Anti inflammatory drug for gum swelling
Gum swelling needs treatment for its cause; an anti-inflammatory medicine alone may not solve it.
The short answer
The right treatment for swollen gums depends on the cause, and an anti-inflammatory medicine alone does not remove plaque, calculus, decay, or an abscess.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Gum swelling is inflammation of the gingiva or deeper periodontal tissues. It may follow plaque buildup, calculus, trauma, a trapped object, a medication effect, a wisdom tooth problem, or infection around a tooth.
What can you do next?
Clean gently with a soft brush and between teeth, avoid tobacco and irritants, and use only medicines that fit your health conditions and other medicines. A dentist may remove calculus, drain infection, adjust a restoration, or treat the tooth causing the swelling.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek prompt care for swelling that is rapidly increasing, painful, associated with fever or pus, or spreading into the face. Difficulty swallowing, breathing, or opening the mouth needs urgent assessment.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask what caused the swelling, whether a local dental procedure is needed, which pain or anti-inflammatory options fit your medical history, and what signs mean the infection is spreading.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put an anti-inflammatory gel on my gums?
Some products are intended for oral tissue, while others can irritate it. Ask a pharmacist or dentist before applying a medicine inside the mouth.
Will antibiotics reduce gum swelling?
They are not a general treatment for plaque-related gingivitis. A dentist decides whether spreading infection makes them appropriate.