How to Manage Wisdom Tooth Pain

Wisdom tooth pain can be incredibly uncomfortable and disrupt your daily life. These teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, and because they often don't have enough room to grow properly, they can cause significant pain. Here’s what you need to know about wisdom tooth pain, how to manage it, and when to seek emergency dental care.

Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain

• Impacted Wisdom Teeth: If a wisdom tooth gets stuck beneath the gum or grows at an angle, it’s called an impaction. This can cause swelling, tenderness, and sometimes infection.

• Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth: When a tooth partially breaks through the gums, bacteria can enter the area, leading to Pericoronitis, causing pain and swelling.

• Crowded Teeth: If there isn’t enough room for the wisdom tooth to emerge, it can push against other teeth, causing discomfort.

How to Relieve Wisdom Tooth Pain at Home

• Saltwater Rinse: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce swelling and remove bacteria. This is a simple and effective way to manage wisdom tooth pain.

• Over-the-counter Pain Relievers: Medications such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.

• Cold Compress: Apply a cold pack to your cheek to reduce swelling and pain.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

• If the pain lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by swelling, difficulty swallowing, or fever, you may need to see a dentist for an examination and possible treatment.

• Antibiotics for Infections: If an infection is present, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics such as Metronidazole to clear the infection. If you have a severe episode or multiple episodes of Pericoronitis then the wisdom tooth may require removal.

Conclusion

While wisdom tooth pain can be managed at home initially, it’s important to seek professional help if the pain persists or worsens. If you think your wisdom tooth may be infected, using our instant online consultation service can help you determine if antibiotics are necessary.