Sore gums can be quite annoying, plus they hinder the chewing of food and the articulation of words. This disorder can occur due to gingivitis, a localized inflammation in the area of the gums. In some cases, an incorrect diet and poor oral hygiene can cause irritation and gum inflammation. To treat the discomfort, make changes to your lifestyle and diet or try natural remedies. You can also go to a dentist to perform a dental cleaning and other targeted treatments.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Changing Lifestyle and Nutrition
Step 1. Apply a hot or cold compress
Take a clean cloth and soak it in warm water. Squeeze it out and leave it on the painful area for 5 minutes. Heat helps relieve pain.
- To make a cold compress, use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas. Wrap it with a towel and leave it on the painful area for 1 to 2 minutes. Cold packs help reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Make a compress (hot or cold) several times to relieve the discomfort you feel in the gum area.
Step 2. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid the gum area
Pain can be symptomatic of gingivitis due to poor oral hygiene. To treat it, try brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft toothbrush and make sure you brush your teeth well. Gently wipe the gum line as well, so as not to irritate them further.
Use dental floss to treat gingivitis. Be careful when passing it to the root of the gums in order not to irritate them further. When you have gingivitis, brushing and flossing can cause more bleeding
Step 3. Eat cold foods
Opt for a popsicle, a scoop of ice cream, or frozen grapes. Cold foods help soothe gum discomfort.
Jelly, pudding, and cold soups are other good options
Step 4. Avoid crunchy or hard foods
They can irritate the gums and cause them to swell even more. Avoid foods like chips, nuts, and toast.
Step 5. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
If your gums hurt, take a pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Follow the instructions on the package insert and do not exceed the recommended dose.
If your gums continue to hurt despite pain relievers, or the pain doesn't go away within a few days, see a dentist to treat them
Method 2 of 3: Use Natural Gum Remedies
Step 1. Rinse your mouth with salt water
Salt helps heal sore gums and prevent bacterial buildup in the oral cavity, which can make the discomfort worse. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water. Then, rinse your mouth with the solution 2 or 3 times a day until you start to feel better.
Do not ingest salt water: it can cause stomach pain
Step 2. Apply turmeric paste to your gums
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has antioxidant properties and reduces swelling. Mix a pinch of turmeric with 2 teaspoons of water until it forms a paste. Apply it to your gums with clean fingers. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Massage it with your fingers for at least 1 minute, then wash it off with warm water.
Be aware that turmeric can temporarily stain your teeth, but these stains go away on their own
Step 3. Apply an iced tea bag
Iced tea bags help relieve swelling and discomfort. Use peppermint, turmeric, or eucalyptus tea. There are other options too, such as chamomile. Leave the sachet to steep in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the bag from the water and let it cool on a plate for 3 to 5 minutes. Once it has cooled, place it directly on the swollen gums.
Make sure the sachet is not too hot when you apply it to your gums to avoid burning yourself
Method 3 of 3: Go to the Dentist
Step 1. Allow the dentist to examine the teeth and gums
If they hurt you or the discomfort doesn't go away after a few days, book a visit to the dentist. He will look at the teeth and gums to see if there are any symptoms associated with gingivitis or periodontitis.
- It may also ask you questions about your diet, as a vitamin C deficiency can cause inflammation of the gums.
- If you wear braces or another dental device such as a retainer, your dentist may ask if it causes discomfort in the oral cavity.
- Certain medicines can cause gum swelling. If you take any medications, be sure to tell the dentist.
Step 2. Get a dental cleaning
If you have gingivitis, your dentist may recommend a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums to remove plaque and bacteria. The procedure should relieve swelling and pain.
In some cases, more serious conditions may occur that require surgery. Your dentist will give you more information on this if needed
Step 3. Ask your dentist if an analgesic gum ointment can be used
It should be applied to the gums to temporarily relieve pain. Ointments generally contain benzocaine, which has anesthetic properties. If necessary, the dentist will give you a prescription to buy this type of medicine.
Keep in mind that this is only a temporary solution. To promote proper healing, you will need to address the real cause of the discomfort
Step 4. Learn about the changes you can make to your lifestyle and oral hygiene
If the pain is due to a vitamin C deficiency, your dentist may suggest you take vitamin C supplements or eat more foods rich in ascorbic acid. If you are not in the habit of brushing your teeth and flossing, they may recommend that you take the time to do this at least twice a day.
- Your dentist can show you how to brush and floss properly to remove plaque and bacteria responsible for inflammation.
- He may also recommend that you use a mouthwash or chew xylitol gum after meals to treat inflamed gums.
