We all have four wisdom teeth and they usually come in when we are anywhere from 8 to 20 years of age. Their growth may cause different types of discomfort, due to pressure on the gums, and patients could experience pain, fever, and infections.
The pain can be particularly intense, disabling and difficult to bear. Although the most important thing to do is to go see your dentist as soon as possible, you may often have to deal with waiting lists or personal commitments that postpone your visit. It is therefore necessary to find temporary remedies to keep the pain at bay, in order to avoid having to constantly resort to painkillers.
A valid alternative is found at the natural herbalist’s shop, which offers various remedies that reduce pain whilst avoiding the overuse of medication. Cloves, for example, are an excellent remedy against infections caused by growing wisdom teeth. They should be inserted (but not swallowed!) in the vicinity of the inflammation, which will produce a calming effect within a few minutes.
A slightly more “aggressive” solution is to gargle with pure alcohol or whisky. It should not be ingested but kept in the mouth for about thirty seconds in order to anaesthetise the area. Alcohol has antibacterial properties. However, this remedy is harmful in the long run; alcohol can damage tooth enamel and should therefore only be used sporadically.
Other natural solutions include infusions. The most effective ones are mallow, lemon and basil. Normal kitchen salt is also considered a good disinfectant. It can be sprinkled onto your toothbrush together with toothpaste. Other alternatives are orange, aniseed and lemongrass essential oils. All of the above should be accompanied by mouthwash that includes a good amount of fluoride.
Needless to say, you will be able to receive the appropriate treatment for your wisdom tooth pain after your dentist thoroughly analyses your specific case. Wisdom teeth are a burden on the entire jaw structure and may require oral surgery for extraction or incision.