Everyone been there that nagging, throbbing ache at the back of your jaw that strikes at the worst possible time like during your favorite show or when you’re trying to fall asleep. Wisdom tooth pain can feel like a mini crime scene in your mouth. But breathe easy. We’ll walk you through real, easy to do tricks (no PhD needed) to help get rid of wisdom tooth paste pain plus when to level up and call in the pros.
Quick Overview of Home Remedies & When to Use Them:
| Remedy | What It Does | How to Use (Quick) |
|---|---|---|
| Saltwater rinse | Cleans, reduces bacteria, soothes | 1 tsp salt + 8 oz warm water, swish 30 s |
| Cold compress | Numbs pain, cuts swelling | Wrap ice in cloth, press 15 min off/on |
| Clove oil | Natural numbing, antibacterial | Dilute, dab on gum with cotton ball |
| Peppermint/tea rinse | Cooling, mild pain relief | Brew, cool, swish or apply tea bag |
| Aloe vera gel | Cools and calms inflamed gums | Dab pure gel on sore area |
| Garlic + ginger paste | Anti‑bacterial and soothing | Apply freshly crushed paste to gum |
| Turmeric paste | Anti-inflammatory | Mix with oil/salt, apply with cotton |
| Coconut‑oil swish | Reduces bacteria, soothing | Swish 1 Tbsp for 15–20 min, then spit |
| Benzocaine gel | Quick numbing | Apply small amount to dry gum |
| Green‑tea mouth rinse | Reduces pain and jaw tension | Rinse with cooled brewed green tea |
Classic Hero of Gum Relief
A warm saltwater rinse is like the Swiss army knife of wisdom tooth pain simple, safe, and effective. It helps kill bacteria and soothe inflamed gums. Healthline points out it’s comparable to certain dental mouthwashes in anti‑inflammation.
Ice Your Ache to Cool It Down
Placing an ice pack (wrapped in a towel!) on your cheek for about 15 minutes can numb the pain and reduce swelling. You can repeat every couple of hours as needed.
Clove Oil Nature Dental Benzocaine
Clove oil carries eugenol, a natural pain reliever. Just dilute it and gently press onto the sore area with a cotton ball. It’s praised for its antibacterial and antioxidant qualities healthline. But careful the oil can be strong avoid ingesting too much.
Tea & Peppermint Rinses
Peppermint has menthol, which cools and helps ease pain. You can swish peppermint tea or apply a cooled tea bag directly. These are mild, safe options to try between more intense remedies.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gently cools and calms irritated gums. Dab a bit of pure gel right where it hurts. It’s mild, safe and instantly refreshing.
Garlic + Ginger
Garlic (with ginger) can help fight infection and ease pain. Crush them into a paste, apply to gums, but don’t leave it on too long the flavor can burn! Still, it’s a potent natural treatment.
Turmeric Paste Spice Up Your Relief
Turmeric contains curcumin, which fights inflammation. Make a small paste (turmeric + salt + oil) and place it on the gum. It’s especially helpful for lower‑level inflammation.
Coconut Oil Swish
Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil around your mouth for 15–20 minutes (oil pulling). It targets bacteria and calms sensitivity. You can also mix with peppermint or tea tree oil and dab it on aching gums spit it out afterward.
Benzocaine Gel Quick Numbing Relief
Over-the-counter gels like benzocaine (think Orajel-style) can give fast, targeted relief especially if the pain is sharp or distracting. Apply sparingly onto a dry area of gum colgate. Don’t overuse and keep away from kids unless directed by a pro.
Green Tea Mouth Rinse Relax Jaw + Calm Pain
Green tea rinses may reduce pain and even relax jaw muscles when the wisdom tooth is stuck or impacted. It’s especially helpful for acute inflammation like pericoronitis.
When to Use OTC Pain Meds
Ibuprofen (an NSAID) works wonders because it tackles inflammation at the source. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) eases pain but doesn’t reduce swelling. Some experts suggest using both together but be cautious and follow dosage instructions and any advice from your health provider.
When Wisdom Tooth Pain Means “Call the Dentist”
Most of the tricks above give temporary relief. If the pain doesn’t ease up or gets worse, something more serious might be going on.
- Pericoronitis is a gum infection around a partially erupted wisdom tooth. It might bring swelling, bad taste, or even jaw stiffness.
- If you have fever, difficulty swallowing, or the area is visibly swollen, it’s not just “normal” wisdom pain see a dentist right away.
- Often, wisdom tooth removal is the only long-term fix especially if the tooth is impacted, infected, or at risk of damaging other teeth.
Quick Safety Tips You Probably Won’t Find Elsewhere
- Always dilute essential oils—clove, tea tree, etc., can irritate gums.
- Don’t rely on antibiotics long-term—they won’t fix the cause, only suppress symptoms.
- Be cautious with benzocaine in kids—it’s not safe for young children without medical advice.
- Oil-pulling isn’t swallowing—always spit it out.
- Track what works best for you—some folks swear by salty rinses, others get more relief from cold or turmeric. Keep a mini “pain diary” if needed.
FAQs
Q1: How often should I do a saltwater rinse?
Try 2–3 times daily, especially after meals. It’s simple, safe, and effective.
Q2: Is it okay to alternate cold and heat therapy?
Yes cold soothes swelling and numbs, while heat can ease tight muscles. Try 10 minutes of cold, then 10 minutes of warmth if needed.
Q3: Can I apply clove oil directly?
Always mix with a little carrier oil (like coconut or olive). Pure clove oil can irritate tissue.
Q4: When should I stop trying home remedies and go see a dentist?
If pain lasts more than a few days, is severe, or is accompanied by fever, swelling, or trouble swallowing—see a pro.
Q5: Will these remedies make the wisdom tooth go away?
Nope they’re for comfort and control. The tooth might still need to be removed later.
Wrapping It Up
The best plan of attack for wisdom tooth pain is to start with simple, soothing fixes like saltwater rinses, cold compresses, or a dab of benzocaine for fast relief. If you prefer natural options, try aloe vera, turmeric paste, or coconut-oil swishing for extra comfort without added chemicals. Keep an eye out for warning signs pain that’s severe, persistent, or paired with swelling or fever means it’s time to see your dentist.