What to Do When Wisdom Teeth Swell (Hint: It’s Not to Panic)
What to Do When Wisdom Teeth Swell (Hint: It’s Not to Panic)
July 20, 2022

Wisdon Tooth Extraction

If there’s an award for Peskiest Tooth Ever, that should go to wisdom teeth. These pearly whites can cause many problems, even if they initially seem harmless. For one, they can crowd other teeth and cause them to shift out of place. When this occurs, cleaning your teeth properly is challenging, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. 

Wisdom teeth can also become impacted, so they get stuck and can’t break through the gum, which results in extreme pain that can lead to infection. In these cases, wisdom teeth must be extracted by a dentist.

It’s not necessary to have wisdom teeth to chew properly, and extracting them won’t affect the appearance of your smile. If you’re having problems with swelling due to your wisdom teeth, your dentist may recommend having them removed.

However, wisdom teeth can often result in swelling, even before they are extracted or reveal themselves. If you struggle with this, read on to know how to reduce this problem.

The Four Main Causes

  • Bacteria are present in the mouth in large numbers and play an important role in oral health. These microorganisms can be beneficial, helping to protect the teeth and gums from infection, or they can be harmful, causing tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Wisdom teeth that only grow partially out of the gums can cause many problems. They can lead to swelling, pain, and other issues. This is because they can leave areas in the mouth susceptible to infections and bacteria growth.
  • Wisdom teeth that erupt at a strange angle or are misaligned can cause problems. They may crowd other teeth, grow at an angle, and rub against other teeth. This can cause pain, inflammation, and damage to the other teeth.
  • Sometimes, wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow correctly in the mouth. They can grow at an angle if there isn’t enough space. Even though slanted wisdom teeth don’t cause pain or swelling, they are difficult to clean. Therefore, bacteria can build up and cause cavities or infections. Your dentist may have to remove the wisdom teeth or other pearly whites to make room.

The Solutions

These remedies can apply during pre- or post-extraction scenarios:

  • A saline solution can help reduce swelling and kill bacteria in the mouth. You can make it home by dissolving a few tablespoons of salt in a glass of water. Gargle uses this several times a day to disinfect the gum line.
  • Applying a cold compress to the swollen areas can help to reduce the swelling. Apply and hold an ice pack to the swollen area for 10–15 minutes before removing. Repeat this process a few times as needed.
  • To reduce swelling, mix an equal amount of baking soda with your toothpaste and apply it directly to the swollen area.
  • Avoid chewing on the affected area. If possible, stick to a soft diet for the first week, as chewing can open the wound and cause bleeding. After this period, you can slowly transition to your regular diet.

Swelling Won’t Stop? Visit a Dentist in Hamilton, Ontario

Book your appointment at Royal East Dental if your wisdom teeth swelling doesn’t go away with the above solutions. Our family clinic provides patients with emergency, pediatric, cosmetic, and other forms of dentistry! Learn more by visiting our website!