If you’re experiencing wisdom tooth swelling, it can be painful, uncomfortable, and even disrupt your daily activities. While seeing a dentist is the best long-term solution, you may need immediate relief before your appointment. Luckily, there are several effective home remedies that can help reduce swelling, ease pain, and prevent infection. In this guide, we’ll explore the best emergency treatments for wisdom tooth swelling that you can try at home.

What Causes Wisdom Tooth Swelling?

Wisdom tooth swelling is often caused by:

• Impacted wisdom teeth (stuck under the gums and pushing against other teeth).
• Pericoronitis (infection of the gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth).
• Cavities or decay in wisdom teeth.
• Gum infection due to trapped food or bacteria.
• Cyst formation around the wisdom tooth.

If your swelling is severe or accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, or spreading infection, seek urgent dental care.

Best Home Remedies for Wisdom Tooth Swelling

If you need fast relief, try these emergency home treatments:

1. Saltwater Rinse

A saltwater rinse helps reduce wisdom tooth swelling because salt has natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps kill bacteria, cleanse the area, and reduce swelling by drawing out excess fluid from the gums. Additionally, it promotes healing and soothes irritated tissues, making it an effective home remedy for temporary relief.

• Mix ½ teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water.
• Swish gently in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out.
• Repeat 3–4 times daily to reduce swelling and kill bacteria.

2. Cold Compress

A cold compress helps reduce wisdom tooth swelling by constricting blood vessels, which minimizes blood flow to the affected area. This process lowers inflammation, numbs the pain, and reduces discomfort. Applying an ice pack to the outside of the cheek in intervals (15-20 minutes on, 10 minutes off) is an effective way to manage swelling in the first 24-48 hours after symptoms appear.

• Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas in a cloth.
• Apply to the outside of the cheek near the swollen area.
• Hold for 15–20 minutes, then rest for 10 minutes.
• Repeat every few hours to reduce swelling and numb pain.

3. Clove Oil

Clove oil is a natural remedy known for its pain-relieving and antibacterial properties. It contains eugenol, a compound that acts as a natural anesthetic and anti-inflammatory agent, helping to numb the affected area and reduce swelling. Applying clove oil to the swollen gum can provide temporary relief from wisdom tooth pain and help fight bacteria that may cause infection.

• Dip a cotton ball in clove oil and apply it to the swollen gum.
• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing with water.
• Repeat 2–3 times daily.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Hydrogen peroxide rinse helps reduce wisdom tooth swelling by killing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and promoting oral hygiene. It works as an antiseptic, preventing infection in the affected area. However, it should be diluted with water and not swallowed, as high concentrations can cause irritation.

• Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water.
• Swish in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out.
• Repeat once or twice daily, but do NOT swallow.

5. Garlic Paste

Garlic Paste is effective for wisdom tooth swelling because garlic contains allicin, a natural compound with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce infection, combat bacteria, and provide mild pain relief when applied to swollen gums.

• Crush one garlic clove and mix it with a little salt.
• Apply the paste to the swollen gum for 5–10 minutes.
• Rinse your mouth with water afterward.
• Repeat twice daily.

6. Turmeric Paste

Turmeric Paste is effective for wisdom tooth swelling because turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compound. It helps reduce swelling, relieve pain, and fight infection when applied directly to the affected area.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little water to form a paste.
• Apply directly to the swollen area.
• Leave it for 5–10 minutes, then rinse.
• Repeat 2–3 times a day.

7. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

• Take ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.
• Helps reduce both pain and swelling.
• Avoid aspirin if bleeding is present.

8. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera Gel helps reduce wisdom tooth swelling because it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and soothing properties. Aloe vera can help calm irritated gums, promote healing, and provide mild pain relief when applied directly to the swollen area. Its natural cooling effect also helps ease discomfort.

• Apply pure aloe vera gel to the swollen gum.
• Leave it for 10–15 minutes, then rinse.
• Repeat twice daily.

9. Peppermint Tea Bags

Peppermint tea bags help reduce wisdom tooth swelling because peppermint contains natural anti-inflammatory and numbing properties. The menthol in peppermint provides a cooling effect, which can soothe irritated gums and relieve pain. Additionally, peppermint has mild antibacterial properties that may help prevent infection. Using a cooled peppermint tea bag as a compress can provide temporary relief from swelling and discomfort.

• Soak a peppermint tea bag in hot water, then let it cool.
• Place the tea bag on the swollen gum for 15 minutes.
• Repeat as needed.

What NOT to Do

• Don’t poke or press the swollen area—this can make it worse.
• Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol, as they can delay healing.
• Don’t apply aspirin directly to the gums—it can cause irritation.
• Avoid spicy or acidic foods, which can aggravate inflammation.

When to See a Dentist

Home remedies can provide temporary relief, but professional treatment is necessary if:

• Swelling lasts more than 3 days or worsens.
• You have severe pain, fever, or pus discharge.
• Your jaw feels stiff or you have difficulty swallowing.
• The swelling spreads to your face or neck.

Final Thoughts

Wisdom tooth swelling can be painful, but these home remedies can help reduce discomfort while you wait to see a dentist. For lasting relief, consult your dentist to determine if wisdom tooth removal or other treatment is necessary.

References

1. American Dental Association (ADA). “Managing Wisdom Tooth Pain and Swelling.” www.ada.org
2. Mayo Clinic. “Home Remedies for Oral Pain Relief.” www.mayoclinic.org