How to stop wisdom teeth from hurting

What causes wisdom tooth pain?

Cleveland Clinic says pain comes from teeth that are impacted or come in partially or out of alignment, pressure on nerves, which can cause facial pain, and infection, cavities, gum disease, cysts or damage to neighboring teeth. Cleveland Clinic's pericoronitis article describes food and bacteria collecting under a flap of gum over a partly erupted tooth, causing swollen, red gums, pain and sometimes pus. Stopping the pain for good depends on treating that cause.

How to stop wisdom teeth from hurting

Healthline's jaw pain article suggests an ice pack on the cheek for 15 to 20 minutes at a time and over-the-counter pain relief used as directed, which are temporary measures. Cleveland Clinic's wisdom teeth page recommends good oral hygiene, brushing two to three times a day, flossing daily and taking extra time to clean hard-to-reach back surfaces. It does not list specific home remedies, so we do not either. See a dentist when pain returns, because the tooth may need to be removed or the gum flap treated.

When wisdom tooth pain needs a dentist

Cleveland Clinic says you might need removal if your wisdom teeth cause pain, infection or other issues. Swelling, a bad taste, fever, difficulty opening the mouth or pus point to infection, which needs treatment rather than home care. If you are not sure whether pain is coming from a wisdom tooth, a dentist can examine and X-ray the area.

How long does bleeding last after wisdom tooth removal?

Cleveland Clinic says light bleeding is expected on days 1 to 3 and should ease within about a week. Healthline says bleeding is expected on day 1, should reduce by days 2 to 4 and stop by days 5 to 14. The sources therefore agree on a first few days of oozing that fades within a week or two, with the range reflecting differences in surgery and healing.

How to stop bleeding after wisdom tooth extraction

Cleveland Clinic says to leave gauze in place for about 30 minutes after surgery, replace it with clean gauze if needed and stop once bleeding slows. Healthline says after the first 24 hours to gently dab the wound with gauze rather than rubbing or swishing, and that if bleeding does not stop with gauze held in place under pressure you should get medical help. Both advise against straws and swishing, which can dislodge the clot, and Cleveland Clinic advises avoiding aspirin, which thins the blood and can prolong bleeding, so ask your surgeon about pain relief. Healthline's page does not mention tea bags, and neither does Cleveland Clinic's.

Pain after removal and dry socket

Cleveland Clinic suggests an ice pack wrapped in a towel, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, several times a day, resting with the head raised, and taking prescribed medication as directed. Pain usually decreases around days 4 to 7, when warm salt water rinses can begin. Healthline says bleeding, pain or oozing that significantly increases between days 3 and 5 may signal dry socket. Our dry socket guides cover symptoms.

What to avoid

Healthline lists, for the first 24 hours, alcohol, caffeine, hot drinks, chewing, straws, smoking and vaping, and rinsing or spitting. After that it advises against heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, swishing, straws and hard or chewy foods. See our guides on smoking, sleeping and eating after removal.

Questions to ask your dentist or surgeon

Ask for written aftercare instructions and an out-of-hours number.

• How long should I expect bleeding, and what counts as too much?
• Which pain relief is safe for me, and for how long?
• When can I rinse, eat normally and exercise?
• What symptoms mean dry socket or infection?
• Who do I call if it happens at night or on a weekend?

Frequently asked questions