10 Best Home Remedies for Wisdom Tooth Pain

Wisdom teeth, the third molars at the back of the mouth, are notorious for causing pain and discomfort, especially when they don’t fully emerge or come in crooked. For many people, wisdom tooth pain can be a significant issue, whether it’s from the tooth erupting or from an infection. If you’re dealing with discomfort and can’t immediately see a dentist, home remedies can help alleviate some of the pain.

Here’s a comprehensive list of the 10 best home remedies for wisdom tooth pain that can help reduce inflammation, soothe your gums, and provide temporary relief.

1. Salt Water Rinse

A simple saltwater rinse is one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to relieve wisdom tooth pain. Salt is a natural disinfectant and can help cleanse the affected area, reduce swelling, and prevent infection.

How to Use:

• Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
• Swish the solution around in your mouth for 30 seconds, making sure it reaches the painful tooth.
• Spit out the solution and repeat up to 3 times a day.

Why it Works:

Salt water helps to reduce swelling, flush out debris and bacteria from the area, and promote healing.

2. Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected wisdom tooth can significantly reduce swelling and numb the area, providing temporary pain relief.

How to Use:

• Wrap some ice cubes in a clean cloth or use a store-bought ice pack.
• Apply it to the affected side of your face for 15-20 minutes.
• Repeat every 1-2 hours as needed for pain relief.

Why it Works:

Cold therapy reduces blood flow to the area, which helps numb pain and decrease inflammation. It can also reduce the risk of swelling and bruising.

3. Clove Oil

Clove oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for tooth pain due to its analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains eugenol, a compound that helps numb pain and fight infections.

How to Use:

• Dip a cotton ball or cotton swab into clove oil.
• Gently apply it to the affected tooth or gum.
• Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Repeat a few times daily as needed.

Why it Works:

Clove oil helps numb the pain and reduce inflammation, making it one of the most effective natural pain relievers for wisdom tooth pain.

4. Garlic

Garlic has powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it another natural remedy for wisdom tooth pain. It also has the ability to help kill bacteria and prevent infection.

How to Use:

• Crush 1-2 garlic cloves to release their juices.
• Apply the crushed garlic directly to the painful area, or mix it with a small amount of salt for added benefits.
• Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Repeat a couple of times a day.

Why it Works:

Garlic helps reduce pain by acting as a natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory agent.

5. Peppermint Tea Bags

Peppermint contains menthol, which has a cooling effect that can numb the pain and reduce inflammation. Using a peppermint tea bag can provide a soothing remedy for wisdom tooth pain.

How to Use:

• Steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water for about 5 minutes.
• Allow the tea bag to cool down slightly, then apply it to the painful area.
• You can either hold the tea bag directly on your gum or let it sit there for 15-20 minutes.
• Repeat a few times daily.

Why it Works:

Peppermint’s numbing effect helps to ease discomfort, while its natural compounds promote healing and reduce swelling.

6. Warm or Cold Compress with Turmeric Paste

Turmeric has long been known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic properties. When applied as a paste, it can help soothe wisdom tooth pain and reduce swelling.

How to Use:

• Make a paste by mixing turmeric powder with a little water or coconut oil to form a thick paste.
• Apply the paste directly to the painful gum area.
• Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Alternatively, you can use a cold or warm compress with turmeric-infused water.

Why it Works:

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, helps reduce inflammation and pain, while also preventing infection.

7. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract contains alcohol, which has a numbing effect and can provide temporary pain relief for wisdom tooth pain. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties may help reduce the risk of infection.

How to Use:

• Apply a small amount of pure vanilla extract to a cotton ball or cotton swab.
• Gently apply it to the painful area for 1-2 minutes.
• You can do this a few times a day as needed for relief.

Why it Works:

The alcohol in vanilla extract numbs the pain, while its antioxidants and antibacterial properties can help with healing.

8. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which is a compound that helps to relieve pain by blocking pain signals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great remedy for wisdom tooth pain.

How to Use:

• Mix 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with a few drops of water or coconut oil to form a paste.
• Apply the paste directly to the painful area for 5-10 minutes, then rinse your mouth with warm water.
• You can repeat this process 2-3 times a day.

Why it Works:

Cayenne pepper works by temporarily desensitizing the nerve endings and reducing pain perception. It also helps reduce inflammation around the wisdom tooth.

9. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat the discomfort caused by wisdom tooth eruption and prevent infection.

How to Use:

• Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil (about 2-3 drops of tea tree oil in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil).
• Dip a cotton ball or swab in the solution and gently apply it to the sore gum area.
• Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Repeat up to 2-3 times daily.

Why it Works:

Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties help to kill bacteria and prevent infection, while its soothing effects can help reduce pain and inflammation.

10. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

While not a “natural” remedy per se, using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide effective and quick relief from wisdom tooth pain.

How to Use:

• Follow the dosage instructions on the label for either ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Take the medication as needed for pain relief, typically every 4-6 hours depending on the product.

Why it Works:

Pain relievers like ibuprofen reduce inflammation and relieve pain, while acetaminophen blocks pain signals in the brain.

Final Thoughts

Wisdom tooth pain can be incredibly uncomfortable, but these home remedies can help ease the discomfort while you wait for professional dental care. However, it’s important to note that these remedies are only temporary solutions, and you should consult with a dentist if you experience persistent pain, infection, or swelling. In some cases, a dentist may recommend wisdom tooth extraction if the tooth is causing recurring issues.