When you have a toothache you probably head right for the dentist. But what do you do when you have problems with your gums? Gum pain is an annoying issue that happens for a number of reasons.
There are really many reasons why your gums might hurt. But a lot gum problems of don’t cause pain right away. The possible reasons range from very minor to very serious.
It can be caused by something as simple as brushing too hard, wearing dentures, retainers, or braces.
For women, it may be caused by menopause, pregnancy od hormonal changes, and can happen around the time of their period.
Other times, gum pain may be a sign of a more serious oral health issue like gingivitis or periodontitis.
Explore some home remedies for quick gum pain relief. Make sure to also learn the difference between when you can safely treat your gum pain at home and when you should see a dentist.
Gum disease is also caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that contains bacteria.
Some bacteria in plaque are harmless, but some are harmful for the health of your gums.
If you do not remove plaque from your teeth by brushing them, it builds up and irritates your gums.
This can lead to redness with bleeding, swelling and soreness.
While there are many causes for tooth and gum pain, the treatment for most causes is pretty standard. Implementing an effective oral hygiene routine will most often help improve the health of your gums. Try these treatments at home:
Compress
Try either a hot or cold compress to help reduce pain.
For a hot compress:
Heat water to a tolerable temperature (not boiling). Soak a clean cloth in the hot water, and then squeeze out the excess.
Gently press the warm, damp cloth to your face near the area where your gum pain is occurring (not directly to your gums).
For a cold compress:
Wrap an ice pack in a clean cloth and apply it in the same way as above.
Use either method until your pain subsides, or alternate between hot and cold until any swelling and inflammation die down.
Teabags
Take a fresh bag of tea and steep it in boiling water for up to 5 minutes, as you do to make tea. When the tea bag is cool enough to touch, apply it directly to painful gums for at least 5 minutes.
Oral Anaesthetic Gels
You can also use oral anaesthetic gels you can get over the counter to help you with your gum pain.
These gels combine natural and synthetic ingredients to help numb your gums and bring you pain relief.
Oral gels usually use natural pain relievers such as clove or Spilanthes. Orajel and Anbesol, are common over the counter anaesthetic gels.
Hydrogen Peroxide
The hydrogen peroxide helps you soothe the pain and reduce gum inflammation. Hydrogen peroxide is a great agent to kills germs and fights many other oral problems.
To start, mix equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide. Swish the peroxide solution in your mouth for about 20 seconds, spit on the sink, and rinse your mouth off with warm water.
Another way to use hydrogen peroxide is to make a paste using baking soda. Apply the paste to your mouth, wait a minute, and then rinse off.
If nothing works, you should visit a professional. If you want to know how to prevent dental problems, check HERE.