Dealing with any type of dental pain can be stressful and sometimes, you do not have enough time to visit a dentist immediately. There are lots of causes when it comes to gum pain, including hormonal changes, canker sores, gingivitis, oral thrush, periodontitis, and even cancer of the mouth.
Below, we will discuss some of the things that you can do at home to eliminate gum pain temporarily. Make sure to visit your Townsville general or cosmetic dentistry clinic as soon as possible so you can have the problem fixed permanently.
Take a Cold or Hot Compress
Hot and cold compress works like magic on lots of medical conditions, including gum pain. Applying one on the immediate area will help the swelling go down, which can then help your gum pain ease in just a few minutes.
If you don’t have a ready-to-use hot compress at home, then make one by dipping a cloth in hot water, wringing the excess water out, and pressing it onto the cheek that covers the painful area. If you want to use a cold compress instead, then try wrapping an ice pack in a clean cloth and pressing it against your cheek.
Gargle Salt Water
The number one cause of gum pain is bacteria living in your teeth and gums, and you definitely would want to eliminate that by gargling on saltwater. This would not eliminate every single bacteria in your mouth, but it can help lessen both the bacteria and the swelling.
Simply mix a quarter teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swirl it around, then gargle in your mouth for about a minute or so. Do this at least twice to thrice a day or whenever you feel your gums swelling or aching again.
Try Some Oral Gel
If you want immediate relief but refuse to take OTC medicines, try some oral gel to relieve the pain temporarily. Benzocaine is an oral gel that most dentists prescribe for swelling gum and toothaches, as this can numb sore gums in an instant. However, you should never apply too much or use it way too often, as you ingest it, which can harm you in the long run. Always ask a dentist if it is safe to use for you before applying it to the gums.
Take Some Medicine
If the pain is too much to handle and you are looking for ways to immediately make the pain go away, then you might want to take over-the-counter medicine for your tooth and gum ache. There are lots of OTC medicines you can buy from a local pharmacy including Tylenol or Acetaminophen and Advil or Ibuprofen. However, this is not recommended for long-term use, as some of these medications can induce some side effects.
Always consult with your dentist if you want to effectively eliminate your gum and toothache. Never self-medicate and always ask your doctor or dentist if it is safe for you to take such medicines, as this might interact with other medicines that you are currently taking.
