Swollen gums are one of the common dental issues people face. This is because gum tissues are easily prone to injury or infection due to their soft and sensitive composition. You may be suffering from sore gums if you feel consistent pain between your teeth, all over your gums, or near the back of your mouth.
Sore gums can result in bleeding or swelling if left untreated. Although there may be no other visible symptoms, swollen gums can be a sign of other oral issues. Eventually, they may even cause pain when you brush, floss, and even while you eat or drink something hot or cold.
Finding the proper swollen gums treatment in Indian Trail, NC, is essential for alleviating the pain and reducing the swelling. Our dentists have outlined some treatment options and home remedies for you to consider to treat your swollen gums.
Before diving into the details, let’s briefly examine some of the causes of swollen gums and what to look out for.
What Are the Primary Causes of Swollen Gums?
Swollen gums can happen for many reasons and are usually the result of gum disease. Some of the most common causes of swollen gums are:
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Plaque and Tartar Buildup Caused by Food Particles Stuck Between Teeth
- Gingivitis (Inflamed Gums)
- Malnutrition
- Poorly Fitted Dentures or Improper Usage of Dental Appliances
- Hormonal Changes, Such as Pregnancy
- Infections (Viral or Fungal)
- Dental Abscesses
- Sensitivity to Mouthwash or Toothpaste
The above-listed causes of swollen gums and the way they affect someone can vary based on the person. Hence, the best way to identify the root cause of gum swelling is to visit your dentist. A dentist will give you the correct diagnosis and provide you with the best treatment.
There are a variety of procedures that can be done to heal swollen gums. Let’s look into the most effective ways to heal gum swelling.
Most Common Ways to Heal Swollen Gums
There are two fundamental ways to treat swollen gums. One way is to see your dentist for dental treatment, and the other way is to use a home treatment. Here is a breakdown of how both can help with swollen gums.
Dental Treatment For Inflamed Gums
Curing swollen gums through dental treatment means visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleaning. First, your dentist will examine your gums to identify the underlying cause of the swollen gums. Afterwards, the right treatment will be recommended based on what was diagnosed.
The medical treatments recommended for swollen gums may include:
- Oral cleanings
- Ointments
- Medicated Mouthwashes
- Toothpaste
Going to regular cleanings and checkups after a treatment is crucial to prevent the recurrence of gum problems and other dental issues. It’s vital to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Indian Trail, NC ahead of time for the best results.
Home Treatment For Swollen Gums
Home remedies are sometimes used to alleviate pain in the gum and heal an infection before it becomes severe. They are very effective when the swelling is caused by mild issues and can even cure the issue completely. Below, we will examine a few home remedies that have been known to help with swollen gums:
Salt Water Rinse
Saltwater can help reduce painful swelling in your gums. Simply rinsing or gargling salt water can diminish the threats posed by harmful bacteria on the gums.
You can make a saltwater rinse at home by using the following process:
- Get warm water and pour a quarter teaspoon of salt into it.
- Take a sip of the salt solution and gargle or swish it around in your mouth. You can also direct the solution to the affected gums and hold it still for a few minutes before spitting it out.
- Repeat this process as often as you need.
Hot or Cold Compresses
Gum swelling and pain can be reduced and relieved by applying a hot or cold compress. Hot compresses can be made by dipping a clean cloth into warm (but not hot) water. Afterwards, you will need to drain the excess water and press the cloth against your cheek where you feel the pain the most.
For a cold compress, you can simply wrap an ice pack in a clean cloth and apply it to your cheek.
Turmeric Paste
Herbs like clove and turmeric are known for their ability to serve as pain relievers. You can easily combine them into a paste and gently apply the paste directly to the affected part of your gums.
Follow these simple steps to create an herbal paste:
- Get powdered turmeric and mix with a small amount of water until it forms into a paste.
- Apply some of the paste to the affected area of your gums.
- Leave the paste there for at least 5 minutes and then rinse it off.
You can continue using this remedy for as long as necessary.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are common in most pharmaceutical and therapeutic products due to their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. Essential oils made from clove, cedar, garlic, oregano, and peppermint provide innumerable health benefits and can be used to heal swollen gums and also reduce pain.
You can purchase essential oils and create your own remedy–in the form of a spray–to reduce gum pain. To make the spray, you will need to do the following:
- Add four or five drops of essential oils and one ounce of water into a clean spray bottle.
- After that, spray the mixture onto the affected area of your gums.
Where to Get the Best Treatment for Swollen Gums in Indian Trail, NC
If you’re looking for something that is guaranteed to give you relief, then your best bet is to look into getting a swollen gums treatment in Indian Trail, NC. Regardless of how swollen your gums are, it’s still important to see a dentist, especially if the swelling in your gums persists after a week of trying home remedies.
At Nexus Dental Associates, we specialize in a variety of general dentistry procedures, which includes professional gum disease treatment. Book an appointment with us today.
