TLDR
Wisdom tooth pain often occurs when there isn’t enough room for your third molars to grow properly. While home remedies may provide temporary relief, professional evaluation and wisdom tooth extraction in Marshville, NC, can address the problem for good.
The first question you may want answered is, “does everyone have wisdom teeth?” The simple answer is no—not every adult has wisdom teeth. But for those who do, wisdom teeth emerge between the ages of 17 and 21, which is often when pain or discomfort begins.
Our experienced dentists in Marshville, near Wingate, Monroe, and Peachland, NC, are Dr. Tran, Dr. Javed, and Dr. Hoang. They are committed to helping patients find relief from wisdom tooth pain and educating them on home remedies, medication, and when wisdom tooth extraction may be necessary.
What Causes Wisdom Teeth Pain?
Wisdom tooth pain often occurs when the wisdom teeth do not have enough room to grow properly. They push through the gums, where they can either get stuck, come out at a very painful angle, or press against nearby teeth. This condition is known as an impacted wisdom tooth.
If you leave an impacted wisdom tooth untreated, food and bacteria can become trapped in the surrounding gums, leading to complications such as infections, gum disease, abscesses, and damage to the jawbone.
What Helps With Wisdom Teeth Pain At Home?
When wisdom teeth cause pain, scheduling a dental appointment at our Marshville office is the best way to receive proper care. But before you get to us, here are a few simple ways to relieve wisdom tooth pain at home.
Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater rinse provides wisdom teeth pain relief. It helps to kill harmful bacteria and promote healthy gums.
- Mix one to two teaspoons of salt with a cup of warm water.
- Stir until salt is totally dissolved.
- Swish around your mouth for up to 60 seconds.
- Then spit it into your sink.
You can repeat as many times as necessary throughout your day.
Cold And Warm Compress
Temperature therapy is a simple but effective way to manage discomfort. However, cold and heat serve different purposes:
Cold Therapy for Swelling: Wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and apply it to your cheek for 10 to 15 minutes. The cold constricts blood vessels, which is the best way to numb sharp pain and reduce visible swelling.
Warm Therapy for Tightness: For a dull ache or jaw muscle tightness, apply a steamed towel or a heated gel pack to the area for up to 20 minutes. The gentle heat increases circulation and helps tight muscles relax.
Peppermint And Menthol
The flowers and leaves from the peppermint plant contain an analgesic compound called menthol. Menthol is responsible for masking pain sensations, thanks to its natural cooling effect.
You can use it in two ways. First, soak a cotton ball in a small amount of peppermint oil, and apply it to the affected tooth or gums. You can also apply a drop of peppermint extract directly to the area.
Clove, Frankincense, And Lavender Oil
Clove, frankincense, and lavender oils can reduce tooth pain and help to prevent further infections. To get the best result, soak a cotton ball in a small amount of clove and frankincense oils. Then, place it near the painful area for up to 10 minutes. You can reapply up to 3 times a day.
Tea Bags
Green tea, peppermint tea, and black tea bags contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to reduce tooth pain. Steep a tea bag in boiling water, let it cool for a few minutes, and then place it directly on the affected tooth or gums.
Crushed Garlic And Ginger
Aside from being a spice, garlic has medicinal benefits. It reduces pain and kills harmful bacteria that infect the gumline. Garlic alone can help, but it becomes more effective when combined with ginger.
Create a paste from crushed raw garlic and ginger. Then apply pea-sized amounts to your tooth several times a day.
Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers are meant to provide temporary relief from your wisdom teeth pain.
Whether it’s benzocaine, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen, be sure to follow the package directions and consult our dentist for instructions on use.
Note that the American Dental Association advises taking acetaminophen only as directed. It can cause liver toxicity when taken in large amounts.
Why Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Not every wisdom tooth requires extraction. If it grows fully and properly, it may not need to be removed. However, an impacted wisdom tooth should be extracted if it causes pain.
Our dentists in Marshville advise young adults to schedule an appointment for impacted wisdom teeth extraction between the ages of 15 and 22. This is because it is safer, and recovery from surgery is generally faster.
When Should You See Our Dentist In Marshville?
If you notice swelling or discomfort as your wisdom teeth begin to grow, it’s a sign to seek professional care. At Marshville Family Dentistry, our trusted dentists will assess your wisdom teeth and recommend the best treatment plan that’s right for you.
We ensure you have a comfortable day of surgery and complete aftercare support to promote proper healing. Don’t wait until the pain becomes severe — schedule your appointment today for lasting relief and a healthier smile.
Key Takeaways
- Wisdom tooth pain is often caused by impacted wisdom teeth.
- Home remedies such as clove oil and saltwater rinses temporarily ease symptoms, but do not address the underlying cause.
- Untreated impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infections, gum disease, and damage to the jawbone.
- Dr. Tran, Dr. Javed, and Dr. Hoang, our dentists at Marshville Family Dentistry in Marshville, NC, provide care for lasting relief from wisdom tooth pain.
Sources
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23223-wisdom-teeth
- https://marshvilledentist.com/
- https://marshvilledentist.com/about/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319461
- https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/salt-water-rinse
- https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-pain/treating-pain-with-heat-and-cold
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21483-analgesics
- https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-peppermint-oil
- https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/essential-oils-for-toothache
- https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/oral-analgesics-for-acute-dental-pain
- https://marshvilledentist.com/extractions/
