Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, sometimes even later in life. As wisdom teeth are the last to come in, they may not have enough room in the mouth to grow properly. They may push or get stuck against other teeth and grow at an angle under the gum. This can result in what is known as impacted wisdom tooth pain, causing swelling in the gums and irritation.
Along with pain, you may experience symptoms like bad breath, difficulty biting and chewing food, headaches and wisdom tooth ache.
A variety of home remedies for wisdom tooth pain have been suggested. While home remedies for wisdom tooth pain can be helpful if used to provide natural wisdom tooth pain relief, they are not alternatives to seeking a diagnosis and proper treatment from a Board Certified Oral Surgeon like Dr. Jelic. With prolonged use, they can actually worsen the condition by making the symptom less noticeable while allowing the source of infection, tooth decay, or pain increase until it spreads or causes more severe consequences.
- Cold Therapy: Ice works by helping to alleviate the swelling and inflammation that occurs after wisdom tooth extraction. Place an ice pack either directly on your cheek on with a towel between your skin and the ice pack for no longer than 15-20 minutes.
- Saltwater: Gargle with warm salt water. Gargle with a mixture of: 1 cup water with 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is great for alleviating the inflammation at the root of wisdom tooth pain. Take it as directed by your healthcare professional.
- Clove: The analgesic and anesthetic properties of clove are great for pain relief after wisdom tooth extraction. Its antibacterial and antiseptic qualities also make it an excellent way to prevent infection. Try putting a couple drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and biting down on it for a few minutes.
- Peppermint: Peppermint leaves contain essential oils that can reduce swelling and inflammation. Try soaking a cotton ball in peppermint oil and apply to the affected area. Peppermint tea can also be a great mouth rinse – Just let it cool down first!
- Heat Therapy: Ice is generally the recommended treatment when dealing with inflammation, but heat can also be used to help relieve tension and increase blood flow to the area. Try alternating hot and cold therapy. Try holding a warm washcloth or heat pad over the jaw line for 10-15 minutes at a time.
- Numbing Gel: Look for a numbing gel with the active ingredient benzocaine to help numb the gums around your wisdom teeth or extraction area.
- Turmeric: Mix a bit of toothpaste, baking powder, and turmeric then apply to the area around the wisdom teeth. Allow it to sit for several minutes then rinse it out with warm saltwater.
- Vanilla Extract Soak or Rinse: Create a soothing mouth rinse out of warm water, a few drops of vanilla extract, coconut oil, and the following essential oils: peppermint, lemon, and chamomile. Swish the mixture for one minute and spit out. You can also soak a cotton ball in the mixture and allow it to sit on your gums for 5-15 minutes. Discard cotton ball after use.
- Teabags: Various types of tea contain natural properties that alleviate the symptoms associated with wisdom tooth extraction. Soak a peppermint or black tea bag in hot water for a few minutes to let it steep. Place cooled moistened tea bag on the area and bite down gently to provide pressure. The tannic acid in black tea will help stop bleeding and induce clot formation.
About Your Durham, NC Oral Surgeon
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jelic contact our Durham, NC office today by calling (919) 419-9222. Our office welcomes patients in and around the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel-Hill area.
Dr. Jelic is a board certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with a Doctorate of Medicine from the Medical College of Virginia in addition to his degree in Dentistry from the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Dental Medicine.
Having completed seven years of combined residencies in Hospital Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and General Surgery, Dr. Jelic has achieved a remarkable understanding of the functional demands of teeth, facial bones and upper airway.
Before moving into private practice, Dr. Jelic was an Associate Professor in the UNC Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He also spent eight years caring for our nation’s military veterans and teaching residents, as Staff Surgeon at the Durham VA Hospital.
Dr. Jelic’s training and experience make him exceptional in managing facial and occlusal reconstruction and conditions that require an expertise in traditional oral surgery.
