Collaborative Post¦ I recently wrote about the agony I went through with wisdom tooth pain a few weeks ago. Being in the late second trimester/early third trimester of pregnancy, there wasn’t a great deal I could do to help it! Of course, if I’d had a good dentist, it wouldn’t have troubled me for as long as it did. Fortunately, I found a good one and paid to have it removed. However, for some people it’s not an option to have a wisdom tooth out during pregnancy. Indeed, dentists often prefer to wait until after your baby is born. As such, that leaves you with a lot of pain in the meantime. Here are some things you can do to help relieve it.
1. Paracetamol
I didn’t find that paracetamol really helped me at all. However, depending on the severity of your pain, it will hopefully at least take the edge off! From previous tooth pain, I know that ibuprofen helps so much more. However, ibuprofen should not be taken during pregnancy!
2. Ice pack
Holding an ice pack on the side of your face for 15 minutes at a time can really help to soothe pain, or at least serve as a distraction to your brain! It can also help to reduce any swelling or inflammation. If you don’t have an ice pack, the traditional packet of peas always works well!
3. Salt rinse
Doing a salt water mouth rinse may not be medicinal, but has been used for thousands of years. It works as an anti-inflammatory, helps to inhibit bacteria and feels very soothing.
4. Distraction
Distracting yourself as much from the pain as you possibly can is also a good idea. I recommend things like binge watching a good series on Netflix or doing something that keeps your mind active like a puzzle.
5. Toothpaste
Obviously keeping up your teeth brushing routine is important – poor dental hygiene will only make things worse. However, this tip is a little more specific. When I was suffering with my wisdom tooth pain, the lovely Rachel Bustin recommended rubbing Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste on it. It actually really did help to provide some relief. I tried it with my usual Sensodyne toothpaste but nothing happened.
6. Teabags
Tea contains tannins which can help to reduce inflammation. Try covering a teabag in water in a small bowl and microwaving it for around 15 seconds (you want it to be warm but not hot; you’re already in enough pain without burning your poor mouth!) Squeeze most of the water out of it and press it into your mouth by the affected tooth and gum. I found holding it at the side wedged between my teeth and cheek for 15 minutes or so provided some relief.
7. Clove Oil
I didn’t try clove oil, but a lot of people vouch for it! Clove oil contains a natural anaesthetic and helps to numb and reduce pain and inflammation. You can get it from chemists and gently painting it onto the tooth or holding some on a piece of cotton wool against the tooth for a couple of minutes can apparently really help.
8. Being propped up
I found that when I was laying down, my wisdom tooth pain was a lot worse. This is likely due to the way in which blood flows to your head and neck area, from what I’ve read. Therefore, you may find that propping yourself up with some pillows rather than laying down to go to sleep could result in a lot less pain and more sleep.
I hope that these tips help you to find some relief, as they helped me! If the pain persists, don’t hesitate to consult the dental care in Marlborough ma for expert advice.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.