Many people consider the appearance of wisdom teeth a rite of passage. Various cultures look at it as a milestone. It’s because wisdom teeth appear when individuals transition from adolescence to adulthood.
It’s a painful milestone for many people though. Some individuals experience little to no discomfort during this process. Many others encounter significant pain and complications. There are cases when the toothache is so debilitating. These need emergency dental care. This post will provide tips on how to get rid of wisdom tooth pain.
Why Is It Painful?
A wisdom tooth is also known as a third molar. It’s one of the last teeth to emerge in the human mouth.
Most adults have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth. These teeth often appear around the ages of 17 to 25. The timing can vary, and some people never develop wisdom teeth.
Growing wisdom teeth can be painful for various reasons. For one, a tooth emerging through the gum hurts. This can cause inflammation and swelling in the jaw. It puts pressure on nearby nerves.
There also isn’t enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth to emerge well. It’s why many wisdom teeth grow at an angle. This causes other teeth to shift. It also increases the risk of tooth decay.
There are also cases where wisdom teeth do not emerge and become impacted. This happens to 80% of young Europeans. People with impacted wisdom teeth are vulnerable to infection and cysts.
How to Get Rid of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Wisdom tooth pain can be an uncomfortable experience. There are many ways to manage and ease the discomfort.
- Get Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
An individual suffering from wisdom tooth pain can try over-the-counter pain medications. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are two of the most common choices. These medications can help reduce inflammation and ease pain.
- Apply Cold Compress
An experienced emergency dentist would recommend a cold compress to manage tooth pain. Making a compress is a simple process. A person with a toothache can wrap a towel around a store-bought ice pack or a small bag of ice. A bag of frozen vegetables will also work. He or she then applies it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every few hours. This can help relieve wisdom tooth pain.
The ice can cut swelling around the wisdom tooth. It also provides a numbing effect, which can reduce pain. Do not apply the ice straight to the skin though. There’s also a time limit to cold compress use. The patient should follow the recommended time frame. This is to prevent cold-related injuries.
- Try a Numbing Gel
A numbing gel can also help individuals with wisdom tooth pain. They can talk to the best dentist in Kenosha about using an over-the-counter numbing gel. The dentist can suggest one with benzocaine as the active ingredient. This ingredient numbs the gums.
Numbing gels also include an astringent to decrease gum irritation. Many brands even include menthol to calm the gums. There are various name-brand and generic options available over the counter.
- Make a Salt Water Rinse
A person suffering from wisdom tooth pain can find relief at home. He or she can make a saltwater rinse using ingredients found in the kitchen.
One can do a saltwater rinse by dissolving two teaspoons of salt in warm water. It’s then mixed well. The one with the toothache should swish the saltwater rinse around their mouth. He or she should focus on the painful area for one minute. The water is then spit out.
- Opt for Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth are often unnecessary due to evolution. It’s why an emergency dentist might recommend extraction.
A simple extraction can be enough if the wisdom tooth hasn’t erupted. Many cases need surgical removal though. The best dentist in Kenosha can do this without any problems. The patient will experience relief from the pain after extraction.
Feel at Home in the Dentist’s Office
The dental team of Pat Crawford DDS knows how to make patients feel right at home. We’re the top dental clinic in Kenosha. Our clinic has everything your teeth need. Our range of dental services ensures our clients have healthy teeth. We specialize in general and cosmetic dentistry treatments. We also provide emergency dental care services. Give us a call at 262-694-5191. You can also contact us here and make an appointment.
