The wisdom tooth constitutes the third molars in your teeth structure and starts to appear around the later teen years to up to mid-20s among adults (18 to 21 years). They grow at the back of the mouth as the last tooth behind the 2nd molars and often grow sideways, crooked and mostly misaligned as compared to the other teeth due to lack of space for eruption. The problem with wisdom teeth is that with the evolution of humans, in regards to their jaw structure and diet, they do not necessarily form an integral part in the dental structure. 3rd molars are vestigial organs like the appendix & the external ear pinna which do have have any function in the body but are left behind as a part of evolution. Wisdom teeth are more like square pegs in round holes, so to speak. They are the last to appear and usually try to squeeze in and this is where the pain begins!
From causing uneasiness in the mouth to serious jaw wrenching like pain and occurrence of sores in the inner cheeks and gums area, when wisdom teeth start coming out they make you go through all this and more. Rightly so, a trip to the dentist is all but forthcoming.
Causes for wisdom tooth pain:
- When the wisdom tooth is unable to come out of the gums or comes out only partially due to lack of space
- The come out crooked or facing the wrong direction. This may cause the teeth to inadvertently bite onto the inside of the cheeks causing constant wounds in the area.
- When your jaw is not big enough to give your wisdom teeth room to grow
- They are so far back in your mouth or crowded that you are unable to clean them properly
- When cyst has formed in the mouth
Symptoms of wisdom teeth pain:
- Swelling of the gums
- Red and inflamed gums
- Bad breath, due to particles building up around the tooth
- Pain while opening mouth due to damaged tissues
- Sensitivity when chewing from the affected part of the mouth
- Ear ache on the side where the wisdom tooth is appearing
- Ulcers or ruptures of the inner cheeks due to misdirection of tooth
- Pus & cyst forming around the gums and cheeks due to infection
Wisdom tooth pain Home remedies:
Wisdom tooth pain can erupt suddenly, any time and without warning. Fortunately there are some natural home remedies for wisdom tooth pain which are not at all complex and can be tried easily at home to provide you instant relief.
A note of caution though-- the wisdom teeth may eventually need to be extracted if pain persists. As for these wisdom tooth pain remedies, they are more of a painkiller or pain reliever than an actual cure.
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Baking Soda:
Known for its anti-bacterial properties, baking soda is an effective and fast pain relief remedy for wisdom tooth pain. Just mix baking soda with toothpaste (preferably herbal toothpaste like Dabur Red Paste as it is packed with the power of 13 Ayurvedic ingredients like laung, pudina & tomar among others and also aids in fighting dental problems like gingivitis, cavities, plaque & bad breath) and apply on the affected area to reduce swelling and ease pain.
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Ice:
Numbing of the nerves is something which instantly relieves any sort of pain, at least temporarily. Put an ice pack on the side of the cheek or place a cube of ice on the affected area to draw relief immediately.
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Tea tree oil:
Among its various benefits, tea tree oil is also a natural anesthetic and has antiviral and antifungal properties. To get relief from wisdom tooth pain, put a few drops of the oil on the affected area and gently rub. It is essential to rinse your mouth after the oil massage to avoid swallowing the same.
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Guava leaves:
These leaves contain bioflavinoid quercetin complex that have anti-spasm, disinfecting and pain relieving qualities. To use guava leaves effectively for wisdom pain relief, take a handful of leaves and chew them. The juice in the leaves will provide soothing relief.
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Chewing gum:
This actually works! Just chew the gum gently without applying too much force. This will provide relief. But make sure it is a sugar-free gum.
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Tea bags:
A time-tested remedy, tea bags (preferably herbal) work well in reducing swelling and bringing relief from wisdom tooth pain. To make the most of this remedy, boil a tea bag and place it on the affected area. Gently chewing the tea bag will extract the herbal ingredients which will accelerate the pain relief process. Alternatively, you can also chill the tea bag in a freezer and place it on the affected area for effective results.
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Mouthwash:
Using a mouthwash not only cleans out any unwanted particles but also acts as an antiseptic for your mouth. Use a mouthwash regularly at least twice a day to keep your mouth and teeth free from any infection as wisdom tooth pain is prone to infections and swelling. Try using a peppermint based mouthwash for better results.
Other remedies for wisdom tooth pain relief are your conventional painkillers like Ibuprofen but be sure to consult the chemist or doctor for proper instructions on use.
Wisdom teeth are a pain to say the least. In order not to aggravate the situation further, it is important to maintain a proper and regular oral hygiene. In addition to consulting your dentist, use herbal toothpaste like Dabur Meswak as an intrinsic part of your dental care routine. Fortified with pure extracts of Miswak tree, it is scientifically formulated to fight an array of dental problems like tooth decay and gum diseases and keeps your mouth smelling fresh and clean through the day.
Wisdom tooth pain should be handled carefully as it can lead to infections and further complications. It is important to be aware of remedies that are easily available. Constant and conscious care will provide relief and keep your teeth in good shape. Finally, wisdom teeth may/will require extraction at some point so don’t shy away from the dentist at the slightest hint of symptoms!
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