If your wisdom teeth are causing so much pain that you’re clutching your jaw and Googling solutions at midnight, you’re not alone. These final four teeth, also called third molars, often make a dramatic entrance during late adolescence or early adulthood. While some people barely notice their arrival, others experience severe pain, swollen gums, and difficulty even chewing food.
This blog dives into the best ways to relieve wisdom tooth pain and find effective, long-lasting pain relief whether your wisdom teeth start emerging, are impacted, or are waiting for dental surgery. We’ll cover practical home remedies, over the counter medication, when to seek help, and how to take care of your oral health before and after wisdom teeth removal.
First, why do wisdom teeth cause so much pain?
Your wisdom teeth are the last to emerge, hence the nickname “final four teeth.” But here’s the kicker: human jaws have shrunk over time, leaving not enough room for these adult teeth to erupt comfortably. As a result, they can push against surrounding teeth, become impacted, or grow at odd angles, all of which can cause pain.
Common symptoms include:
- Throbbing or sharp dental pain near the back of the mouth
- Swollen gums or a painful area around the tooth
- Headaches, jaw stiffness, or difficulty opening your mouth
- Pain when chewing food
- A bad taste or smell (often caused by food debris stuck in the area)
- Pressure on other teeth
If this sounds familiar, you’re likely dealing with emerging wisdom teeth or even an impacted tooth, a tooth that’s stuck beneath the gums or bone.
Quick ways to relieve wisdom tooth pain at home
Let’s start with home remedies for temporary pain relief. These can be lifesavers while waiting for a dental appointment or easing discomfort post-extraction.
1. Try a salt water rinse
A warm salt water rinse remains one of the simplest and most effective remedies. It helps reduce swelling, prevent infection, and remove bacteria or trapped food debris.
How to use it:
Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swirl the solution gently in your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. You can do this two to three times a day.
2. Use clove oil for a numbing effect
Clove oil contains anti-inflammatory properties and eugenol, which offers a numbing effect. It’s been used in dental care for centuries.
How to use it:
Soak a cotton ball in clove oil and place it gently on the sore area. If the clove oil feels too intense, you can mix it with a bit of coconut oil to soften the effect.
3. Apply a cold compress
A cold compress can help minimise swelling and relieve pain. It’s especially helpful if your gums or cheeks feel inflamed.
How to use it:
Wrap some ice in a clean cloth and hold it against the outside of your jaw for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
4. Stick to soft foods
Avoid crunchy or spicy foods. Instead, stick to soft options like mashed potatoes, yoghurt, smoothies, or soup. These are easier to eat without irritating the affected tooth or painful gums.
Over-the-counter pain relief options
For dental pain that won’t budge, over-the-counter medication can offer stronger, longer-lasting teeth pain relief.
- Ibuprofen: A go-to option thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects. It helps reduce both pain and swelling.
- Paracetamol: Great for reducing severe pain and safe for most people.
- Topical gels: Products containing benzocaine or similar numbing agents can be applied directly to the gums to provide quick relief from discomfort.
Important: Always follow dosage instructions and speak with a dentist before taking new medications, especially if you’re on other prescriptions.
What if the pain is caused by impacted wisdom teeth?
When impacted wisdom teeth are the cause of your discomfort, it often means they’re trapped beneath the gum or pushing into nearby teeth. This can lead to:
- Intense teeth pain
- Infection or cysts
- Damage to surrounding teeth
- Tooth decay or gum infections from hard-to-reach areas
If you’re dealing with impacted wisdom teeth, wisdom teeth removal may be necessary to avoid complications.
How do I know if I need my wisdom teeth removed?
Your dentist might suggest having your wisdom teeth removed if:
- There is not enough room in your jaw
- The teeth are impacted or partially erupted
- You’re experiencing recurring infections or painful gums
- The teeth are damaging other teeth
- There are indications of tooth decay or gum infection around the wisdom teeth
A mouth X-ray is usually required to determine the exact positioning of your new wisdom teeth and help plan the extraction.
What happens during wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is a routine dental surgery usually performed by experienced dentists.
Step-by-step breakdown:
- Assessment: A mouth X-ray is taken.
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthetic or sedation is used.
- Extraction: The dentist removes the affected tooth. If it’s impacted, they may need to make a small incision in the gum or bone.
- Recovery: You’ll be given aftercare instructions, and pain relief will be prescribed if needed.
What to expect after wisdom teeth removal
Healing after wisdom teeth removal usually takes a few days to a week. During this period, you might notice:
- Swollen gums or cheeks
- Mild teeth pain
- Bleeding
- Difficulty chewing food
But don’t worry, all of this is normal. Here’s how to support your recovery and relieve dental pain.
Aftercare tips to relieve pain and heal faster
Proper aftercare plays a big role in how quickly and comfortably you recover after wisdom teeth removal. Here are some practical tips to help manage pain and speed up healing:
1. Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers
Take medications as directed to relieve pain and manage inflammation.
2. Stick to soft, cool foods
Cold yoghurts, smoothies, and soup can help reduce swelling and avoid irritating the painful tooth.
3. Continue saltwater rinses
Once the bleeding stops, resume gentle saltwater rinsing to help keep the area clean and prevent infection.
4. Avoid disturbing the extraction site
Don’t use straws, don’t smoke, and avoid spitting forcefully. These can dislodge the healing clot and delay recovery.
5. Practise good oral hygiene
Keep the full mouth clean with gentle brushing, but avoid brushing the painful area directly for the first day or two.
When to see a dentist immediately
While temporary pain relief is helpful, don’t ignore signs that something more serious might be going on. Seek dental help if:
- The pain gets worse instead of better
- Do you notice pus or signs of infection
- You have a fever
- Swelling becomes extreme
- Your bite feels different, or you can’t close your jaw
Wisdom teeth cause all sorts of problems when left untreated, so don’t wait too long if something doesn’t feel right.
Keep your gums healthy: Brush and floss daily, especially around the back molars, where food debris can gather.
See your dentist regularly: They’ll monitor your wisdom teeth with mouth X-rays, spotting trouble before it starts.
Maintain good oral hygiene: Daily care can help prevent infection, tooth decay, and gum health issues as your new wisdom teeth emerge.
What if all four wisdom teeth are causing problems?
Some people have only one or two wisdom teeth. Others have four wisdom teeth and, occasionally, even more (though that’s rare).
If you’re dealing with multiple painful or impacted teeth, your dentist might recommend removing all of them in one procedure, especially if they’re already causing discomfort or threatening your oral health.
FAQs: Wisdom Teeth Pain Relief
How long does wisdom tooth pain last?
It varies. If the tooth is erupting normally, pain might last a few days. If impacted, the pain can persist until the tooth is removed.
Is it okay to leave wisdom teeth untreated?
Only if they’re not causing discomfort, damaging other teeth, or leading to tooth decay can your dentist assess this with a mouth X-ray.
Can I treat wisdom tooth pain without medication?
Yes, home remedies like saltwater rinses, clove oil, and cold compresses can provide pain relief, though medication may be necessary for severe pain.
How can I avoid infection after wisdom teeth extraction?
Maintain good oral hygiene, rinse with salt water, and follow your dentist’s aftercare advice closely.
Final thoughts: Listen to your mouth
Your body is good at letting you know when something’s wrong, especially when it comes to dental pain. If your wisdom teeth are causing discomfort, don’t suffer in silence. There are plenty of ways to relieve wisdom tooth pain, from clove oil to cold compresses to professional pain relief and wisdom teeth removal.
Early attention and care not only provide pain relief but also protect your surrounding teeth and your long-term oral health. Whether your wisdom teeth start emerging, are already impacted, or you’re recovering from dental surgery, you’ve got options.
If you’re dealing with discomfort or have questions about your wisdom teeth, don’t hesitate to contact Advanced Dental Care at (02) 6188 7103 for expert advice and personalised care.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Healthline. (n.d.). How to use clove oil for toothache. https://www.healthline.com/health/clove-oil-toothache
Colgate. (n.d.). How a salt water mouth rinse benefits oral health. https://www.colgate.com/en-gb/oral-health/mouth-sores-and-infections/how-a-salt-water-mouth-rinse-benefits-oral-health#:~:text=Making%20a%20Salt%20Water%20Mouth,four%20times%20a%20day%20thereafter.
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Wisdom teeth: Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/symptoms-causes/syc-20373808
GoodRx Health. (n.d.). Popular over-the-counter pain relievers. https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/pain/popular-over-the-counter-pain-relievers
