The last teeth to break through the gums are called wisdom teeth. They are found at the rear of a person’s mouth. In most cases, but not always, they cause pain and discomfort. Though many home treatments and medications can help, the wisest decision is to have them removed. There are four wisdom teeth in total, two on each jaw and one in every corner of the gums, in the furthest corner. Many times, the ache in the wisdom teeth can go away on its own, but in other cases, it will require home remedies or treatment in a dental clinic in Tirana. This article will show you the causes, symptoms, and options on how to relieve the pain of wisdom teeth.
Symptoms
Wisdom teeth can make it quite challenging to floss, they can allow food to get trapped in between the teeth, and they can also allow bacteria to enter the gums- causing this way very mild pain and huge discomfort as they come out through the gums. In case they emerge in the wrong position or there is no space for them to grow, it may also induce:
- Agony, discomfort, or swelling in the jaw
- Inflamed, soft, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Difficulty in chewing
- Bad breath
Causes
Wisdom teeth typically emerge or come out through the gums in people between 17 and 21 years old. And the feeling of a tooth coming out of the gums can be very painful. Added to this, there is a lack of space for wisdom teeth in a person’s mouth, seeing as the adult teeth have already developed. This no room left thing causes wisdom teeth to emerge at an angle or to get stuck and not come through completely.
In these cases, they are called impacted wisdom teeth. And in these cases, the gums become fragile as the surface breaks, but the teeth do not fully emerge. Food and bacteria can get trapped in the gums which can lead to several issues, including periodontitis, inflammation, abscesses, and cysts.
Home remedies
Saltwater rinse
The most popular home remedy for toothache is saltwater rinse. Research has shown that a saltwater rinse that contains warm water and dissolved sodium chloride otherwise known as salt can help the gums remain healthy. It is also known to get rid of harmful bacteria. When erupting through the gums, wisdom teeth can sometimes hurt the teeth surrounding them or even create cysts.
It is highly recommended to keep your mouth clean of harmful bacteria. In 2021, a study of 47 people was conducted. These 47 had to undergo periodontal surgery and they used saltwater rinse which was found to have similar anti-inflammatory effects to chlorhexidine solution.
Peppermint
Peppermint leaves are compounded with menthol, which is one of the most natural cooling ingredients. Though there is no exact evidence of how menthol works and how effective it is in treating wisdom teeth pain, it is generally considered a safe compound. It is used as a pain-relieving home remedy in a variety of applications. Perhaps that is what led searchers to think it was effective for the treatment of wisdom teeth pain.
How does it work? Soak a cotton ball in a tiny amount of peppermint extract before applying it to the gums that hurt, or rub the oil directly on your teeth. Another way of trying it is by using peppermint tea as a mouthwash after it has cooled down.
Cold and heat therapy
It is a widely known fact that applying an ice pack to your cheeks can help to reduce the inflammation and swelling that comes with tooth pain. Cold gives a numb feeling. The same works with heat. Applying gentle heat can relieve tension and increase blood flow to the area that hurts. Depending on what sounds more convenient and what works best for your pain, you can choose between using cold or heat. Some even alternate between both by applying hot for several minutes, several times a day to the area, and then cold for the same amount of time.
Aloe vera
You might have already heard that aloe vera is rich in antioxidants and it has anti-inflammatory properties. You might even have used it if you ever burned yourself or had a sunburn. The same logic works here. Aloe vera can be used because it helps soothe and reduce inflammation around the affected area, in this case, the wisdom teeth area. It can also help your gums heal if they become scratched or cut while the teeth come through. Aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the gums, allowing the area to be cooled for temporary pain relief.
Medical relief
Aspirin
Studies have shown that aspirin is a very efficient pain-killing agent for people who are experiencing discomfort in their mouth. In other words, using the aspirin you would normally use to kill your headache will also help your wisdom teeth ache. Please be aware: Pay attention to the label and do not take any more than the recommended dosage. Additionally, do not take aspirin continuously to solve any type of pain without first consulting your doctor or dentist.
Benzocaine
Used as an anesthetic and numbing agent, benzocaine is part of over-the-counter products and it is sold under different brand names. It is not a recommended option for people who have deep wounds or lesions or kids under 2 years old. It is also noteworthy that old adults may have hypersensitivity to benzocaine.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is also an over-the-counter medication and as most of you probably know by now, it has anti-inflammatory properties. Part of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), ibuprofen is sold in its generic form and under brand names such as Rapidol S, Brufen, and Codramol. According to studies and dental associations, NSAIDs help reduce inflammation at the site, consequently helping with pain.
After removal
The time for healing after wisdom tooth removal can be long. To support your healing and pain reduction, your dentist will give you some recommendations such as:
- Focus on eating only soft foods and drinking liquids.
- Try to avoid eating crunchy foods altogether.
- Try to avoid eating nuts.
- Instead of an electric toothbrush, use a manual one.
- Try to avoid OTC (over-the-counter) mouthwash and use only the mouthwash suggested by your dentist.
- Sucking can increase bleeding, so you should avoid using straws.
- Take the pain medication prescribed.
- If the pain gets severe, contact your dentist.
A professional dentist in Albania will tell you what to do next after the wisdom tooth has been removed, and when to return for follow-ups. They should also let you know who to call if you have questions or concerns.
Outlook
Set an appointment with your dentist if you:
- Have persistent sharp pain.
- Get frequent headaches.
- Your saliva is bloody.
- You can feel an abscess form underneath your gums. Even though not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, dentists recommend having your wisdom teeth regularly X-rayed.
If you are looking for an affordable wisdom tooth removal surgery consider dental tourism in Albania. During your trip not only will you receive high-quality dental care, but you will also have the chance to explore one of the most attractive destinations in Europe. If you’re interested in receiving a free quote or dental tourism package contact us now.
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