Wisdom teeth can cause a lot of pain when they start to grow in your mouth between the ages of 17 and 24. These molars only hurt when their growth is "impacted," which means the teeth have failed to emerge fully into their expected positions in the four corners of your mouth. The pain is usually caused by pinched nerves or an infection. You can try to endure the pain and just wait for the wisdom teeth to squeeze in; but if the pain is too much, then maybe it's time to get rid of your wisdom teeth. Aside from tooth extraction though, there are other ways to get rid of wisdom teeth pain.

 

Nonsurgical Ways to Get Rid of Wisdom Teeth Pain

Consult your dentist if your wisdom teeth needs to be extracted. If he tells you that extraction is not advisable, and that the pain will soon go away, try the following methods to reduce the pain:

• Suck in air: Dentists use an air blower before a tooth extraction, a dental filing procedure, or a root canal session to dry out the tooth, so that the nerves in the pulp become less sensitive to pain. You can do the same thing by using a drinking straw to suck in air into the painful area. Just put the drinking straw into your mouth, and use your tongue to position it in the right angle, then suck air repeatedly.
• Pain relievers: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are very effective in relieving both pain and inflammation caused by wisdom teeth. Prescription and over-the-counter NSAIDs are generally safe and effective, with few side-effects. Commonly used over-the-counter NSAIDs include aspirin (For other uses of aspirin, read 15 surprising uses for aspirin), ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen. Ask your doctor which pain reliever is best for your toothache.
• Cold water: Cold water works well for impacted wisdom teeth, aching molars, and mild tooth abscess. The temperature can soothe the nerves, and provide some pain relief. Do not use ice-cold water though, or carbonated beverages because they'll only cause more pain. Hold a small mouthful of cold water in your mouth, swish it around the wisdom tooth, and then gently spit it out along with debris that might be embedded in the cavities or crevices of your mouth.
• Hot water: If your teeth are sensitive to cold water, then the old water remedy might make your wisdom tooth more painful. In this case, it's better to use hot water to relieve the pain. Plain hot water and sugarless hot drinks like coffee and tea can also draw out some pus if abscess is present near the wisdom tooth. Hold the hot liquid in your mouth, and then swish it around the painful area for about five seconds. Gently spit the liquid out, and then repeat the process until pain subsides.
• Warm water with salt: Another way to reduce the pain is to gargle warm water with salt several times a day. Salt toughens gums, draws out infection, and reduces swelling. This remedy should work more effectively in combination with over-the-counter or prescription pain medications.
• Brush your teeth: Food particles stuck in the crevices and cavities of your teeth will only make the pain worse. Brushing your teeth will reduce your chance of developing an infection as the wisdom tooth emerges from your gums. Toothpaste also contains some substances that partially numb the pain from the gum line.

When to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Most dentists will advise against tooth extraction if your wisdom teeth is not causing you any trouble (Don't be afraid of your dentist, read the 15 ways to make a dental appointment more tolerable); or if he thinks that the pain will soon go away after the teeth has fully emerged. Impacted wisdom teeth though, should be removed because they may cause complications. The following are indications that your wisdom teeth need to be removed:

• Jaw stiffness or pain near an impacted wisdom tooth
• Pain caused by a wisdom tooth coming in at an awkward angle, and rubbing against your gums, tongue, or cheek.
• Infection in a flap of gum tissue that has formed on top of an impacted wisdom tooth
• Risk of tooth decay or gum disease if there's not enough room to clean the wisdom tooth and surrounding teeth.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Impacted wisdom tooth can cause a lot of complications if not removed. Sometimes, a flap of gum tissue grows over the wisdom tooth. Food can get trapped under this flap of tissue, leading to infection and foul breath. A fluid sac may also form around an impacted tooth, and eventually develop into a cyst, which can then cause permanent damage to nearby teeth and bones. It's best to have a tooth extraction procedure if you have an impacted wisdom tooth. The following is the usual course of the procedure:

• Step 1: In your initial visit to the dentist, he will tell you to prepare for the operation. He may ask you to stop smoking if you're a smoker, because it increases your risk of getting an infection and slows recovery. (Tips on how to quit smoking)
• Step 2: The nurse checks your heart rate, blood pressure, and tests your urine before the procedure.
• Step 3: Wisdom teeth extraction is usually done on an outpatient basis. The dentist administers a local anesthesia that completely blocks feeling in your gums. You will stay awake during the procedure, but he may offer you a sedative to help you relax. If you go to a dental hospital, the surgeon or dentist may give you general anesthesia, which means you'll be asleep during the operation. Talk to your dentist about which type of anesthesia is best for you.
• Step 4: Once the anesthesia takes effect, the dentist cuts through your gum and, if needed, removes some of your jawbone to access the wisdom tooth. The tooth is pulled out, and the wound is closed with stitches. Ordinary wisdom teeth should only take a few minutes to remove, but more difficult wisdom teeth can take up to 40 minutes.
• Step 5: Your dentist will ask you to rest until the effects of the anesthesia or sedative have passed. It may take several hours before the feeling comes back to your jaw if you've been administered a local anesthesia. Take care not to bump or knock the area as this might cause bleeding.
If you've had general anesthesia and sedative administered to you, then make sure that you have someone to drive you home. General anesthesia and sedatives affect your coordination and reasoning skills, so don't drive, operate devices, drink alcohol, or sign documents for 48 hours after the procedure.
• Step 6: You can take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol at home. Don't vigorously gargle during the first 24 hours after the procedure because this can interrupt blood clots that are necessary to heal. Gently gargle warm water with a half teaspoon of salt after meals to reduce the swelling and prevent infection. Finally, keep your toothbrush away from the healing wound for the first couple of days, or until the wound heals.

Consult your dentist immediately once you notice your wisdom teeth growing. The position of the teeth should be evaluated immediately to determine if extraction is necessary. Also, check for signs of infection during the healing process to prevent further complications. If you enjoyed reading this article, might as well read how to get rid of toothache.