The gums are delicate tissues that are very sensitive to temperatures, inflammation and infections. Typical signs of some gum disease are bleeding, tingling or pain; gum disease can vary greatly in severity and symptoms can also signal important systemic diseases, as well as of the oral cavity. Learn how to relieve gum pain and manage more serious conditions, in order to reduce any discomfort.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Recognizing the Causes of Pain
Step 1. Determine if you have a mouth ulcer
It is an ulcer that can cause constant pain or when chewing; if it is localized on the gum, the tissue is painful. However, it is an easy disorder to spot; it typically manifests as an oval-shaped lesion with a red or white central area.
- Doctors have not yet been able to pinpoint the exact cause of the canker sores; they are sometimes caused by trauma to the oral cavity or acidic foods; they usually form when the immune defenses are lowered and can be a first sign of a weakened immune system.
- They typically heal on their own within a week or two.
Step 2. Check if you brush your teeth or floss the wrong way
If you take care of your oral hygiene inadequately, you can cause gum pain. If you brush too hard or use too much force with the floss, you can irritate the tissues, causing pain and bleeding.
- Choose a toothbrush with soft rather than hard bristles;
- Make circular movements and avoid brushing your teeth back and forth, otherwise you can irritate the gums. gingival retraction exposes the tooth root causing greater sensitivity.
Step 3. Pay attention to teething
Young children in particular may experience gum pain when their first teeth are about to come out; in adults, the gums can be sore when a tooth is not erupted properly. Another cause of gum pain is the eruption of wisdom teeth.
Impacted teeth can also be responsible for this discomfort, due to the fact that they are not able to get completely out of the tissue; they could remain under the gum or break it only partially. The most prone to this problem are the wisdom teeth or canines of the upper arch
Step 4. Determine if you have gum disease
They represent the most common causes of pain; at the beginning it is mostly gingivitis and can be treated with adequate oral care. A more serious form of oral disease is periodontitis, which can also lead to tooth loss. The main symptoms are:
- Red, swollen, or painful gums
- Halitosis;
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth;
- Gum recession that makes teeth appear larger
- Gum bleeding during and after brushing your teeth
- Gum pockets adjacent to the teeth;
- Weakness or instability of your teeth - you may be able to swing them with your tongue.
Step 5. Look for a small gum wound
Sometimes, some sharp object, rough or hot food can cause minor but painful injuries.
These are usually minor injuries that heal on their own within a few days to a week
Step 6. Identify possible oral cancer
It can be another cause of gum pain; this pathology causes blisters that do not heal, change in color and volume and are accompanied by pain.
Other symptoms of cancer are growths in the cheeks, neck or under the jaw, difficulty swallowing or chewing, problems moving the jaw or tongue, numbness of the tongue and mouth, voice change, a persistent sore throat or feeling of something stuck in the throat
Step 7. Go to the dentist
If you experience any kind of gum pain that doesn't go away, lesions that don't heal, or other unusual symptoms, you should see your dentist. Even if you think it's just gingivitis, a checkup every six months to a year can reduce the risk of gum disease.
If you have any symptoms of mouth cancer, severe dental disease, or other ailments such as fever or signs of infection, see your dentist immediately
Method 2 of 4: Reduce Pain with Drugs
Step 1. Use an oral gel
You can apply an antiseptic gel to relieve pain; many of these products contain a local anesthetic that soothes the discomfort. You can also try teething products or benzocaine gels.
- Use these products sparingly and never exceed the recommended dosage;
- Do not apply benzocaine products on the gums of young children without the consent of the pediatrician;
- However, keep in mind that these gels do not have antibiotic properties and do not cure infections;
- Alternatively, you can use alcohol-free mouthwashes to relieve discomfort.
Step 2. Take over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter products such as paracetamol (Tachipirina) or ibuprofen (Brufen) can help reduce gum pain.
- Follow the dentist's instructions to know how often you can take them; if you are not followed by a dentist, carefully read the leaflet regarding the dosage and do not exceed the recommended daily dosage.
- If you still feel pain after two or three days, contact your doctor.
- Do not dissolve aspirin or other pain relievers directly on sore gums.
Step 3. Get a prescription
If you have severe gum problems, an infection, or a tooth abscess, your doctor may prescribe medicines to manage the pain and treat the underlying disease.
He may point you to oral antibiotics or some prescription gels that are typically a combination of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and vitamins, such as A. See your doctor to find the most suitable treatment for your specific situation
Method 3 of 4: Relieve Pain with Home Remedies
Step 1. Apply an ice cube or cold pack
Cold therapy can relieve gum pain; place an ice cube or crushed ice on your gums, as long as your teeth and tissue are not sensitive to cold.
- The cold reduces inflammation and numbs the area, thereby relieving the discomfort.
- You can crush some ice and put it in a balloon or finger cut out of a plastic glove, but not latex; close the end and place it on the sore gum.
- Cold foods also help manage the disorder, reducing swelling and numbing the painful area. Freeze slices of apple, banana, mango, guava, grape or pineapple and place them on the affected gum.
Step 2. Prepare a mouth rinse
You can use different products to create a homemade mouthwash that promotes healing and relieves pain; you can proceed with the rinses three or four times a day.
- Dissolve half a teaspoon of sea salt in 120ml of hot water; hold the mixture in your mouth on the painful area for about 30-60 seconds and finally spit it out. You can repeat the treatment two or three more times; when finished, rinse your mouth with warm water. Make sure you don't ingest the salt solution.
- To soothe swelling and discomfort, you can also prepare a mixture with hydrogen peroxide; mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with an equal amount of water; rinse your mouth for 15-30 seconds, being careful not to swallow the liquid.
- Rinse your gums with apple cider vinegar. Mix 60ml of hot water with vinegar and hold the solution on the affected area for 30-60 seconds; then spit out the liquid and repeat two or three more times. Finally, rinse with warm water. Alternatively, you can soak a cotton ball in vinegar and place it on the suffering gum for 10 minutes; be careful not to ingest the mixture of water and vinegar.
- A traditional remedy to treat inflammation is sage. Boil it to make an infusion and use the liquid to rinse your mouth, reduce pain and gum inflammation. To prepare the herbal tea, take a handful of fresh and washed leaves or a heaped teaspoon of dried sage; add the plant material to 250 ml of boiling water and wait for it to cool. Then let the liquid sit on the affected area for 20-30 seconds each time you gargle.
- Other equally effective plants are wormwood, chamomile and aloe. Always consult your doctor before using natural remedies, as they may cause negative interactions with other medications you are taking or with certain conditions.
Step 3. Massage the gums
It can provide relief from discomfort. Use a clean finger and gently make circular movements on the surface of the sore gum, trying to reach the sides as much as possible. Rub in 15 rotations clockwise and as many counterclockwise; be careful not to massage too hard or not to press too hard.
- Repeat the treatment at least three or four times a day.
- Massage can be helpful in relieving pain due to wisdom teeth, as it facilitates their eruption through the gums while alleviating pain.
Step 4. Try a warm compress
To be sure, it is rarely effective for gum pain, but some people get relief from it. If you find that it makes you feel better, you can prepare a warm compress and apply it to your painful gums three or four times a day.
- Take a small cloth soaked in hot water or, if you prefer, soaked in one of the herbal teas listed above.
- Alternatively, you can use a warm sachet of herbs; wet the sachet of a herbaceous plant with anti-inflammatory properties in hot water and place it on the gum, leaving it to act for about five minutes. Repeat two to three times a day. You can use clove, hydraste, echinacea, sage or even black or green tea.
Step 5. Eliminate the irritants
Sometimes, you may experience gum pain due to some food residue stuck in your teeth. if so, to relieve the discomfort, you can use dental floss to clean the area near the gum and remove the stuck particle.
Step 6. Massage the gums with essential oils
There are several types of oils that are useful for your purpose; most of those listed below have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which make them effective in reducing swelling, inflammation while preventing possible infections. You can massage your gums up to four or five times a day to soothe the discomfort. Clove oil has proven to be the most effective and you can rub it directly on the mucous membranes; however, there are other equally valuable ones against this type of pain. Try massaging your gums by adding a few drops of:
- Hot olive oil;
- Warm vanilla extract;
- Melaleuca;
- Cloves;
- Mint;
- Cinnamon;
- Sage;
- Hydraste;
- Coconut.
Step 7. Try an onion, garlic, or ginger remedy
They are plants with anti-inflammatory properties and help reduce the infection of the gum tissues. They are known for their pain relieving efficacy; you can place them on sore gums or prepare a soothing paste.
- Cut a clove of onion or garlic, place it directly on the tooth above the suffering gum and bite it gently to release the juice; afterwards, you can eat a mints or two or brush your teeth.
- Cut a slice of fresh ginger and place it on the affected gum; again, carefully bite into the root to release the juices. Keep in mind that it has a strong and somewhat spicy flavor.
Step 8. Make a spice paste
Turmeric and asafoetida are traditionally used in Indian cuisine; however, turmeric is also known for its medicinal properties, mainly because it acts as an antimicrobial and an anti-inflammatory. You can find it in powdered resin form and it is on sale in all supermarkets and / or ethnic shops.
- Combine a teaspoon of turmeric with half a teaspoon of salt and a half of mustard oil; rub the mixture into the gum twice a day to reduce pain.
- Take a pinch of turmeric powder, add enough fresh lemon juice to make a paste and apply it directly to the aching gum. let it act for about 5 minutes. Repeat the treatment two or three times a day. Pay attention if the teeth begin to yellow or become covered with dark spots that do not disappear even with the toothbrush and toothpaste; in this case, stop the treatment.
- The turmeric dough has a bitter taste and a rather unpleasant smell, which is partially masked by the lemon juice; however, you should rinse your mouth carefully after the treatment is finished.
Method 4 of 4: Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Step 1. Brush your teeth
Make sure you do this at least twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush; your teeth and gums can be damaged if you apply too much pressure or if you use a hard-bristled toothbrush. To clean them, scrub them gently with back and forth movements.
- Avoid using a toothbrush that is too old, as it is bad for your teeth; when new, the tips of the bristles are rounded, but after a few months they start to get sharp and can do more harm than good.
- Also be sure to brush your tongue too;
- Keep the toothpaste in your mouth without rinsing. Spit out the excess foam, but do not rinse your mouth with water; in this way, you give the minerals in the product more time to be absorbed by the teeth.
Step 2. Floss every day
Take the time to use it daily; take a 50 cm long segment, wrap most of it around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the other middle finger. Hold the thread firmly with your thumb and forefinger.
- Gently slide the floss into the interdental space, moving it back and forth; curve it around the base of each tooth.
- Once the crack is clean, move the floss up and down and slide it to the sides of the teeth;
- After scrubbing one tooth, unroll some floss and use the clean segment to treat the next interdental space.
- Be especially careful in the area of your wisdom teeth once they have erupted.
Step 3. Rinse your mouth
Consider using some type of mouthwash after meals to get rid of food particles and other residues. these substances cause the formation of plaque, tooth decay, tartar and lead to gum disease. After a meal, take a few moments to clean your mouth.
You can rinse your mouth with plain water, a mouthwash or a home solution like diluted hydrogen peroxide
Step 4. Visit your dentist regularly
Make annual or six-monthly appointments to undergo a professional cleaning. Most private health insurances cover the costs of routine cleaning.
This way, you not only ensure your teeth stay clean, but allow the dentist to spot any dental or gum disease early on before it becomes too severe
Step 5. Don't use tobacco products
Cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco increase the risk of gum disease. You should completely avoid any form of tobacco; if you are a smoker, you should stop to reduce the risk of oral disease.
Smoking stains your teeth and causes bad breath
Step 6. Get enough vitamin C and calcium
Make sure you are not deficient in these nutrients, as low vitamin C intake causes swollen, bleeding gums and even tooth loss.
- Citrus fruits and their juices (such as oranges and grapefruits), kiwis, sweet peppers, papaya, strawberries, broccoli and melon are all rich in this vitamin;
- Calcium is present in large quantities in dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream, but also in sardines, green leafy vegetables, fortified soy milk and its derivatives.
