What Home Remedy Is Good for Wisdom Teeth Pain?

Wisdom teeth can cause pain as they break through the gums or push against adjacent teeth. If you are experiencing pain related to your wisdom teeth, consult your dentist or oral surgeon to find out if you need to have the teeth removed. Home remedies can help you relieve the pain of wisdom teeth as well as the post-extraction pain associated with wisdom tooth removal.

Medications

Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve mouth pain before and after surgery. Do not take aspirin after oral surgery, as this medication may increase bleeding. After surgery, you might also need to take stronger pain medications that your oral surgeon prescribes for you. Take these medications as instructed by your surgeon.

Ice

Ice can help relieve pain and prevent swelling in your face after surgery. Wrap ice packs in thin paper towels to protect your skin, and place them on your face. The Cleveland Clinic recommends placing the ice packs on for 10 minutes and off for 20 minutes for the first 24 hours after surgery, and then on for 20 minutes and off for 20 minutes after 24 hours. If you have had wisdom teeth removed on both sides of your mouth, alternate between icing one side and the other.

Jaw Pain

Some patients experience soreness in their jaw muscles as a result of having their mouths held open wide throughout wisdom tooth removal. To relieve pain in the jaw area, gently massage the jaw muscles or apply moist heat to the area. If pain persists, consult your oral surgeon. You may need to perform physical therapy in the area.

Avoid Further Pain

If a wisdom tooth is causing you pain before your surgery, avoid chewing crunchy foods on that side of your mouth. After oral surgery, maintain a liquid and soft foods diet for the first 24 to 48 hours. Do not drink through straws, as this can disturb the wounds and increase bleeding.

Healing

Help your body to heal quickly after wisdom tooth extraction by getting plenty of sleep and drinking plenty of fluids. Rest and proper hydration will help you to heal faster. Make sure to get enough calories and nutrients from fruit juices, protein shakes or soft foods.

References

Article reviewed by BudK Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments