What You Should Know About Wisdom Tooth Pain

Wisdom teeth usually start to emerge between the ages of 15 and 25. There is usually some minor pain but the teeth can also become impacted (stuck just beneath the surface) and need to be removed by a dentist. If you are experiencing severe pain you should see your dentist to discuss a treatment plan. If the pain is moderate there are a few things you can do at home to help.

Dried peppermint leaves can be placed around the tooth in intervals of 15 minutes up to 10 times a day. This will help to reduce pain and if the tooth has become abscessed it will bring the infection to the surface.

If your teeth are not sensitive to cold you can use a chilled cucumber to ease pain. Cut into pieces and pack around the gum line. Leave it in your mouth for at least 20-30 minutes to allow enough time for the vitamins and mineral from the cucumber to seep into your gums.

If you are experiencing jaw pain also you can use an ice pack or just suck on ice cubes. The cold will help to temporarily numb the painful area.

Clove oil is another great natural pain reliever. Just dip a cotton swab in the oil and rub on your gum line. You should feel relief within a few seconds. If you can stand the strong taste of a whole clove you can also use that. Simply pack a few around the tooth and hold there for a few minutes to feel relief.

The Chinese believe in a method called acupressure. To do this pinch the web part of your hand between your thumb and index finger with the thumb and index finger of your opposite hand. Hold for about 20 seconds to release your body's natural painkillers.

An old stand-by for any mouth pain is to gargle with warm salt water. Just dissolve a tablespoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around in your mouth for 10-15 seconds. The salt acts as an antiseptic to kill bacteria and soothe inflamed gum tissue.

Another good antiseptic is black tea. Get the teabag wet with warm water and place it on the tooth. Hold it there for about 20 seconds and you should feel some relief.

One of the old fashioned techniques that my grandmother taught me when my wisdom teeth were coming in is to rub a dab of strong whiskey on the gum line. It works much the same as the black tea and salt water do, killing bacteria and numbing the painful area.

Hopefully one of all of these remedies will help you get through the pain of emerging wisdom teeth. If you are still experiencing pain, see your dentist. You may need an antibiotic to treat an infection or extraction may be needed.

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