Using essential oils for wisdom teeth pain can be a safe choice if you don’t want to use over-the-counter medications. Research evidence supports the beneficial effects of certain essential oils for dental health especially to relieve pain.
A wisdom tooth is the third molar. It grows at the back of the mouth and at the absolute end of the gum.
Wisdom teeth usually grow when a person is 17-25 years old. Since they grow so late, they get a very limited region to stay upright. [1]
Due to the limited space, they cause pain in many ways. [2]
Sometimes painkillers fail to provide relief from wisdom teeth pain for more extended periods of time. Besides, they can have some severe side effects.
Essential oils may work effectively to reduce wisdom teeth pain. There are essential oils for wisdom teeth recovery, wisdom teeth removal, and even wisdom teeth extraction.
Keep reading to learn more about the efficacy and uses of some essential oils for wisdom teeth pain relief.
5 Essential Oil Home Remedies for Wisdom Teeth Pain Relief
All the oils in this list have unique properties that fight each of the reasons that cause you a wisdom toothache. So read on!
1. Clove Oil
Clove essential oil has a very active ingredient called Eugenol. Eugenol gives the oil analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus it works excellent with swollen gums and relieves pain.
There are also certain antibacterial elements in clove oil. So it prevents the cavity seen in wisdom teeth. [6]
Clove oil also has anesthetic characteristics. When in severe pain it helps calm and relax you while getting rid of the pain.
2. Myrrh Oil
Myrrh oil helps relieve wisdom tooth pain in various ways.
The oil is a potent anti-microbial agent. This eliminates all the bacteria and infections that cause cavities and other dental problems that cause pain. [7]
Myrrh oil is antispasmodic. It stops the pain from the spasms that occur when a wisdom tooth is trying to make its way out of the socket. Besides myrrh oil is also an astringent. It helps with strengthening the gums, so it’s better able to cope with the pain.
Myrrh oil has anti-inflammatory properties that are essential to preventing wisdom tooth pain.
3. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is one of the most common ingredients used in oral hygiene products.
Peppermint is useful to calm the nerves with its cooling sensation.
Thus, as soon as you apply it, you get immediate pain relief. Peppermint oil is often used to relieve pain from teething in infants.
The antibacterial properties of peppermint oil help it to fight off gum diseases and cavity. [8]
READ MORE: 20 Essential Oils for Cough, Sore Throat, and Congestion
4. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has cineole as one of its elements. Cineole is what gives eucalyptus its unique antibacterial properties.
Mouthwashes and toothpaste often use eucalyptus oil. Because it can ward off infections. It is also one of the top remedies for preventing bad breath.
Since wisdom tooth is prone to infections, regular application of eucalyptus can be helpful. [8]
The anti-inflammatory characteristics of this oil also help prevent wisdom toothache.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the most popular oils for its wide range of benefits.
Studies show that tea tree oil can prevent bacteria that cause tooth decay. Using it from the start can help you keep your wisdom tooth in the best condition.
The ability to kill off bacteria is powerful in tea tree oil. It is a common remedy for acne for that reason. But, it works amazingly for oral bacteria as well! [10]
Tea tree oil is also useful when it comes to treating swollen gums due to its anti-inflammatory agents.
READ MORE: 8 Best Essential Oils for Bunions Pain (with Recipe)
Ways to Use Essential Oils for Wisdom Teeth Pain
There is not only one way to use essential oils for relieving wisdom tooth pain. You can use it in a lot of ways, and they are all effective!
Method 1: Mouthwash
You will need 1 cup of warm water, 1-2 teaspoons of sea salt, and 5-6 drops of essential oil in the list.
Take a small bottle and pour all the ingredients & shake well. Use it as a conventional mouthwash.
Method 2: Pain Relief Balm
Melt 3-4 tablespoons of Shea butter or cocoa butter in a pan. Let it cool down for a couple of minutes.
Then add the 2-3 drops of tea tree oil and 4-5 drops of clove oil to the melted butter. Refrigerate till it hardens. Apply on the gums around the wisdom tooth area or where it hurts.
Method 3: Direct Application
You will need: 1 cotton ball or cotton bud and any of the essential oils on the list
Apply 2-3 drops of essential oil to the cotton bud and place it on top of the region that is in pain. Try to keep it that way for about half an hour.
How Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain?
Some of the common ways in which wisdom teeth inflict pain are:
- Swollen gums- A wisdom tooth has to push through the gum to grow out. More mature gum is harder to move apart and causes it to swell and hurt. [3]
- Cavity- Wisdom teeth often grow with the cavity from the very beginning. In its severe form, that might lead to a root canal. [4]
- Damage to neighboring teeth- While trying to make space, the wisdom tooth can cause harm to the neighboring teeth and nerves and cause pain.
- Inflammation– Wisdom teeth often grow at odd angles. This causes nerve and vessel inflammation which causes excruciating pain. [5]
When to See Your Dentist
Visiting a dentist may be the last thing you want to do. We know the fear. But these home remedies may not work for you if the pain becomes excruciating.
If you have a severe toothache and bleeding, you may need to remove the wisdom tooth. You must see a dentist in this situation.
READ NEXT: 5 Best Essential Oils for Breast Pain, Soreness & Tenderness
