P. Sze 
Toothaches can be agonizing, mainly when it occurs in the wisdom tooth. It can make chewing and swallowing increasingly difficult and painful, alongside disturbing sleep patterns. Many people also end up suffering from blinding headaches and irritability. This article will walk you through homemade remedies for wisdom tooth pain, inspired by traditional Chinese medicine and ancient herbal rituals.
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars tucked in the back end of the mouth, and they typically emerge between 17 and 25 years of age. The process can be quite painful as they appear from the jawbone, breaking your gum line, and providing you with a more robust set of molars for chewing.
It can cause the gums to become highly inflamed, and in many cases, the gum line begins to bleed, causing severe toothache and headaches. If you’re looking for quick tooth pain relief remedies, you’ve come to the right place.
1. Acupressure for Dental Pain
Acupressure for toothache pain relief is a remedy inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, and it remained popular for over 2,000 years. Even clinical research has validated its benefits for alleviating muscular pains and toothaches. There are various pressure points, such as the ST6 pressure point and SI 18 acupuncture point, which relieve toothache by impacting the mouth, gums, and small intestine.
For those who are not aware of acupressure, it is a natural and holistic medicinal approach of exerting pressure on specific body points to alleviate pain and tension. Acupressure works by eliminating all health issues related to the blood flow. You can do it yourself or seek professional help.
You can administer acupressure for gum pain at home, or visit a therapy facility. If you choose to do it yourself, be sure to create a stress-free and relaxing environment so you can focus and enhance the effectiveness of acupressure. Begin by seating yourself comfortably, and start some simple breathing exercises to relax your body and muscles.
Now, gently massage each pressure point and exert firm pressure to heal away the pain. You can repeat this remedy whenever needed but stop right away if it causes the pain to increase.
Here are some of the best pressure points for toothache relief:
-
Acupoint: SI-18 (Other Names: Small Intestine-18/Quan Liao/Cheek Bone Crevice)
You can massage the SI18 acupressure point connected to the small intestine, soothe swollen gums, prevent tooth decay, and eliminate toothaches. In Chinese medicine, this point is known as the Quan liao or the cheekbone crevice. You will find this point between the outer corner of the eye and the nose’s outer side. The SI18 is also known as the cheekbone hole, and it is one of the best pressure points for toothache.
-
Acupoint: ST-6 (Other Names: Stomach-6/Jia Che/Jaw Bone)
The ST6 or stomach pressure point is the ideal pressure point for wisdom tooth pain, mouth pains, and inflammation. Known as Jia che in Chinese, you can find this pressure point by firmly clenching your teeth together. It is tucked between the bottom earlobe and the outer corner of the mouth. Simply put, this pressure point is the muscle that flexes each time you clench your teeth.
-
Acupoint: LI-4 (Other Names: Large Intestine-4/He Gu/Joining Valley)
LI4 is the large intestine meridian. This acupressure point rests within the skin between the index finger and the thumb. In traditional Chinese medicine, this pressure point is known as the He gu, which loosely translates into ‘joining valley.’ Massaging the LI4 and exerting firm pressure can help alleviate toothaches, headaches, and eliminate inflammation and congestion.
However, pregnant women are advised against activating this pressure point as some research reveals that the LI4 can also induce labor.
-
Acupoint: GB-21 (Other Names: Gallbladder-21/Jian Jing/Shoulder Well)
The GB21, also known as Jian jing or shoulder well, is an acupressure point on the shoulder muscle, tucked between the shoulder tips and the neck. It would help if you used your thumb and middle finger to gently pinch the muscle. Then, use your index finger to exert pressure by gradually releasing the pinch.
The jian jing acupressure point aids in relieving toothache and jaw aches. However, pregnant women must exercise this remedy with great care and caution.
It is always helpful to practice acupressure points for toothache with pictures or YouTube tutorials. Regular acupressure is one of the most effective natural ways to heal tooth pain, especially if you don’t want to take off-the-counter medicines and pain killers.
2. Gypsum (Shi Gao) to Alleviate Pain
If you’re confused about how to soothe a tooth that needs a root canal, gypsum might answer your doubts. Gypsum holds immense significance in traditional Chinese medicines for its pain-relieving benefits and cold properties. It aids in eliminating heat and inflammation and proves highly effective at treating toothaches, painful and inflamed gums, headaches, and high fever.
It can be taken as a standalone topical remedy or used with other Chinese herbs, such as indigo and ephedra. It is wise to avoid taking more than 15 to 60 grams of gypsum a day, and you can ground into a powder and used as an extract.
3. Myrrh (Mo Yao)
Oleoresin myrrh has remained a prominent remedy to alleviate toothaches and heal the mouth by eliminating bacteria and infections. Myrhh is immensely popular in ancient Chinese medicine, and it is also found in ancient African and Egyptian herbal healing rituals. You can buy myrrh tinctures from your local health and organic food stores.
You can add a few drops of myrrh into the water and use a cotton swab to apply the water to your aching teeth and gums. It boosts potent astringent compounds that ease away inflammation. Rinsing your mouth with myrrh water can eliminate bacteria and soothe aching gums. Just add one teaspoon of myrrh powder to two cups of lukewarm water, and rinse your mouth at least four to five times a day for effective results.
It is wise to avoid using myrrh as a long-term remedy, and if you suffer from kidney disease, it can be harmful to you.
4. Aloe vera
Applying aloe vera, known as Lu Hui in traditional Chinese medicinal practices, to the back of the mouth is one of the best natural ways to alleviate tooth pain and beautify your facial skill. This nontoxic plant is brimming with over 70 natural compounds, and ancient Chinese medicine practitioners revered its potent healing components that soothe inflammation and speed up the healing process.
It will help reduce the inflammation in the area surrounding your wisdom teeth and heal scratchy gums that bleed due to the wear and tear caused by the developing teeth. Aloe vera creates a cooling sensation that provides temporary relief from toothaches.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners regard tea tree oil as a powerful restorative remedy that promotes healing energies and allows effective restoration. Research reveals that tea tree oil acts as a potent antibacterial agent, and it eliminates harmful bacteria from the mouth to reduce inflammation.
However, it is essential to avoid applying tea tree oil directly to the mouth. First, you need to dilute it with coconut oil, boasting powerful antibacterial properties, and applying this mixture to your inflamed gum line and aching teeth. Be sure to rinse your mouth and spit out all the residue as tea tree oil should never be swallowed.
6. Peppermint Oil or Extracts
In traditional Chinese medicine, mint is revered for its cooling properties and rich concentrations of nutrients, including magnesium, folate, and Vitamin B2, amongst others. Be Ho, as mint is known in Chinese herbal practices, is considered highly effective at expelling toxins and stress, and enhancing the lung and liver meridians.
Peppermint extracts are brimming with potent compounds and essential oils that work to eliminate inflammation and soothe away toothaches.
If you seek cracked wisdom tooth pain relief instantly, soak up some cotton balls in peppermint oil and apply them to your painful teeth and gums. You can also massage the oil directly on your teeth and gums. It is also effective to use peppermint tea extracts to rinse your mouth regularly.
7. Rinse with Salt Water
A saltwater rinse is one of the most popular remedies to instantly relieve gum pain at night and enjoy a restful sleep. Take some lukewarm water and add a tablespoon of salt into it. Allow the salt to dissolve, and use this water to rinse your gums thoroughly. It will help eliminate all harmful bacteria, alleviate the pain caused by the inflammation, and protect your gums.
Wisdom teeth can often cause pain in other teeth, or promote the emergence of cysts as they tear through the gum line. So, be sure to keep rinsing your mouth with salt water to eliminate harmful bacteria and keep your mouth clean.
8. Massage some Clove Oil
Clinical research reveals that cloves work as an analgesic and they naturally relieve toothaches. Various lab studies have substantiated the potent pain-relieving benefits of clove, and their ability to eliminate bacteria that tends to grow within the mouth and promotes infections.
The ideal home remedy for toothache at night is to just put two-three drops of clove oil on your wisdom tooth. You can also boil six cloves to make a hot cup of clove tea or use the clove water to massage away the pain in your gums.
9. Cold or Warm Compress for Wisdom Tooth Pain
If you’re wondering how to soothe a tooth that needs a root canal, here’s the ideal solution for your pain. Use a cold or warm compress—a cold compress for toothache aids in alleviating pain and reducing the inflammation and swelling in the mouth. People often wonder will an ice pack help toothache, and the answer is yes, it most certainly will.
Research reveals that cold treatment aids in toothache relief by constricting the blood vessels and reducing the blood flow to the affected area of the mouth. This is why holding a bag of frozen peas or an ice pack to your cheek for a few minutes can numb the pain, and tone down the swollen gums.
Using a heating pad for toothache relief is also equally valid, and it works differently from a cold compress. Using a heating pad for tooth pain will help increase the blood flow to promote quick healing and reduce inflammation. Be sure to keep alternating both ice packs and a heating pad for tooth infection to avoid sleep disturbances and headaches.
10. Ear Seeds
One of the most effective natural ways to heal tooth pain, ear seeds are a simple and holistic healing solution. Made with Vaccaria seeds, known as Wang Bu Liu Xing Zi, these ear seeds provide lasting relief from pain amongst traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. You simply have to place the ear seeds on your ear lobe, and it will provide lasting relief from over 18 common ailments, including toothaches, migraines, and menstrual cramps.
Ear seeds typically come with tweezers, making it easier to use these tiny seeds and apply them to your ear. They make it easier to locate and heal pressure points within the ear and body, and create a soothing sensation that provides comfort by healing the pain.
Conclusion
We sincerely hope that our natural remedies and traditional Chinese medicinal practices help you learn how to heal tooth pain naturally. Many of these herbs, such as cloves and tea tree oil, act as a natural anesthetic for toothache as they numb the pain and soothe inflammation.
These natural ways to heal tooth pain will prove useful if you keep exercising these remedies regularly. It’s essential to be mindful of your dental hygiene, and avoid foods that require heavy chewing.
Related Reading:
- Is Ginger Good For Teeth And Gums? Here are 6 Benefits Nobody Tells You About
- Everything You Need To Know About How To Sleep With A Toothache
- Bruxism? Try Acupuncture For Teeth Grinding
Photo by S&B Vonlanthen on Unsplash, and Elly Fairytale from Pexels
