Nature has endowed humans with wisdom teeth despite the fact that many of our mouths lack the space for them to develop properly.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, generally begin to erupt between the ages of 17 and 21, though they may emerge earlier, later, or not at all. Unfortunately, their appearance is often accompanied by intense pain.
If you are experiencing pain as your wisdom teeth grow in and wondering how to relieve it, read on! The dentists at Clinique Dentaire 1935 in Montreal have the answers.
Understanding pain and solutions
The eruption of wisdom teeth can be a particularly painful experience, especially when they are impacted, i.e. when they fail to emerge completely from the gums. This situation can cause local inflammation, resulting in a veritable toothache. Many patients find it difficult to chew their food or open their mouths normally. In the most complex cases, surgery may be required to extract the problem tooth. This operation, although common, requires a thorough assessment of the dental problem by an oral health professional. During the procedure, a local or general anaesthetic is usually used to ensure pain-free treatment. It’s important to note that impacted wisdom teeth can lead to other long-term problems, such as cyst formation or displacement of adjacent teeth. This is why regular follow-up with a dentist is recommended at the first signs of abnormal eruption. Early consultation will prevent the situation from deteriorating and allow you to discuss the best treatment options, including surgery if necessary.
Identify the cause of your wisdom tooth pain
Wisdom tooth pain can make eating, talking and sleeping a challenge. Therefore, it’s important to make an appointment with your dentist to get to the root of the problem.
Wisdom teeth erupting through your gums can cause discomfort, just like any other type of tooth. Symptoms generally include reddened gums that are sensitive to the touch and a little bit swollen.
However, wisdom teeth are more likely than other types of teeth to grow in at an inopportune angle. This can cause the teeth to become impacted, increasing the likelihood of infection, fever and dental cysts. Healthcare professionals usually recommend wisdom tooth extraction to avoid these types of complications.
Pain relief tips for growing wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth can cause recurring pain that lasts for months or even years. Here are some simple, effective solutions to ease your pain while waiting for your dental appointment.
1. Obtain over-the-counter pain medication at the pharmacy
Over-the-counter pain medication available at pharmacies can be an effective way to relieve the pain of a growing wisdom tooth. At the very least, it will lessen your discomfort. Chewing cloves is another option that can sometimes reduce persistent pain.
However, these solutions are temporary and should not be considered a substitute for professional intervention. It’s important to see a dental professional regularly and make an appointment if you are experiencing pain.
2. Rinse your mouth with salt water
A simple way to soothe a growing wisdom tooth is to rinse your teeth and mouth with salt water. Salt acts as a disinfectant and reduces inflammation, which can help relieve pain.
Mix a tablespoon of salt into a glass of warm water and use the solution to rinse your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds. Make sure to spit it out afterwards!
3. Ice your cheeks
Another way to soothe growing wisdom teeth is to apply an ice pack to your cheeks. This can help limit swelling in the area and relieve your pain.
If you don’t have an ice pack on hand, you can place ice cubes in a plastic bag or clean cloth to protect your skin. Hold the covered ice against your jaw for 15 to 20 minutes.
Put an end to your wisdom tooth pain with Clinique Dentaire 1935
If you are experiencing intense tooth pain, it may be because your wisdom teeth are growing in. It’s important to make an appointment with a dental professional as soon as you start to experience symptoms. While waiting for your appointment, there are temporary solutions you can use to help ease your pain, such as saltwater rinses and anti-inflammatory medication.
If you’re located near Papineau or elsewhere in Montreal, the dentists at Clinique Dentaire 1935 can provide you with effective, pain-free treatment. To find out more or make an appointment, contact us today!