HOW TO SOOTHe PAINFUL WISDOM TEETH

It’s harder than ever to book a dental appointment right now which has left many of us suffering toothache in silence. Thankfully we’ve got some simple pain-relief tips to take the sting out of it while you wait for a free slot at the dentist!

Why do wisdom teeth hurt so much?

As parents of teething children will know, all teeth can cause soreness to the mouth as they emerge. But wisdom teeth are in a class of their own because they typically start to appear when we’re adults and there’s hardly any room in our jaw. In addition to the pain of them breaking through the gum, we also have to deal with them squashing our existing teeth together or even coming in at an awkward angle as in the pic above.

When will my wisdom teeth stop hurting?

For many people, wisdom teeth will hurt periodically during their emergence but this will eventually stop without the need for removal or dental intervention. Either way, it’s best to book a check up as soon as you notice them coming through and seek an emergency appointment if the pain is unbearable. In the meantime, here are some excellent methods to ease the pain.

Dealing with painful wisdom teeth

1 – Over the counter painkillers

First port of call is your trusty pharmacy or local store for some painkillers. We recommend you opt for Ibuprofen if possible as it’s an anti-inflammatory in addition to being a painkiller. This means it will keep the swelling down and make typical activities like talking, swallowing and even sleeping that bit more comfortable. Before taking any such medication, make sure you speak to a medical professional such as your GP or the pharmacist to be sure it's safe for you.

2 – Gentle cleaning with mouthwash

As your wisdom tooth come through, it’s common for it to be partially covered by the gums at some stage. This is an alarmingly effective trap for chewed food and germs, yuck! To avoid the complications and pain of infection, make sure you keep it clean by brushing the area thoroughly but very gently. If it’s very sore, swishing with our Dr Denti Mouthwash Tablets is another good way to keep the area fresh without the need for a brush.

3 – Ice

The numbing effect of an icepack or frozen peas against your cheek is an incredibly effective way to get some pain relief while also reducing the swelling from an impacted wisdom tooth. Just be sure to wrap the pack in a tea towel and stick to no more than 20 minutes at a time. For added effect you could gently suck on an ice cube or drink cold water to keep the inside of your mouth cool too.

4 – Natural clove oil

Oil from cloves contains a chemical called Eugenol, a natural anaesthetic that also has antibacterial properties. Available from most pharmacies, you can dab a tiny amount on a cotton ball and then wipe it on the affected area for a natural remedy to toothache. Be sure to stick to small amounts and keep it out of reach of little ones and pets as it can be dangerous if consumed in large quantities.

5 – Turmeric powder

Turmeric powder is another natural remedy that has been shown to prevent inflammation and infection, especially in dental cases. Mix up a teaspoon of turmeric with water to make a paste then apply it to the affected tooth and rinse off after a few minutes. Just try not to get it on your clothes, it’s a notoriously stubborn stain to get rid of.

What to do if wisdom teeth won’t stop hurting?

In most cases, temporary pain relief and good oral hygiene should be enough to see you through. But if the pain becomes severe or you notice extreme swelling or a nasty taste in your mouth, you should book an emergency appointment as soon as possible so your dentist can check for signs of infection or other issues.

If you'd like more information on where to buy Dr Denti Mouthwash Tablets, or another product in our home-use range, please get in touch by calling us on 01474 560618 or emailing info@gapdental.com.