Home remedies for gum pain
Gum pain may settle briefly with gentle cleaning, salt-water rinsing and soft foods, but the cause may be inflammation, trauma.
The short answer
Gum pain may settle briefly with gentle cleaning, salt-water rinsing and soft foods, but the cause may be inflammation, trauma, an abscess or an erupting tooth.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Pain can arise from inflamed gingiva, a periodontal pocket, a gum abscess, a mouth ulcer, a sharp restoration or tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth. The location and presence of swelling, bleeding, pus or fever guide diagnosis.
What can you do next?
Rinse with comfortably warm salt water, brush gently, clean between teeth, choose soft foods and avoid tobacco, alcohol and very hot foods. Do not puncture a swelling or place caustic substances on the gum.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek prompt dental care for a gum lump, pus, fever, facial swelling, worsening pain or a loose tooth. Emergency help is needed if swelling affects breathing or swallowing.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the pain is from gingivitis, a periodontal pocket, an abscess, trauma or an erupting tooth, and whether cleaning, drainage, a filling or other treatment is required.