Wisdom teeth make up the third series of molars that develop in the back of the mouth; they do not have enough space to pop or grow normally and can only partially erupt from the gums. Due to their location, it is difficult to keep them clean and they are more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. If yours aren't completely erupted and you don't plan on having surgery to get them out, keeping them clean can minimize the risk of oral problems, such as tooth decay, infection, or pain.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Provide Proper Hygiene
Step 1. Brush your wisdom teeth with a thin-headed toothbrush
For proper oral hygiene it is essential to keep the mouth clean, including the area of partially erupted teeth. The easiest way to wash these areas is with a small toothbrush, as it can reach even the most difficult places.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and before bed. you should also clean them after meals to remove food residues.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to not irritate them; apply gentle pressure and make slow circular motions. The gums are likely to be very sensitive around these teeth, so proceed with great caution to avoid unnecessary pain and even edema; try to use models with round and narrow heads or electric ones.
- Remember to also wash the area under the operculum (the gum flap that partially covers the tooth).
- It also treats the tongue to minimize the possibility of debris entering the gums causing or prolonging the infection.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste for optimal cleansing.
Step 2. Floss at least once a day
Take your time to clean every space between one tooth and the next; you can use the classic wire or take an electric one to get rid of the stuck residues. It also treats the area around the wisdom tooth or below the gum line.
- Take at least 45 cm of thread and wrap it around each index finger (or the fingers that are most comfortable for you); you can grab it firmly using your thumbs and index fingers for more effective cleaning.
- Be very gentle when running the floss between the interdental spaces; fold it against the side of the tooth when you reach the gum line.
- Rub each side of each tooth by moving the floss vertically; you should spend about 20 seconds on each tooth to clean it thoroughly, counting each movement of the floss until it becomes an established habit.
- If you need it, use more thread.
- You can start cleaning your mouth with a floss or a toothbrush, although there is some evidence that fluoride from the toothpaste is better able to reach the enamel from the floss.
- You can buy dental floss in all supermarkets, pharmacies and parapharmacies.
Step 3. Use an antiseptic mouthwash
After brushing your teeth and flossing, rinse your mouth with cool water. There is some evidence that mouthwash reduces plaque buildup, the development of gingivitis, and improves overall oral health; in addition, it also rinses away residual food particles and germs.
- Move the liquid from one cheek to the other; move it around your mouth to make sure it reaches your wisdom teeth as well.
- Mouthwashes with a chlorhexidine concentration of less than 0.02% are best, while those that contain alcohol can dry out the mouth and cause bad breath.
- You can buy chlorhexidine-containing mouthwashes at pharmacies and some supermarkets.
- Stop using this disinfectant for 7 days every two weeks to prevent it from staining your teeth.
Step 4. Gargle with salt water if your gums become inflamed
A simple saline wash not only keeps your mouth and teeth clean between brush uses, but reduces any painful inflammation.
- Prepare the solution by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in 250ml of hot water.
- Move it in your mouth for about thirty seconds before gently spitting it out.
- Rinse after each meal to get rid of food remnants.
- The saline solution can soothe the sore, inflamed gums that often accompany incompletely erupted wisdom teeth.
- Chamomile tea can reduce inflammation, so you can use it as a mouthwash once a day.
Step 5. Use a sprinkler to clean the area around the teeth
You can use a special tool or a small, needle-free plastic syringe to rinse the wisdom tooth area. Proceed after each meal and before bed to effectively get rid of any food residue that could trigger an infection.
- You can fill the sprinkler with normal saline; if the water pressure is excessive and causes the gums to bleed, increase the distance between the nozzle and the tissues by making circular movements for about thirty seconds.
- Place the tip of the tool next to the partially blunt tooth.
- You can buy the sprinkler at drugstores and medical supply stores.
Step 6. Keep your mouth moist
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to moisturize the mucous membranes as well; this simple action minimizes bacterial proliferation and the risk of infection.
Step 7. Schedule of regular dental visits
Going to the dentist every six months is an integral part of proper oral hygiene; If your wisdom teeth are growing, you should increase the frequency of checkups to ensure good mouth health.
Tell your doctor about any problem that is bothering you that involves your wisdom teeth
Part 2 of 2: Managing the Pain
Step 1. Take some pain relievers
You may experience pain when your wisdom teeth are not fully erupted. You can take both over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers to reduce pain and possibly swelling.
- Ibuprofen and paracetamol are able to give relief or cancel the discomfort; ibuprofen also acts on inflammation by controlling gingival edema.
- If over-the-counter products aren't enough, your doctor may prescribe stronger active ingredients.
Step 2. Apply an ice pack to manage swelling and pain
When wisdom teeth erupt, you may experience pain and swollen oral mucous membranes. by placing the ice pack on your cheek you can minimize these symptoms.
- Wrap the compress in a cloth to avoid chilblains.
- You can use cold therapy for 20 minutes at a time, but don't exceed 5 applications per day.
Step 3. Consult your dentist or dental surgeon
If the pain is really unbearable or you have other discomfort related to the development of wisdom teeth, such as an infection, see your dentist or surgeon. Both of these professionals can plan a therapy that might involve an extraction and make sure there is no infection.
Your dentist may refer you to a dental surgeon for a consultation
Step 4. Get a prescription for antibiotics
In some cases, a bacterial infection develops around the teeth because bacteria accumulate under the gum flap that covers them; this complication is called pericoronitis. If the infection is severe enough, the dentist prescribes a course of antibiotics or even surgery.
The active ingredient most used to combat pericoronitis is penicillin
Step 5. Undergo a dental extraction
Sometimes, surgery is the best solution to ensure oral health, eliminate pain, and treat partially erupted wisdom teeth. Discuss this with your dentist or dental surgeon to find out which option is best for you.
- Doctors generally recommend surgery for a number of reasons, including: severe infection or gum disease around wisdom teeth, tooth decay that has only partially erupted, the need to create space for proper tooth alignment during orthodontic treatment or when the wisdom tooth compromises the health of the adjacent one.
- Wisdom tooth extraction is done on an outpatient basis, so you can go home on the day of the surgery.
- The procedure is usually safe and involves no serious complications, aside from some swelling and pain.
Warnings
- Do not use a toothpick to remove food debris, as this can injure the gum and cause an infection.
- If the partially erupted area of the tooth swells or is excessively painful, see your dentist right away.
