How to reduce inflammation in teeth

Inflammation around a tooth improves when its cause, such as plaque, decay, a cracked tooth, or infection, is diagnosed and treated.

A tooth itself has an inner pulp, while the surrounding gum, ligament, and bone can also become inflamed. Pain with biting, temperature sensitivity, swelling, or a throbbing sensation may point to different tissues and require different treatment.

Brush gently with fluoride toothpaste, clean between the teeth, rinse with warm water, and avoid placing aspirin or harsh chemicals on the gum. A dentist may remove decay, clean infected tissue, adjust a traumatic bite, or provide drainage or root canal treatment when indicated.

Arrange urgent dental care for facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, severe worsening pain, or inability to open the mouth normally. Prompt assessment is also needed when pain persists or a tooth becomes loose.

Ask which tissue is inflamed, whether an X-ray or pulp test is needed, what caused it, whether the tooth can be restored, and which symptoms require emergency care.