Home remedies for swelling in gums

Gentle cleaning, a warm salt-water rinse, and a cold pack outside the cheek may ease gum swelling temporarily, but they do not treat its cause.

Swelling is an inflammatory response in gingival tissue and may follow plaque, trapped food, trauma, an erupting tooth, or infection. Treatment depends on whether the source is gum, tooth, or jaw.

Brush gently, clean between teeth, rinse with warm salt water, and use a cold pack outside the cheek for short intervals. Do not pierce the swelling or apply caustic substances.

Seek prompt care if swelling lasts, returns, becomes painful, or comes with pus, fever, bad taste, or a loose tooth. Rapid facial swelling or difficulty breathing or swallowing needs emergency help.

Ask what structure is swollen and whether cleaning, drainage, a filling, root canal, extraction, or gum treatment is indicated.