Remedies for Wisdom Teeth Pain Relief

Wisdom tooth pain

Wisdom teeth are often impacted, which means they are not able to completely enter the mouth because they can’t break through the gums. An estimated 70% of people have at least one wisdom tooth that is impacted.

You may experience pain because your wisdom tooth is impacted. This can lead to other problems, such as:

• infection
• cavities
• bacteria that cause gum disease

An impacted tooth can harm the surrounding teeth, and some people experience a cyst around the wisdom tooth. In addition, the location of wisdom teeth means they are harder to clean, potentially affecting oral hygiene.

Any of these problems may lead your dentist or doctor to recommend taking out a wisdom tooth. While you are waiting for the procedure, you can take proactive steps to manage pain.

Home remedies

Saltwater rinse

One of the most popular remedies for toothache is a saltwater rinse.

Research suggests that rinsing your gums with warm water and dissolved sodium chloride (salt) helps promote healthy gums and kill harmful bacteria. Wisdom teeth can sometimes hurt your other teeth or become infected when they erupt through your gums, so keeping your mouth clear of harmful bacteria is a good idea.

In a 2021 study of 47 people undergoing periodontal surgery, a saltwater rinse was found to have anti-inflammatory effects similar to a 0.12% chlorhexidine solution (Peridex).

Peppermint and menthol

Peppermint leaves contain menthol, a natural cooling compound which may have some pain-reducing effects. Although there is no conclusive evidence peppermint is effective at treating wisdom tooth pain, this remedy is generally considered safe.

Try soaking a cotton ball in a small amount of peppermint extract before applying it to painful gums or rubbing the oil directly on your teeth. Peppermint tea can also be used as a mouth rinse after it has cooled down.

Clove oil

Cloves are a common toothache remedy. One study suggests that the active ingredient in clove oil, eugenol, has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects.

You can purchase clove essential oil or boil four to six whole cloves to make clove water. Massage the water or oil (diluted in an edible carrier oil) onto sore gums.

However, in high amounts, eugenol can cause liver toxicity, and overdose is possible from ingesting 10 to 30 milliliters (mL) of clove oil. Be careful not to ingest too much of this substance when using it to relieve tooth pain.

Cold and heat therapy

Applying an ice pack to your cheeks can help reduce inflammation and swelling. Cold also has a numbing effect that can reduce pain. Applying gentle heat can promote healing by relieving tension and increasing blood flow to the area.

You can use either cold or heat, depending on what works best for your pain. Some people alternate between hot and cold treatments. Apply hot or cold to the area for several minutes at a time, several times a day.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to soothe and reduce inflammation around where your wisdom teeth are. It also helps to heal your gums if they become scratched or cut while your teeth grow in.

You can apply pure aloe vera gel to the gums, which will cool the area and provide temporary pain relief.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an antibacterial agent that may help kill bacteria that develop on teeth. This oil is potent, so you should never apply it directly to your teeth.

Diluting tea tree oil with coconut oil, a carrier oil, and applying it to your inflamed gums could help kill bacteria on your gumline. Tea tree oil shouldn’t be swallowed, so make sure you rinse and spit out any residue immediately after this treatment.

Crushed garlic and ginger

Research shows that crushed garlic is effective at killing pathogens that invade and infect the gumline and can aid in pain relief. Combining garlic with crushed ginger makes garlic even more effective.

Crush raw garlic into a paste-like consistency before adding fresh, chopped ginger and applying the paste to your gums.

Turmeric

Turmeric has been used for centuries as a spice and as a natural remedy for many ailments. Its pain relief and anti-inflammatory qualities make it a potential toothache remedy.

You can apply ground turmeric to the tooth area to reduce pain and swelling or make a paste of turmeric, salt, and mustard oil.

Turmeric is generally safe, but pregnant people should not take amounts higher than those found in food.

Oregano oil

Oregano oil is a powerful healer that can kill bacteria and prevent infection. It could help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Carvacrol, a compound also found in thyme, bergamot, and pepperwort, is responsible for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Oregano oil is potent and must always be properly diluted. Place a drop of oregano oil into 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil, then use a cotton ball or your finger to apply the oil to your tooth or gums. Repeat twice per day.

Thyme essential oil

Thyme has been used as a natural remedy to relieve the pain, inflammation, and fever that may accompany emerging wisdom teeth. While some animal research is promising, further studies on humans are needed.

Thyme also contains carvacrol, the same potent ingredient in oregano oil.

Dilute a few drops of thyme essential oil into a carrier oil and use a cotton ball or your fingers to apply it to your teeth and gums. You can make a mouthwash by adding one drop of oil to a glass of warm water.

Capsaicin

The active ingredient in cayenne pepper, capsaicin, is said to relieve pain and inflammation. A 2017 review of studies found that capsaicin is a promising option for the treatment of some forms of neuropathic pain (nerve pain).

Capsaicin has the potential to be irritating, so you should always start with a small amount to see how your body reacts.

Dilute a few drops of pure capsaicin extract or oil into a cup of water. Use a cotton ball to apply the solution to the affected area or use it as a mouthwash. Repeat throughout the day.

Lavender essential oil

Lavender oil has the potential to relieve pain, reduce bacteria, and soothe inflammation. Lavender is generally safe and is sometimes used for anxiety before dental procedures.

Dilute one drop of lavender oil into 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Use your fingers or a cotton ball to apply it to the affected area several times throughout the day.

Alternatively, you can add two drops of lavender oil to a cup of warm water to make a mouthwash. Use this solution three times per day. Finally, you can use cooled lavender tea to make a mouthwash.

Medication

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is available over the counter in its generic form or under brand names such as Tylenol. The medication is available in higher doses by prescription.

The American Dental Association notes that acetaminophen can cause liver toxicity and gastrointestinal symptoms when taken in large amounts, so you should use the medication only as directed.

Aspirin

The aspirin you might take to relieve severe headaches may also help your wisdom teeth pain.

Pay close attention to the label, and don’t take more than the recommended dose of any kind of aspirin. Don’t take aspirin continually for any sort of pain relief without supervision from a dentist or doctor, especially if you’re taking other medications.

Benzocaine

Benzocaine is an anesthetic and numbing agent. It is available over the counter in products for dental pain relief, under brand names such as Orajel and Anbesol.

It is not recommended for children under age 2 and people with deep wounds or lesions. Older adults may be more likely to have a hypersensitivity reaction to benzocaine.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen (Advil) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication with anti-inflammatory properties.

It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). According to the American Dental Association, NSAIDs help with pain by reducing inflammation at the site, while acetaminophen works by blocking pain signaling.

Other causes of mouth pain

Sometimes your wisdom tooth isn‘t what’s causing pain. There are many potential causes of dental pain. For example:

• Sharp pain: This may be from cavities, chips, cracks, or mean you need a new filling or crown.
• Throbbing pain: This may be from an infection, abscess, impacted tooth, or periodontal disease.
• Jaw pain: This may be from a disorder of the temporomandibular joint.

A dentist can help discover the cause of your mouth pain and recommend a treatment plan.

After removal

It will take some time to heal after your wisdom tooth removal. Your oral surgeon may recommend ways for you to support your healing and reduce pain, such as:

• Avoid hard, small foods like nuts or granola. Eat soft foods and liquids.
• Avoid chewing near the area of the wisdom tooth removal.
• Use a manual toothbrush instead of an electric toothbrush.
• Avoid OTC mouthwash and use only the prescription mouthwash provided by your dentist.
• Avoid using straws, as sucking can increase bleeding.
• Take pain medications as prescribed. In the case of severe pain, talk with your dentist.

After your wisdom tooth removal, your dental surgeon will discuss any follow-up visits to monitor healing. They should give you information about who to call if you have questions.

Outlook

Schedule an appointment with your dentist right away if you notice:

• sharp pain that persists
• frequent headaches
• bloody saliva
• an abscess growing underneath your gums

Though not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, the American Dental Association recommends that they be regularly X-rayed and monitored.

The bottom line

Wisdom tooth pain is common. If you’re waiting to have impacted teeth removed, natural remedies and medications can help you manage discomfort.

Always speak with your doctor or dentist before trying anything new, especially if you’re currently taking other medication.