Like the appendix, wisdom teeth are one of those evolutionary quirks that don't really serve humans a purpose any longer but can still cause numerous health problems. With wisdom teeth, those problems can range from pain to serious infections, but a nagging toothache is the most common.
Wisdom teeth normally start growing at any point between the ages of 17 and 25, although sometimes it can be even later than that. With such a wide age range, they affect a large number of people at any given time.
Some people's wisdom teeth can come through without any problems, but for many, the jaw is too small, which leads to overcrowding, impacted teeth, and toothache that can become quite severe. If you're suffering from the pain of wisdom teeth, it's important to get to a dentist as soon as you can, but in the meantime, try some of these toothache relief tactics.
Cloves
Cloves have a numbing effect, and they also contain substances that are said to bring down swelling and keep bacteria at bay. These properties make them one of the best choices for relieving the pain of wisdom teeth growth.
It's best to get some pure clove oil, if you can, and dab it on the affected area with a clean cotton bud. This will get the active ingredients straight to work. If you don't have clove oil but have some whole dried cloves, try grinding a few very finely and making a paste with vegetable oil or water, then dabbing this on.
Saltwater
Mix a teaspoon of salt into about a cup of hot water, and let it cool to a comfortable temperature. Swill it around your mouth, concentrating on the painful area for 30 seconds to a minute. Spit it out when you're done. This can also help to reduce swollen gums.
Peppermint tea
Peppermint is another plant that has anti-inflammatory, numbing properties. Make some tea using either store-bought tea bags or fresh mint leaves, and hold it in your mouth next to the painful teeth while you drink it.
Alcohol
While it's not advisable to drink alcohol to relieve pain, using it as a topical treatment can work well. Get a full-strength spirit – whisky, brandy, vodka, etc – and soak some cotton wool in it. Hold it on the painful area for around 30 seconds, then remove it. It can help to numb the affected area and bring you a bit of peace.
