To reduce gum swelling, practice excellent oral hygiene (gentle brushing, flossing), rinse with warm salt water, use a cold compress externally, and consider over-the-counter pain relief or antiseptic mouthwash for temporary relief, but see a dentist for persistent swelling to address underlying causes like gum disease.
Top 5 Remedies to Soothe Swollen Gums at Home
In babies and toddlers, swollen gums usually indicate new teeth erupting. Teething can lead to soreness, drooling, and crankiness. You can help soothe them by gently massaging their gums or with a cold teething ring.
Your dentist will also recommend good oral hygiene to help reduce your symptoms, including:
A: Yes, gum disease can cause jaw pain, which may contribute to headaches. The inflammation and infection in the gums can affect the jaw joint, leading to discomfort and headaches.
The 3-3-3 rule for toothache is a temporary pain management strategy: take 3 ibuprofen (200mg each) three times a day for 3 days, but 3 hours apart (or every 8 hours), to reduce inflammation and pain until you can see a dentist; it's crucial to consult a doctor first, especially with underlying conditions, as it's not a cure but a short-term fix for inflammation.
Rinsing with salt water 2-3 times a day can be effective in battling a gum infection. Be careful to not rinse with salt water too often, as this can cause the salt to affect your tooth enamel. Other homemade mouthwash combinations can also be effective, such as lemongrass and oil, aloe vera, and tea tree oil.
Anything that makes contact with your gums can cause you pain, so fine and soft bristles are always the best choice. The toothpaste marketed as “Sensitive Teeth Formula” contain special ingredients to help relieve sensitivity. When your gums are inflamed, even light brushing can cause some pain.
Daily you should look for signs of changes in your mouth. Redness, swelling or bleeding of the gums are indicators of pregnancy gingivitis. Sometimes this is more apparent while eating and more frequently occurs while brushing and flossing.
Green tea is one of the best beverages for maintaining healthy gums and teeth. It contains catechins, a type of antioxidant that helps fight bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gums. Drinking green tea regularly can lower your risk of developing gum disease and freshen your breath.
You might feel concerned if you look in the mirror and notice swollen gums. Inflamed gums are a warning that something isn't quite right in your body. Gum disease is the most common cause. But inflamed gums can point to other health conditions too, like diabetes, hormone changes and vitamin deficiencies.
Swollen gums
An increase in the size of the gums (known as gingival hyperplasia) is reported as a symptom in a small portion of leukaemia patients. The gum around the teeth will look swollen with inspection and you might feel a tightness in your mouth.
Herpes simplex gingivostomatitis (jin-juh-voe-sto-ma-tie-tis) is inflammation of the gums and lips caused by the herpes virus – the same virus that later causes cold sores. This inflammation damages the skin, resulting in painful ulcers in the mouth and blisters on the lips.
The longer that plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva. In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. This is called gingivitis. If not treated, gingivitis can lead to tooth decay, periodontitis and tooth loss.
From gum disease to bacterial infections, swollen gums indicate an underlying issue that requires prompt attention. Ignoring the problem may lead to severe complications, including tooth loss, abscesses, and even systemic health concerns.
These hormonal variations significantly influence gingival health, leading to various periodontal conditions. During puberty, elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone enhance blood circulation to the gingival tissues, increasing their sensitivity to plaque and resulting in puberty gingivitis.
How Can I Treat Red and Swollen Gums?
Five key warning signs during pregnancy needing immediate medical attention include vaginal bleeding, severe headaches with vision changes, decreased baby movement, severe abdominal pain/cramping, and signs of preterm labor like regular contractions or fluid leakage, as these can signal serious issues like miscarriage, preeclampsia, placental problems, or infection. Always contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care for these symptoms.
The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and visit your dentist twice a year, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by establishing consistent habits for plaque removal and professional monitoring.
Signs of infected gums include:
The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs' Acceptance of Listerine Gum Therapy is based on its finding that the product is safe and has shown efficacy in helping to prevent and reduce gingivitis (and plaque above the gumline), when used as directed.
Eat a healthy diet, and avoid sugary foods and drinks. Do not smoke or use spit tobacco. Tobacco use slows your ability to heal. It also increases your risk for gum disease and cancer of the mouth and throat.
Scaling and root planing is similar to routine dental cleaning. But it cleans deeper beneath your gums, removing plaque and bacteria where your toothbrush and floss can't reach. Periodontists recommend this treatment for people with mild gum disease.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is not only good for your teeth; it's an excellent vitamin for gums, too. Vitamin C helps keep the connective tissues in your gums healthy and strong, which hold your teeth in place—which means deficiencies can lead to bleeding gums and gum disease.