That dull, throbbing ache at the very back of your jaw can be relentless. Whether your wisdom teeth are just poking through or feeling "stuck," the discomfort can ruin your sleep and your appetite. It’s a feeling many of our patients in Karana Downs, Mount Crosby, and Ipswich know all too well.
While the only permanent solution for problematic wisdom teeth is often professional treatment, you need immediate relief while waiting for your appointment.
At Karana Downs Dental, we want to help you manage this "last teeth pain" safely at home. Here are practical steps to reduce the ache until we can see you.
Note: Individual results may vary. These remedies are for temporary relief only and do not cure infection. Always seek professional advice for dental pain.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Hurt? (The "Last Teeth Pain" Explained)
Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars to erupt, usually in your late teens or early twenties. Pain often occurs for one of three reasons:
- Eruption Pressure: The tooth is pushing through the gum tissue.
- Impaction: The tooth is blocked by the jawbone or another tooth, causing pressure.
- Pericoronitis: A flap of gum covers the partially erupted tooth, trapping bacteria and causing infection.
Top 5 Home Remedies for Wisdom Tooth Pain
If you are searching for a wisdom tooth relief home remedy, these options can help take the edge off.
1. Salt Water Rinse
This is the gold standard for gum inflammation. Salt water helps clean the area and reduce swelling. It is particularly helpful if you have an infected tooth or sore gums. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse gently for 30 seconds.
2. Clove Oil (Eugenol)
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anaesthetic. To use it safely as a home remedy for a toothache wisdom teeth, dab a tiny amount on a cotton ball and apply it to the tooth. Be careful—it is strong and can irritate the tongue if swallowed.
3. Cold Compress
If your jaw is aching, apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes at a time. This reduces blood flow to the area, numbing the deep ache.
4. Over-the-Counter Relief
Anti-inflammatory medication (like Ibuprofen) is often effective for dental pain, as it targets the swelling. Always follow the packet instructions or consult a pharmacist.
5. Onion or Garlic Paste
While smelly, garlic contains allicin, which has antibacterial properties. Crushing a clove and applying the paste to the area may provide temporary relief.
Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief Home Remedy Table
Not sure which remedy to pick? Use this guide.
Interactive Checklist: Is It an Emergency?
Sometimes, home treatment for wisdom tooth pain isn't enough. Use this checklist to see if you need urgent care.
Symptom Check: Do I Need a Dentist NOW?
Tick your symptoms to see the recommended action:
*If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to the nearest Hospital Emergency Department immediately.
What NOT to Do When Your Wisdom Tooth Hurts
While trying to fix the pain, avoid mistakes that can cause more damage:
- Don't place aspirin on the gum: This causes a chemical burn (white patch) and doesn't stop the pain any faster than swallowing it.
- Don't ignore it: An infection can spread to the cheek or neck. If you notice a tooth infection brewing, act fast.
- Don't smoke: Heat and suction irritate the gums and can lead to painful dry socket after extraction.
When Home Treatment Isn't Enough
Home remedies numb the nerve, but they don't solve the problem of a tooth growing sideways into your jaw. At Karana Downs Dental, we perform many extractions in-chair to save you hospital costs. We also offer affordable tooth extraction options and payment plans.
If you do need an extraction, recovery is generally straightforward. We provide guides on how to brush after wisdom teeth removal and managing bad breath during healing.
For more information on the removal procedure, Better Health Victoria provides excellent resources on what to expect.
Summary: Don't Suffer in Silence
Salt water and ice can buy you time, but they won't fix an impacted tooth permanently. If you are experiencing "last teeth pain," let us help you find a long-term solution, contact Karana Downs Dental now!
