The third molars in the upper and lower jaws are commonly known as wisdom teeth. Eruption of wisdom teeth is often accompanied with pain in the area in which case the teeth are extracted. The pain is caused by partial eruption of these teeth since they are not properly placed along the tooth line. Food stuck in between gums and partially erupted teeth often cause infection.
Although OTC analgesics and certain narcotic drugs like codeine are popular remedies for wisdom teeth, a good number of home remedies can also help subside the its symptoms such as pain, bleeding or swelling. Here are some of the best home remedies for wisdom teeth.
Home Remedies For Wisdom Teeth
Clove
Cloves are well known home remedies for various teeth disorders and infections. Cloves contain an active agent called eugenol that has strong anaesthetic and antiseptic properties. Cloves reduce the pain caused by erupting wisdom teeth and prevent any infection that may be caused.You can apply clove oil directly on the gums for relief from the pain. Clove oil is often mixed with garlic juice and a pinch of rock salt to increase its effectiveness through the antiviral and antiseptic properties of garlic. You can also add little pepper to clove oil before applying it to the gums.
Tea Bag
Tea bag comes handy when wisdom teeth problems include bleeding. Tea contains an active agent called tannic acid that contracts the bleeding vessels and form clots thereby stopping bleeding. Bite on the tea bag for at least half an hour. Make sure to wipe out older clots by rinsing your mouth properly.
Garlic
It has strong anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties that fight the prominent symptoms of wisdom teeth problems – pain, swelling and fever. Just crush a garlic clove and apply the juice directly on the affected part.Apply the juice in such a way that it completely coats the wisdom tooth. You know the garlic has started working on the affected tooth once you feel heat in the mouth.
Ice packs
An ice pack is an amazing home remedy for swelling caused by wisdom teeth. Just take an ice pack and keep it pressed against your cheek where the wisdom teeth has caused swelling. You can wrap the ice pack or compress with a piece of cloth to avoid deep freeze burn on the cheeks. Place the ice pack on the affected part for 15 to 20 minutes and give it a rest for another 20 minutes. Repeat this process with an interval of 20 minutes till the ice pack reaches room temperature. Eruption of wisdom teeth result in inflammation of lymph nodes. So you can find relief by placing cold compresses over your face and neck.
Ginger
Ginger works on the wisdom teeth infection and swelling in the same manner as garlic. It too has strong anti-inflammatory properties that relieve pain and swelling. Cut a thin slice of raw ginger and brew it with water. Sip the tea several times during the day to find relief.You can also chew the ginger root in a manner that it coats the teeth as well as the gums. Ginger would keep infections at bay that tend to complicate wisdom teeth problems.
Wheat Grass Juice
Using wheat grass juice as mouthwash for relief from pain and swelling caused by wisdom teeth is a popular remedy. Wheat grass removes toxins from the mouth and hence prevent or delay bacterial action on the teeth as well as gums. Wheat grass has amazing antioxidant properties that remove toxins from the mouth. Wheat grass juice offers relief from infection and pain caused by wisdom teeth.
Onion
Onions have amazing astringent properties that remove the bacteria that thrive in the cavity between gums and wisdom teeth. Onions reduce not only the swelling but also the pain caused by wisdom teeth. Just slice the onion into few pieces and bite onto one such piece till the onion juice coats the gums and teeth completely.
Salt Water Gargle
An age-old remedy for various dental problems, salt-water gurgle also provides relief from pain and swelling caused by wisdom teeth. The salt and warm water work in sync to reduce inflammation of gingival tissues. The mixture would also remove bacteria and toxins causing infection. However, one limitation to this remedy is that it works only in cases when the wisdom tooth has completely erupted from the gums. Gargling with plain water is also recommended for this helps in removing food particles that may have stuck in the crevices of wisdom teeth. These food particles tend to cause infection.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint has strong antiseptic properties that fight infection caused by wisdom teeth. One of its unique features is calcium antagonism that relieves pain caused by wisdom teeth. The best way to use peppermint as a home remedy for wisdom teeth is to brew its fresh leaves into tea and sip it from time to time. You can also add some salt to the mixture of warm water and peppermint leaves and find relief from wisdom teeth worries. You can also place fresh peppermint leaves on the affected part of mouth for at least 15 minutes.
