When wisdom teeth arrive they can cause pain and discomfort. As they push through from the jaw they can irritate gums and cause swelling. Over the counter pain medication such as ibuprofen can sometimes alleviate the aching, while rubbing clove oil onto gums is a natural alternative.
Rinsing your mouth with a strong salt solution is also a way to soothe sore gums. Mix a heaped teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm to hot water (it should feel hot but the temperature should not be high enough to scald you) and stir. The salt will help ease any inflammation and help prevent infections.
When a tooth has broken through the gum's surface but is not fully in place, it can be especially prone to infection. Bits of food can become trapped between the tooth and the inflamed gum, so it's important to make sure you keep the new tooth clean. If it's painful to brush you should use a mouthwash to prevent bacteria building up and causing problems.
Even if you manage the pain at home, it's important to have your incoming wisdom teeth, which are extra molars, looked at by a dentist. These extra four molars don't always make a smooth entrance and can push against other teeth or even come through sideways. X-rays can reveal the position of the tooth and whether problems are likely, and your dentist can advise on what treatment might be necessary. If the tooth has become infected, you might be prescribed antibiotics.
Not everyone will be able to treat their painful teeth at home. Some people have enough space in their mouths for all 32 adult teeth, but others don't have space for wisdom teeth. If a tooth tries to come through, but is blocked by the tooth next to it, it is known as an impacted tooth. The usual treatment for this is extraction. Teeth can also be removed if they have started to decay before they have fully emerged.
Your dentist can perform extractions under either a local or general anesthetic depending on the position and depth of the tooth. Swelling and discomfort can be expected following the extraction and recovery times will depend on how many teeth were removed and on whether the gum needed to be stitched.
Many people find it more comfortable to stick to eating soft foods such as mashed potato and ice cream following the procedure. Pressing a cold cloth against your face can also help reduce the inflammation. The gum should heal within two weeks but some dentists will require a follow-up appointment to check the extraction went smoothly.
Share28 December 2015
Hi! Welcome to my blog! My name is Kerry, and this blog is focused on dental fillings. It looks at the history of fillings, options for contemporary fillings, how to protect your fillings, when to replace them and much more. If you have ever had a cavity filled or if you are planning to get a tooth filled, you will find the information in this blog useful. I try to look at fillings from all angles, and I even plan to look at how to avoid fillings through proper dental hygiene and sealants. Thanks for reading, and I hope you find the info intellectually "filling."
