Teenagers and young adults can have wisdom teeth pain when their wisdom teeth finally develop. The third set of molars usually occurs between 17 and 21 but may appear sooner or even later. There can also be issues with wisdom teeth development, where they are impacted, growing under the gum, or pushing other teeth out of the way. Until you can see one of our dentists in Las Vegas for tooth extractions, you can use these 10 home remedies for wisdom tooth pain.
10 Wisdom Teeth Pain Relief Home Remedies
You have several options when you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain. These 10 home remedies can also be used when you have toothaches until you can see a dentist in Las Vegas for a dental emergency.
You may need to experiment with different remedies until you find the one that relieves your pain and discomfort. However, it is vital to remember these remedies do not resolve the underlying issues for your tooth pain, such as infections, impacted wisdom teeth, and developmental issues. You still need to see a dentist as soon as possible.
1. Warm Saltwater Rinse
A warm saltwater rinse can bring tooth pain relief. Many dentists recommend this home remedy because everyone usually has salt in their pantry. It is important not to drink the saltwater but only rinse with it.
Making a Saltwater Rinse
Mix one to two tablespoons with one cup of warm — not hot — water. You need to make sure the salt is completely dissolved. Use a small amount and swish it around in your mouth in the area where there is pain for about 30 seconds. Spit it out and repeat the process until you use up the entire solution.
You should wait at least an hour before using this remedy again. If you dislike the taste in your mouth after rinsing with saltwater, you can use a mouthwash. You should avoid eating and drinking for at least 30 minutes.
2. Apply Ice
Ice is a great way to numb the area where you are experiencing pain. It can also help with swelling and inflammation. You can use an ice pack, a bag of frozen peas, or ice cubes in a ziplock plastic bag wrapped in a towel. Apply the ice to your face in the location where you are experiencing pain.
How Long to Ice
Limiting the amount of time you apply ice is important because it can cause skin and nerve damage. Use an ice pack for at least 10 to 15 minutes but no more than 20 minutes. Wait at least 30 minutes or longer before applying another ice pack.
3. Cloves
Cloves and clove oil are another home remedy for wisdom tooth pain. Cloves contain eugenol, which is a natural antibacterial and anesthetic. It also helps to reduce swelling and inflammation. You can use this remedy every few hours as needed.
How To Use Cloves or Clove Oil for Tooth Pain
You can take whole cloves and place them on the tooth and gum where you are in pain. You should hold the clove in place until you start to feel numbness. Spit out any saliva that occurs while holding the clove in place.
To use clove oil, place it onto a cotton ball and place it over the tooth and gum. Alternatively, you can dab the clove oil on the base of the tooth and gums. No matter which remedy you use, avoid eating or drinking for at least half an hour.
4. Onion
Using onions as a home remedy for wisdom tooth pain might seem strange. Onions have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and help to reduce inflammation and swelling. People with arthritis have used the remedy to help with inflammation common with arthritis. You can use any type of onion, but white and red onions may be more effective than sweet onions.
How To Use Onions for Tooth Pain
Take a small slice of onion and remember to remove the dry outer layer. If the pain is not excruciating, lightly chew on the onion in the area where the pain is located to release onion juice. Try not to swallow the onion juice. Continue chewing on the onion piece for a few minutes. You can then swallow or spit out the onion piece.
If it is too painful to chew on the onion, use a fork to poke holes in the piece of onion and then apply it directly over the gum and tooth. Hold it in place for about 10 to 15 minutes. As with other remedies, you should avoid eating or drinking for about 30 minutes. You can also repeat this remedy as often as needed.
5. Cucumber Slices
Cucumbers have natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to alleviate swelling and inflammation associated with wisdom tooth pain. Cucumbers also contain antioxidants, which can help to boost the immune system to fight infections.
How To Use Cucumbers To Help Alleviate Toothaches
You should wash, rinse, and slice up the cucumber into small circular pieces. Place these in a resealable bowl inside your refrigerator. Allow the cucumber to get cold before using it. When your tooth aches, place a slice in your mouth over the infected tooth. Repeat the process with cold cucumbers until you notice numbness and pain relief.
You may also place the cucumber slices in the freezer and use them in place of ice packs. Just remember to separate the slices and lay them flat so they do not stick together when they freeze.
6. Tea Bags
Several types of teas can help to alleviate pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with wisdom tooth pain, including black tea, green tea, peppermint tea, and chamomile tea. Green tea and chamomile tea also have antibacterial properties. Tea bags are even recommended as a natural pain reliever after wisdom teeth extraction.
How To Use Tea Bags for Tooth Pain
Place the tea bag in a cup and pour hot water over it to wet the bag. You do not need to fill the cup full, just enough to submerge the tea bag in the bottom of the cup. Allow the tea to steep until it has cooled down and is warm. You can place the cup in the refrigerator to help it cool down faster.
Apply the warm tea bag directly over the area where you are in pain and leave it on until you notice a reduction in pain. You can also refrigerate or freeze the wet tea bag and use it in place of ice. Peppermint tea bags work great as a cold or frozen option due to their cooling sensation.
7. Peppermint
Peppermint contains natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains menthol, which causes numbing. You can use fresh peppermint leaves, peppermint oil, or peppermint extract. When using oil or extract, ensure it is 100% natural peppermint, not artificial flavoring.
How to Apply Peppermint for Wisdom Tooth Pain
If using an oil or extract, put some on a cotton ball and place the cotton ball over the infected area. Hold the cotton ball in place until you notice a numbing sensation. You can also dab the oil or extract directly onto the base of the tooth and gum.
If you use peppermint leaves, make sure to rinse them off with water first. Then, take a few leaves and lightly chew on them first before placing them over the infected area. Chewing helps to release the natural oils and bring pain relief. You can also freeze peppermint leaves for added cooling and numbing effects.
8. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract can bring temporary relief to wisdom tooth pain. However, its effects may not last as long as other at-home remedies. You do need to verify you have 100% real vanilla extract, not artificial.
How to Apply Vanilla Extract
Use a cotton ball and wet it with the vanilla extract and then place it over the area where you are in pain. Leave the cotton ball over the gum and tooth for 15 to 20 minutes to extend its pain-relieving effects.
Alternatively, you can dab some vanilla extract directly onto the gum and base of the tooth. However, with this method, the pain relief can be much shorter.
9. Guava Leaves
Guava leaves have natural analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. You should use fresh guava leaves and ensure they are washed before use.
How To Use Guava Leaves To Alleviate Tooth Pain
The best way to use guava leaves is to gently chew them in the area where you are experiencing pain to release the juices in the leaves. You can chew on them as long as you need to. It is safe to swallow the juice from the leaves.
You can also make tea with the leaves by gently breaking them up and boiling them in water. You want to use a large amount of leaves for the best effects. Once the tea cools down, you can swish it around in your mouth like a saltwater rinse. You can even add in one or two tablespoons of salt while billing the leaves to make a more flavorful saltwater rinse.
10. Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is not just for baking and removing stains from your teeth. Baking soda contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to alleviate tooth pain. To make a paste, take a tablespoon of baking soda and place it in a small glass bowl. Add a few drops of water at a time, mixing after adding the water until you have a smooth paste that is not runny.
How to Apply Baking Soda Paste
You can use a cotton ball or cotton swab to apply the paste directly onto the affected tooth and gum. You should leave the paste on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. You can also add a teaspoon of the paste to a warm saltwater rinse.
Additional Tips for At-Home Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief
Until you can see a dentist, there are some other things you can do to help reduce wisdom tooth pain, including:
- Use an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Apply a tooth-numbing gel to the affected area
- Avoid chewing on the side with the pain
- Eat soft foods like soup, rice, and yogurt
- Avoid any sugary drinks and snacks
- Avoid hard foods
Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Las Vegas and Nevada
The best remedy for wisdom teeth pain could be wisdom teeth extractions. When searching for a dentist to remove a wisdom tooth near you, look no further than Absolute Dental. You can see an emergency dentist in Las Vegas and our Nevada offices without an appointment. We also have an after-hours emergency line where you can call for advice until you see our emergency dentist.
Sources:
Impacted Tooth: Wisdom Teeth Pain. (2023).
Using Tea Bags After Wisdom Teeth Removal. (2023).
Wisdom Tooth Extraction. (2023).
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