Treat sore gums at home
You can ease sore gums by brushing gently with a soft toothbrush, cleaning between the teeth, and rinsing with warm salt water, but these steps do not t...
The short answer
You can ease sore gums by brushing gently with a soft toothbrush, cleaning between the teeth, and rinsing with warm salt water, but these steps do not treat every cause.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Sore gums are tender or inflamed gingiva around the teeth. Plaque is common, but trapped food, trauma, an ulcer, or infection can also irritate the tissue.
What can you do next?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth gently. Choose soft foods, avoid tobacco and irritants, and use a labelled pain reliever only if suitable for you.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange care if soreness lasts more than a few days, recurs, or comes with pus, bad taste, tooth pain, or a loose tooth. Facial swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing or breathing is urgent.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask what is inflaming the gingiva, whether calculus or a pocket is present, and which brushing and interdental method fits the painful area.