Remedies for Wisdom Teeth Pain Relief

If your wisdom teeth are impacted, both home treatments and medical care can ease discomfort. In certain situations, surgical extraction may be necessary to remove the wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars located at the very rear of the mouth. Typically between ages 17 and 25, these teeth begin to push up through the jawbone as they try to emerge through the gums and join your chewing surface.

Occasionally, wisdom teeth cause soreness. Your dentist or oral surgeon might suggest extracting them. While you await your appointment, there are numerous ways to lessen pain using natural therapies and over-the-counter drugs.

Wisdom tooth pain

Wisdom teeth are frequently impacted, meaning they can’t fully emerge into the mouth because they fail to break through the gums. It’s estimated that around 70% of people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth.

Pain can result when a wisdom tooth is impacted. This may cause other issues, including:

• infection
• tooth decay
• bacteria linked to gum disease

An impacted tooth can damage adjacent teeth, and some individuals may develop a cyst around the wisdom tooth. Also, because wisdom teeth sit far back in the mouth, they’re harder to keep clean, which can affect oral hygiene.

Any of these complications might prompt your dentist or physician to advise removal of a wisdom tooth. While you wait for the procedure, you can take measures to control pain.

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Home remedies

Saltwater rinse

A saltwater rinse is one of the most commonly used remedies for tooth pain.

Studies indicate that rinsing your gums with warm water and dissolved sodium chloride (salt) supports gum health and helps eliminate harmful bacteria. When wisdom teeth erupt through the gums they can irritate nearby teeth or become infected, so keeping the mouth free of damaging bacteria is beneficial.

In a 2021 trial of 47 patients having periodontal surgery, a saltwater rinse showed anti-inflammatory effects comparable to a 0.12% chlorhexidine solution (Peridex).

Peppermint and menthol

Peppermint leaves contain menthol, a natural cooling agent that may provide some pain relief. Although definitive proof for peppermint easing wisdom tooth pain is lacking, this approach is generally considered safe.

Try soaking a cotton ball in a little peppermint extract and applying it to painful gums, or rub a drop of peppermint oil on the tooth area. Peppermint tea, once cooled, can also serve as a soothing mouth rinse.

Clove oil

Cloves are a traditional remedy for toothaches. One study indicates that the main component of clove oil, eugenol, possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

You can buy clove essential oil or simmer four to six whole cloves to make clove-infused water. Massage the diluted oil or water onto sore gums (mix essential oil with an edible carrier oil before using).

However, eugenol can be toxic to the liver in high amounts, and ingestion of 10 to 30 milliliters (mL) of clove oil can cause overdose. Be cautious not to swallow excessive amounts when using it for tooth pain.

Cold and heat therapy

An ice pack applied to the cheek can reduce swelling and inflammation. Cold also numbs the area, which can ease pain. Gentle heat can encourage healing by relieving muscle tension and improving blood circulation.

You can use cold or heat depending on what helps your discomfort. Some people switch between hot and cold treatments. Apply either temperature for several minutes at a time, multiple times per day.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects. It can calm and reduce swelling around erupting wisdom teeth and help repair any grazes or cuts on the gums as teeth come in.

Apply pure aloe vera gel to the gums to cool the area and provide short-term pain relief.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial qualities that may help reduce bacteria on teeth. This oil is strong, so never use it undiluted on your teeth.

Mix tea tree oil with coconut oil (a carrier oil) and apply the blend to inflamed gums to help reduce bacteria at the gumline. Tea tree oil should not be swallowed, so rinse and spit any remains immediately after treatment.

Crushed garlic and ginger

Research shows crushed garlic can be effective at killing pathogens that infect the gumline and may relieve pain. Combining garlic with crushed ginger enhances garlic’s effectiveness.

Crush raw garlic into a paste, add fresh chopped ginger, and apply the mixture to your gums.

Turmeric

Turmeric has long been used as a spice and a folk remedy for many conditions. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties make it a possible remedy for toothache.

You can apply powdered turmeric to the affected tooth area to ease pain and swelling or make a paste from turmeric, salt, and mustard oil.

Turmeric is typically safe, but pregnant individuals should avoid doses larger than what’s found in food.

Oregano oil

Oregano oil is a potent remedy that can kill bacteria and help ward off infection. It may reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.

The compound carvacrol, also present in thyme, bergamot, and pepperwort, accounts for its antimicrobial and antioxidant actions.

Oregano oil is powerful and must be diluted. Put one drop of oregano oil into 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, then apply with a cotton ball or your finger to the tooth or gums. Repeat twice daily.

Thyme essential oil

Thyme has been used traditionally to ease pain, swelling, and fever associated with erupting wisdom teeth. Although animal studies show promise, more research in humans is required.

Thyme also contains carvacrol, the same active ingredient found in oregano oil.

Dilute several drops of thyme essential oil in a carrier oil and apply with a cotton ball or your fingertip to teeth and gums. You can also make a mouthwash by adding one drop to a glass of warm water.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin, the active component of cayenne pepper, is reported to reduce pain and inflammation. A 2017 review found capsaicin to be a promising option for some types of neuropathic (nerve) pain.

Capsaicin can be irritating, so begin with a small amount to gauge your sensitivity.

Mix a few drops of pure capsaicin extract or oil into a cup of water. Apply with a cotton ball to the affected site or use as a mouthwash. Repeat as needed throughout the day.

Lavender essential oil

Lavender oil may help ease pain, reduce bacteria, and soothe inflammation. It is generally safe and is sometimes used to calm anxiety before dental procedures.

Mix one drop of lavender oil into 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and apply with your fingers or a cotton ball to the painful area several times daily.

Alternatively, add two drops of lavender oil to a cup of warm water for a mouthwash and use it three times a day. You can also use cooled lavender tea as a rinse.

Medication

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is sold over the counter as generics and brand names like Tylenol, and higher doses are available by prescription.

The American Dental Association cautions that acetaminophen can cause liver damage and gastrointestinal side effects if taken in large amounts, so only use it as directed.

Aspirin

Aspirin you’d take for a severe headache can also help alleviate wisdom tooth pain.

Follow the label instructions and don’t exceed the recommended dose. Don’t use aspirin continuously for pain control without guidance from a dentist or physician, especially if you take other medicines.

Benzocaine

Benzocaine is a topical anesthetic found in many OTC dental pain products such as Orajel and Anbesol.

It is not advised for children under 2 years old or people with deep wounds or lesions. Older adults may have a higher risk of sensitivity to benzocaine.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen (Advil) is an OTC drug with anti-inflammatory effects.

As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it helps reduce inflammation at the source of pain, while acetaminophen works by blocking pain signals, according to the American Dental Association.

Other causes of mouth pain

Your wisdom tooth might not always be the source of pain. Dental discomfort can stem from many causes. For example:

• Sharp pain: This could come from cavities, chips, cracks, or indicate you need a new filling or crown.
• Throbbing pain: This may indicate an infection, abscess, impacted tooth, or periodontal disease.
• Jaw pain: This could be caused by a temporomandibular joint disorder.

A dentist can identify the source of your oral pain and recommend appropriate treatment.

After removal

Healing takes time following wisdom tooth extraction. Your oral surgeon may advise measures to support recovery and reduce discomfort, such as:

• Avoid hard, small foods like nuts or granola; stick to soft foods and liquids.
• Don’t chew on the side where the wisdom tooth was removed.
• Use a manual toothbrush instead of an electric one.
• Avoid OTC mouthwash and use only the prescription rinse provided by your dentist.
• Don’t use straws, as sucking can increase bleeding.
• Take pain medicine as prescribed. If pain is severe, contact your dentist.

After extraction, your oral surgeon will review follow-up care to monitor healing and give you contact details for questions.

Outlook

See your dentist promptly if you notice:

• persistent sharp pain
• frequent headaches
• bloody saliva
• a growing abscess beneath your gums

Although not everyone needs wisdom teeth removed, the American Dental Association advises regular X-rays and monitoring of wisdom teeth.

The bottom line

Wisdom tooth discomfort is common. While waiting to have impacted teeth extracted, natural remedies and medications can help manage your pain.

Always consult your doctor or dentist before trying new treatments, especially if you are taking other medications.