Are you experiencing a dull, throbbing ache in the back of your mouth? Well, the chances are that your wisdom teeth are to blame.
At Grosvenor Dental Practice we’re here to help you navigate the arrival of your wisdom teeth and manage the pain they bring.
This article will explain what wisdom teeth are and why we have them, the common causes of pain and discomfort, home remedies, preventative methods and the dental services available to help tackle your oral discomfort.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to arrive, usually emerging between the ages of seventeen to twenty-five.
Most people have four wisdom teeth; an upper right and left, and a lower right and left.
However, some of us may never have them or may only have two or three.
This third set of molars are biological leftovers and are unnecessary and often troublesome.
Most of us don’t have the room for wisdom teeth to grow, resulting in impaction, overcrowding and pain.
What are the most common causes of wisdom tooth pain?
The most common source of pain is tooth impaction.
As your wisdom teeth grow, they push against the neighbouring molar or jawbone which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the jaw.
This pressure and overcrowding can cause misalignment or your teeth to shift.
Some wisdom teeth may only partly erupt, leaving a small flap of gum tissue over the tooth.
This is a space for bacteria and food particles to get stuck underneath, potentially leading to infection and inflammation.
What are the most effective home remedies for managing wisdom tooth pain?
Home remedies can help you manage your wisdom tooth pain at home.
Whilst they cannot fix the underlying cause, they can soothe soreness and reduce swelling.
1. Regular saltwater rinses
A saltwater rinse creates a natural anti-septic environment.
The warmth of the water increases blood flow to the area to promote healing, and the salt reduces tissue swelling.
You should place ½ a teaspoon of salt into warm (not hot) water and gargle it for twenty-thirty seconds before spitting.
This rinse will help flush away any trapped particles or debris around the tooth.
To have the most effect, the saltwater rinse should be repeated two to three times a day.
2. Over the counter pain relievers
To help manage pain caused by your wisdom teeth, you can purchase anti-inflammatory pain killers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain relief.
Topical oral gels can also be purchased from your local pharmacy and should be applied directly to the painful area, offering quick and targeted relief.
3. Eat soft, cool foods
Soft, cold foods like yoghurt or smoothies can help keep you comfortable whilst your mouth heals.
These foods act as a mini–ice pack, gently numbing the area and reducing swelling.
It may only be a temporary relief, but it ensures you aren’t making the pain worse.
How do I stop my wisdom tooth pain from getting worse?
Preventing infection and further inflammation is essential to managing the arrival of your wisdom teeth.
Maintaining excellent oral health will help prevent infection, as this prevents the build up of plaque and ultimately tooth decay.
It is important to be gentle when cleaning around the problematic tooth, avoiding directing flossing of the gumline.
By maintaining good oral hygiene, your surrounding teeth will be in a stronger position to withstand the pressure placed on them by wisdom teeth.
When should I see a dentist?
At Grosvenor Dental Practice we are here to help you manage your wisdom tooth pain.
You should arrange to see your dentist if:
- The pain is persistent, lasting for two days or longer.
- The pain doesn’t ease or go away after taking painkillers.
- If you have a high temperature, pain when eating or red, swollen gums.
- If you have a swollen tooth and jaw.
What will the dentist do to stop wisdom tooth pain?
The dentist will begin with an oral examination and may take X-rays to see if the tooth is stuck under the gum, has impacted or is infected.
If necessary, the dentist will gently clean around the area to remove any food and debris to prevent infection.
They may prescribe oral anti-biotics if there is a notable infection that needs treating.
In some, challenging cases the dentist may suggest extraction of the wisdom tooth.
What is wisdom tooth extraction?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure to remove one or more of your third molars.
At Grosvenor Dental Practice we offer patients a private tooth extraction service.
This begins with an initial non-invasive assessment of the tooth and potential X-rays to help plan the procedure.
If requested, you can receive a local anaesthesia to numb the area before extraction takes place.
Conclusion:
Wisdom tooth pain is something nearly everyone will experience in their lifetime.
Simple home remedies can help soothe and ease the pain, but persistent pain and signs of infection call for a trip to your dentist.
Grosvenor Dental Practice take pride in offering high quality care in a relaxed environment, with comfort and patient satisfaction their upmost priority.
Read here for recovery tips after wisdom tooth removal.
