Wisdom Teeth Pain Relief: 15 Remedies for Toothaches

Wisdom teeth can cause a significant amount of pain. Sometime between the ages of 17 and 25, these molars break through the gum to take their place at the very back of your mouth. The action of wisdom teeth breaking through the gums, or “eruption,” can cause inflammation, bleeding, headaches, and pain.

15 Remedies for Wisdom Tooth Pain

Salt-Water Rinse

A salt-water rinse is one of the most popular and effective remedies for toothaches. The salt in a salt-water rinse kills harmful bacteria that cause problems near your erupting wisdom tooth. The bacteria can irritate the gum tissue to cause pain, for example. Bacteria can also trigger the formation of a painful cyst, which is a small bubble filled with air, liquid, or other soft materials.

Aspirin

Aspirin is a versatile analgesic that relieves all sorts of pain, from headaches to wisdom teeth pain. A recent study showed that aspirin effectively dulls oral discomfort. Aspirin is also a blood thinner, so take only as directed and do not use it for a long time without first consulting with your doctor or dentist.

Cold and Heat Therapy

Apply a heating pad or ice pack to your cheeks to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. Cold reduces pain and inflammation. Heat promotes healing by stimulating blood flow and melting tension.

For best results, apply heat or cold to the affected area for 15 minutes then wait 15 minutes before reapplying. Alternate heat and cold throughout the day, but always finish with a cold treatment.

Liquor

Distilled liquor, such as bourbon, brandy and whiskey, can relieve pain without causing intoxication. Simply rub the liquor onto your wisdom tooth as it erupts through your gum to ease discomfort.

Menthol

Menthol is a natural pain reliever, and it imparts a cooling sensation when pressed against the skin. To create a menthol rinse to ease wisdom tooth pain, dilute mouthwash that contains alcohol, peppermint flavor, and menthol; apply it directly to the affected tooth.

Peppermint

Peppermint leaves contain menthol and other components that can soothe pain and reduce inflammation. Soak a cotton ball in peppermint extract; hold the cotton ball on the sore gum. You can also rub peppermint oil directly on your teeth or rinse your mouth in peppermint tea after it has cooled down.

Clove Oil

Research supports the use of clove oil as a potent pain reliever. Cloves also fight bacteria that live in your mouth and increase your risk for gum infection. You can purchase clove essential oil, boil four to six whole cloves to make clove water to massage directly onto your painful gums.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera soothes inflammation and promotes healing. You can apply this natural, non-toxic compound directly to the eruption site, where the wisdom tooth is coming in.

Crushed Garlic and Ginger

Crushed garlic kills bacteria and other pathogens that get under the gum line and cause infection. Combining crushed garlic and crushed ginger together into a paste made garlic even more effective. Simply crush raw garlic into a paste then add chopped ginger; apply the paste to the affected area of your gums.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an incredibly powerful antibacterial agent. However, it is too potent to apply directly to your gums or teeth. Instead, dilute tea tree oil into some coconut oil – which is another antibacterial – before applying it to your inflamed gums. Never swallow tea tree oil! Simply rinse your mouth with the dilution and spit out any residue immediately.

Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is rich in chlorophyll, which helps to reduce inflammation and prevents the growth of the bacteria that cause infections. Wheatgrass can also help prevent tooth decay and support wound healing. Simply pulverize chopped wheatgrass with water in a high-powered blender or food processor for at least a minute.

Capsaicin

Research shows that the active ingredient in cayenne pepper, capsaicin, can treat pain in both animals and humans. Capsaicin works by desensitizing nerve fibers.

Put a few drops of pure capsaicin extract or oil into a cup of water. Because capsaicin can irritate sensitive tissue, start with a small amount to determine how your body reacts. Apply the dilution to the affected area with a cotton ball or your finger. You can also use it as a mouthwash. Repeat several times throughout the day.

Turmeric

Turmeric has a long history of medicinal use as a natural remedy for stomach pain; its analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities make it an effective toothache remedy. Rub crushed turmeric directly on inflamed gums, or boil 5 grams of turmeric and two cloves in water for five minutes to create a mouth rinse.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is a potent healer that doubles as an antibacterial to prevent infection, ease pain, and reduce swelling. Research shows that the active ingredient, carvacrol, reduces pain. Because of its potency, you must always dilute oregano oil before use. Simply dilute a drop of oregano oil into 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil. Apply the oil to your tooth or gums using your finger or a cotton ball. Use twice each day until pain subsides.

Thyme Essential Oil

Research in laboratory animals suggests that thyme can alleviate pain, inflammation and fever that often accompany emerging wisdom teeth.

Dilute a few drops of thyme essential oil into carrier oil then apply it to the affected teeth and gums with your finger or a cotton ball; do this several times each day. You can also make a mouthwash by adding a drop of thyme essential oil into a glass of warm water.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is a potent healer that relieves pain, kills bacteria, and soothes inflammation. Research backs the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of lavender.

Dilute a drop of lavender oil into a teaspoon of carrier oil. Apply with your fingers or a cotton ball several times throughout the day. You can also make a mouthwash by adding two drops of lavender oil to a cup of warm water for use three times each day. Make lavender tea and let it cool to make a fresh-tasting mouthwash.

Of course, the best remedy for wisdom teeth pain is to see your dentist. Your dental professional can determine the underlying cause of your wisdom tooth pain, and help you decide if you should have your wisdom teeth removed. For more information, contact Westerville Dental Associates.