Swollen gums are caused by a number of factors. People with swollen gums may suffer from gum disease, experience irritation from food or drink, tooth decay, nutritional deficiencies, or other oral problems. Some remedies for swollen gums are listed below, but remember, the only way to know for sure what is causing the swelling is to visit your dentist.
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Method 1 of 2: Relieve Swollen Gums
Step 1. Identify the cause of the swelling
Gums can swell for a variety of reasons, although in most cases it can be a sign of gum disease. It's important to identify the cause so you can take the right steps--either by treating it yourself at home, or making an appointment with the dentist. Some common causes include:
- How to brush or clean with the wrong dental floss. In many cases, swollen gums are the result of poor oral hygiene, when plaque is allowed to build up between the teeth and the gum line. To overcome this, you should start brushing your teeth properly and floss regularly to get rid of excess plaque. Also, most people who floss too harshly, something that can also lead to swelling.
- Gingivitis and periodontitis. If good oral hygiene is not maintained, gum diseases such as inflammation and periodontitis can develop easily. Gingivitis is a milder form, and can be cured quickly if treated early. On the other hand, periodontitis is a more serious condition and can result in tooth loss. If you suspect that you suffer from one of the two gum diseases above, then you should consult a dentist.
- Sprue. Canker sores that appear on the gums can cause pain and swelling. You can usually recognize canker sores, also known as canker sores, by their appearance; The edges are red with a whitish center. Canker sores can appear several at once, but are usually treatable and not contagious.
- Chemotherapy. One of the many unfortunate side effects of chemotherapy is painful, swollen and bleeding gums. Chemotherapy can also cause canker sores and painful sores on the gums. Although these symptoms can be alleviated, they cannot be stopped as long as chemotherapy treatment continues.
- Tobacco. Smoking and using other tobacco products, generally also contribute to swollen and painful gums. People who use tobacco products are even more likely to develop gum disease than non-users. As a result, the first step to relieve swollen gums is to quit smoking.
- Hormone. Swollen gums may also be caused by increased hormone release, which results in increased blood flow to the gums. These hormones include those produced during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Certain birth control pills also release these hormones.
Step 2. Gently brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth, the front and back (near the tongue)--generally up for the lower teeth and down for the upper teeth, and also in a circular motion, but avoid brushing sideways
As mentioned above, swollen gums are often the result of a layer of plaque building up on the teeth. The best case scenario is to remove plaque to avoid gum disease, since you can fix the problem easily by brushing your teeth gently and carefully and flossing. You should make an effort to brush your teeth at least twice a day, morning and night. And if possible, also after eating.
- Use a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles. Such a brush will effectively clean your teeth without causing further irritation. Avoid toothbrushes with medium or hard bristles, as these will make your gums more swollen and can also erode tooth enamel.
- No, brush harder no means better brushing. Gums are soft tissue, so brushing hard will do more harm than good. Avoid brushing in vigorous back-and-forth motions that don't follow the grooves between the teeth.
- Use a gum-protective toothpaste that is designed to prevent gingivitis. Most toothpaste brands issue a version of the gum protector.
Step 3. Clean the gaps with dental floss once a day to remove plaque that a toothbrush cannot reach
But avoid using it more than once a day, because it can irritate the gums even more.
Flossing is ignored by many people, but those who do have the opportunity to worsen the condition of swollen gums by doing it too harshly. Avoid "snapping" dental floss in your gaps as this can injure the vulnerable gum tissue. Instead, try to gently slide the floss between your teeth, following their respective grooves as you clean
Step 4. Rinse your mouth with purified water or with a salt water solution
Gargling with a salt water solution is the oldest trick to reduce swelling of the gums, but it's still one of the most effective. Salt functions as an anti-bacterial agent, cleanses the mouth of contaminants, and relieves inflamed gums.
- Gargle and circulate evenly in the mouth: Make your own saline solution, by dissolving a teaspoon of table salt in a cup of warm water. Move evenly in the mouth, between the teeth; for the solution to reach the gums. Do not swallow.
- Similar results can also be obtained by moving the mixture of water with lemon juice evenly in the mouth for about 30 seconds. It may not be as effective as a brine solution, but it may still taste better!
- Gargling with a salt water solution can also relieve sore throats, and is used to clean piercing holes, as well as to make a quick disinfectant for minor cuts or minor cuts.
Step 5. Use warm and cold compresses
Warm and cold compresses can be used as immediate and easy relief to relieve the pain of swollen gums. A warm compress is best for pain relief, while a cold compress will effectively reduce swelling. Place the compress on your face and not directly on the gums. Not only is this more awkward, but also to prevent the gums from getting more irritated due to sudden changes in temperature.
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To make a hot compress:
Soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water, wring it out to remove excess water, then place it on your face until the pain subsides.
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To make a cold compress:
Wrap small ice cubes with a clean cloth or kitchen tissue. Alternatively, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables (such as frozen peas) or a special cold pack that has been stored in the freezer. Apply the compress on the face until the swelling is reduced and the area becomes slightly numb.
Step 6. Avoid things that irritate the gums
When your gums are sore and swollen, it's important to avoid substances that will make the swelling worse, such as tobacco products and alcohol. Also, harsh mouthwashes -- which you might use to clean your mouth from germs -- can make swollen gums worse, so try to stop using them for a while.
Step 7. Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water will help flush food debris and bacteria from your mouth, limiting the build-up of plaque. In addition, drinking water will encourage the production of saliva, which naturally helps kill bacteria.
Step 8. Try gently massaging your gums
Gentle massage of the gums can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation by increasing blood circulation to the gums. Use gentle circular massage motions on the swollen gums for about a minute. Remember to wash your hands before doing this and make sure your nails are clean and have been cut short. This will help prevent the spread of bacteria.
Step 9. Apply a little clove oil
Clove oil is a natural remedy for swollen gums that has been shown to be effective in relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Apply a small amount of clove oil directly to the gums, three times a day using a cotton bud. Alternatively, you can pour a few drops of clove oil into a cup of water, then move it evenly in your mouth. Clove oil can be found in drug stores and health food stores.
Method 2 of 2: Preventing Swollen Gums
Step 1. Brush your teeth well and gently at least 2 or even 3 times a day
Brushing your teeth removes plaque from your mouth, helping fight gum disease and tooth decay. In fact, almost all oral health problems can be prevented by maintaining careful and consistent dental hygiene. You should brush your teeth at least once in the morning and once in the evening, and after eating, if at all possible.
If you are unsure about the correct brushing technique, then you should ask your dentist during your next check-up visit, your doctor will definitely be happy to help
Step 2. Flossing daily is an important part of an oral hygiene routine, but it is often overlooked
Flossing removes a layer of plaque and bacteria that builds up between your teeth, which your toothbrush cannot reach.
- Remember to floss gently so as not to irritate sensitive gum tissue, and use a new thread after flossing a pair of teeth, to prevent the spread of bacteria from one part of the mouth to another.
- If you find it awkward to floss, look for a special kind of toothpick at the drugstore--a small wooden or plastic skewer that you can slide into the gap between your teeth to achieve the same results as flossing.
Step 3. Make sure you eat a varied diet rich in vitamin C, calcium and folic acid
Poor nutrition can lead to gingivitis (among other problems). It is especially important for you to get your intake of vitamin C, calcium and folic acid from your daily diet. Given that vitamin C and Folic acid actively contribute to gum health, as well as prevent gingivitis. While on the other hand, it has been proven that people who lack calcium are more likely to develop gum-related diseases. Take a multi-vitamin every day, and eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit.
- Sources of foods that contain the most vitamin C include papaya, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, pineapple, brussels sprouts, kiwi, oranges, cantaloupe and kale.
- The best sources of calcium include dairy products such as milk itself, cheese, yogurt, as well as sardines, tofu, salmon, soy milk, cereals and curly cabbage.
- Foods high in folic acid include dark green vegetables, broccoli, asparagus, peas, beans, lentils, celery, avocados and oranges.
Step 4. Never gargle with vinegar or lemon juice:
Acidic substances can damage your teeth. Rinse your mouth with water.
Step 5. Get enough sleep and avoid stress
Fatigue can cause swelling in your face and gums, so try to get seven to eight hours of sleep a night. As much as possible, you should also avoid stress because stress causes the body to release the hormone cortisol, which has been linked to gingivitis and inflammation in other parts of the body.
- You can reduce stress by exercising regularly. Exercising releases happy hormones that are guaranteed to instantly put you in a good mood. In addition, exercise will make you tired, thus helping you sleep more soundly at night. A favorable situation from all angles!
- You can also reduce stress and promote relaxation by taking time out each day to go for a walk, read a book, or take a relaxing bath. It's also best not to overstimulate yourself before bed, so turn off the television and computer at least an hour before bedtime.
Step 6. Get rid of the tobacco
As previously mentioned, tobacco can be very irritating to the gums, and people who smoke or use other tobacco products are at a greater risk of developing gum disease. If possible, you should try to quit smoking, or at least reduce your tobacco use.
Step 7. Visit the dentist for a dental cleaning and examination
Swollen gums are often a manifestation of several dental problems such as periodontitis caused by plaque, germs and tooth decay. Therefore, if your gums are constantly swollen, you should make an appointment to consult a dentist. Your dentist can tell you exactly what's going on in your mouth and suggest the right treatment. Even if your teeth and gums appear to be completely healthy, it's a good habit to consult a dentist or dental hygienist at least twice a year.
Tips
- When brushing your teeth, make sure you don't brush so hard that it irritates your gums. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush in gentle, slow circular motions to keep your gums healthy.
- Replace your toothbrush every month, as old toothbrushes can be full of bacteria.
- Has your flossing habits changed recently? If you're returning to flossing after a short break, your gums may be sore, bleed a little, or be swollen for the first week. Keep going and your gums will adjust again!
Warning
- Be aware of very hot or very cold foods and drinks. Many people experience temperature-sensitive gums, especially as they get older. Therefore, it is best to avoid very cold drinks, or very hot tea, coffee or soup. This doesn't mean you have to avoid them altogether, you just have to wait for them to warm up or cool down before drinking.
- While you may find ways to relieve the pain at home, if your gums are still swollen, it's important to see a dentist. Oral diseases that are potentially the cause of your gingivitis can cause serious damage to your gums and teeth.
