Wisdom teeth, or third molars, show up between ages 17 and 25. They’re your last set of teeth to develop. If there’s not enough room, the teeth become impacted and cause a ton of pain. Three’s a crowd, as they say. For some, wisdom teeth come in without a problem. They might not even develop at all.
But if they do, there can be anywhere from one to four third molars. Nine out of 10 people will have at least one impacted tooth. This increases the risk for gum inflammation, infection, bleeding, and damage to nearby teeth. It also hurts a lot.1 Schedule a dentist appointment as soon as possible. Until then, try these seven natural ways to relieve wisdom teeth pain.
1. Salt Water
When wisdom teeth develop, they literally pierce through gums. This increases the risk for infection, but you can lower the risk with warm salt water. It’ll destroy harmful bacteria and keep gums nice and clean.2 Even better, this cheap remedy will gently ease the pain.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe isn’t just for sunburns. In the mouth, aloe vera gel fights bacteria, soothes scratched gums, and relieves pain. To use, apply a small amount onto the teeth. The cooling sensation will feel amazing! Throughout the day, sip on aloe drinks to continuously calm inflammation.3
3. Turmeric
Turmeric combats inflammation, pain, and bacteria. This makes it an excellent oral remedy, says the Indian journal of dental research. For pain relief, massage the teeth with roasted ground turmeric or rinse with turmeric tea. You can also make a paste with 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon mustard oil. Rub onto the teeth and gums twice a day.4
4. Garlic & Ginger
According to a 2016 study, garlic plus ginger is a dynamic duo. Ginger has allicin, while ginger has gingerol. These active compounds offer amazing anti-bacterial properties. To prevent infection, make a garlic-ginger paste by mixing mashed garlic and ginger. Apply to the painful teeth or gums.5
5. Clove Oil
Clove oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and analgesic properties. It’s a dream come true for wisdom teeth pain!6 You can thank eugenol, the active compound in clove.7 Using a cotton swab, dab a tiny amount on the impacted tooth. Too much will sting. Afterward, avoid drinking anything for at least 30 minutes.
6. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another powerful anti-microbial. In the mouth, it’ll fight bacteria and keep infections at bay.8
However, like clove, tea tree oil is very strong. Dilute it by mixing 5 drops tea tree oil and 2 cups water. This mouthwash is awesome for wisdom teeth pain. Never swallow this mouthwash, as tea tree oil is toxic when ingested.9
7. Peppermint Oil
Want good breath and zero tooth pain? Use peppermint oil, a cooling anti-inflammatory remedy. Add 5 drops to your homemade mouthwash. Otherwise, moisten a cotton ball with peppermint oil and place it on the tooth. You can also rub it on with clean fingers.10
Final Outlook
Often, wisdom teeth need to be removed. Your dentist will determine how many should come out. Surgery involves anesthesia and you can go home right after. Over the next few days, swelling and pain are common. Recovery typically calls for a cold compress, soft foods, and prescription medicine. It’s a great excuse to eat more ice cream!
Even if you’re not hurting, visit your dentist. Incoming wisdom teeth may cause problems without any pain.11 The dentist then can decide the next best step.
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