Medicine for swollen gums over the counter

Over-the-counter pain medicine may ease gum discomfort, but swelling needs an examination to find and treat its cause.

Swollen gingiva can result from plaque-related gingivitis, food trapped under the gum, a periodontal pocket, a wisdom-tooth infection, or an abscessed tooth. Pain relief changes sensation, while it does not remove plaque, infected tissue, or a collection of pus.

Follow the label of a suitable non-prescription analgesic and check with a pharmacist first if you have medical conditions, take other medicines, are pregnant, or are treating a child. Brush gently with a soft brush, clean between the teeth, and do not place aspirin or concentrated chemicals on the gum.

Arrange dental care promptly when swelling persists, recurs, is confined beside one tooth, or comes with bad taste, pus, tooth sensitivity, or pain on biting. Seek urgent help for facial or neck swelling, fever, difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing.

Ask whether the swelling is gingivitis, periodontitis, pericoronitis, or a tooth abscess. Ask whether you need periodontal measurements, a tooth vitality test, or an X-ray, and whether treatment is cleaning, drainage, a filling, root canal treatment, or extraction.