4 Ways To Reduce The Pain Of An Erupting Wisdom Tooth

Some people's wisdom teeth never come through, and even wisdom teeth that do emerge generally do so much later than other teeth. When a wisdom tooth does come through, it's more correctly referred to as 'erupting', and this often results in acute pain or discomfort.

This should only last for a few days to a week, and you can always contact your dentist if the pain becomes unbearable or you suspect the area may have become infected. However, you can also manage less severe pain at home using one or more of the following four methods.

1. Take Anti-Inflammatory Painkillers

One of the first things you can do to relieve the pain of an erupting wisdom tooth is to take over-the-counter painkillers. The most effective type will usually be nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. These will help deaden pain while also reducing the swelling that tends to accompany an erupting wisdom tooth. Just remember that this should only be used as a temporary aid. If you find yourself having to use painkillers for more than a few days, you should instead see your dentist. 

2. Wash Out Your Mouth

Keeping the area around your wisdom tooth clean will help it heal and prevent infections. To help this happen, you can wash out your mouth with either warm salty water or a medicated mouthwash. Tilt your head back to make sure you reach the affected area, then swish the wash around to get rid of any food particles.

3. Eat Soft Foods

Sometimes the pain of an erupting wisdom tooth will be relatively minor until the area is irritated. This often happens when people eat anything that requires a lot of chewing or which can break into sharp pieces. As such, it makes sense to eat soft foods until a wisdom tooth comes through fully, even if the pain seems manageable at first.

4. Use An Ice Pack

Ice packs can deaden nerves, which will reduce pain and prevent swelling, so applying one to the side of your face can help manage any discomfort while a wisdom tooth is erupting. If you don't have a proper ice pack, you can simply wrap a towel around a bag of ice or frozen vegetables. Just make sure you don't apply ice directly against the skin since this can cause cold-related injuries. Once you have your ice pack, apply it to the side of your face for around 15 minutes every few hours.

For more info, contact a local dentist.