Typically sore gums will go away with time, but if additional symptoms do appear, then it may be best to consult with a dentist. Knowing what the best ways are to relieve the gums of discomfort can be extremely beneficial.
But for those with gingivitis due to poor oral hygiene, the average time it takes for gingivitis to go away is about 10 to 14 days after your treatment, along with proper oral healthcare.
Swollen or inflamed gums often bleed and appear bright red in color due to an increased blood flow to the affected site. If you see red, puffy gums when you inspect your mouth, do not assume they will get better on their own. The name for inflammation of the gum tissues is gingivitis.
However, swollen gums that last for longer than 1–2 days may be a sign of an underlying issue such as gingivitis,periodontitis, or a tooth abscess. If swelling occurs alongside a fever, a person should contact their dentist immediately.
If you get the debris out early by brushing and flossing, the swelling may go away. If you're unable to resolve the problem on your own within a couple of days, make a visit with your dental professional. Left untreated, this can cause gum disease, which leads us to number 2...
Most forms of gum disease can be treated without antibiotics, but the biggest advantage of using topical antibiotics to help treat the disease is that they are directed to their specific target areas, thus the entire body is not affected.
The acute phase of gingivitis lasts on average 2-3 days but, starting immediately the antibiotic therapy, it can pass within a week. Clearly the duration of gingivitis varies from case to case and also depends on the treatments implemented. Fortunately, there are many ways to help stop the progression of gum disease.
If you have a fever and swelling in your face and you can't reach your dentist, go to an emergency room. Also go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread deeper into your jaw, throat or neck or even to other areas of your body.
Some reasons for this type of gum inflammation include poor dental hygiene and an abscess. Localized swelling around one tooth could be due to something as simple as food stuck in the gums due to improper brushing or flossing. This food debris can cause inflammation and tooth decay over time.
Gum disease is the most common cause. But inflamed gums can point to other health conditions too, like diabetes, hormone changes and vitamin deficiencies. If you have swollen gums that last longer than two weeks, let your healthcare provider know. They can find the cause and recommend the right treatment.
Generally, the inflammation associated with gum disease is not sore, but if it's left untreated it can progress and worsen into periodontitis, a more severe, irreversible stage of gum disease that can eventually cause tooth loss.
Even if your swollen gums aren't caused by an abscess, it's better to get a dentist's evaluation than not. Another condition that's an emergency is swelling so bad it makes chewing, breathing, or closing your mouth difficult. That's a major problem that goes beyond gum disease.
Untreated gingivitis will progress into periodontitis, which is a more severe stage of gum disease. The infection and pockets deepen while eating away at your jaw until your teeth become loose and fall out.
Salt water is extremely effective in helping to heal gums affected by gum disease. Salt water can treat inflammation, ease pain, and reduce bacteria in the mouth and gums. Rinsing with salt water 2-3 times a day can be effective in battling a gum infection.
Avoid foods such as popcorn and chips that can lodge under the gums and cause swelling. Avoid things that can irritate your gums such as mouthwashes, alcohol, and tobacco. Change your toothpaste brand and stop using mouthwashes if sensitivity to these dental products is causing your swollen gums.
Gingivitis – Early Stage of Gum Disease
Although the symptoms may be very mild, it is important to diagnose gum disease in this early stage before it progresses to periodontitis. Symptoms of Gingivitis may include: Swollen or bleeding gums. Bad breath or a metallic taste in the mouth.
Salt water is one of the most commonly used remedies for oral problems. It neutralizes the mouth's pH and soothes the inflamed gums (3). It also helps to alleviate the swelling with its anti-inflammatory properties.
Rinse your mouth with saltwater. Salt helps reduce swollen gums and eases the pain that comes with them too. Try anti-inflammatory medication. Over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen can help reduce the swelling and provide pain relief.
If you have gingivitis, which is the earliest form of gum disease, you'll likely notice inflamed, red, swollen, and bleeding gums. In this stage, the infection is still reversible. In contrast, periodontitis is a far more severe condition characterized by deep pockets that form in between teeth.
A periodontal abscess is a pocket of pus in the tissues of the gum. It looks like a small red ball pushing out of the swollen gum. An abscess can occur with serious gum disease (periodontitis), which causes the gums to pull away from the teeth.
When gums swell around a single tooth in this way, it usually indicates an infection. This is called an abscessed tooth, and it can be very painful. If left untreated, it is possible for the infection to spread, leading to more serious dental problems.