely and soothe the sore gums. You can repeat this remedy whenever needed throughout the day.     

 

10. Peppermint      

     

Peppermint leaves are another best source to reduce any inflammation in the gums and relieve wisdom tooth pain as it has high concentrations of essential oils. It can help get rid of any bacteria around the wisdom tooth that caused the pain and swelling in the first place. You can either directly use peppermint leaves or peppermint extract/ oil for this remedy. Firstly, place a stack of peppermint leaves around the wisdom tooth, between the jaws and leave it for 15-20 minutes, at the earliest. Once they start to numb the pain, you can remove the leaves and spit it out. If you prefer peppermint oil instead of its leaves, apply small amounts on the affected area using a cotton swab. Leave it for a few minutes, and you will start feeling better.     

     

You can use these home remedies to relieve wisdom tooth pain temporarily. However, it is always better to consult a dentist regarding the same at the earliest to avoid any further complications. Apart from following the home remedies mentioned above, avoid eating any hard foods as this might increase the tooth pain. Also, make sure to consume a lot of water to keep the gums flushed always.