How To Relieve Sore Gums
When your gums feel painful, throb, are reddened or produce sores, you may have unhealthy gums. Healthy gums are pink in color, and shouldn't cause you pain. When you're dealing with sore gums, it may be difficult to eat or talk, so it's important that you address the problem immediately.
When your gums feel painful, throb, are reddened or produce sores, you may have unhealthy gums. Healthy gums are pink in color, and shouldn't cause you pain. When you're dealing with sore gums, it may be difficult to eat or talk, so it's important that you address the problem immediately. After trying remedies to ease the pain at home, contact your dentist, who can determine if you have a more serious problem and provide long-term treatment options for your mouth pain.
Step 1
Eat something cold or gargle with cool water, suggests MedlinePlus. Not only will cold foods, like ice pops or ice cubes, help to relieve pain on a short-term basis, but they can also help reduce some of the swelling and inflammation contributing to your discomfort. Stock your freezer with cold foods to have on hand for when you experience sore gums.
Step 2
Apply a topical benzocaine ointment to your gums, taking care to avoid swallowing the ointment. Often used for teething babies, topical benzocaine temporarily numbs your gums to relieve pain, which can be especially helpful before eating, notes Drugs.com. Follow all package directions when applying benzocaine ointment, and look for ointment made especially for the inside of the mouth.
Step 3
Take an over the counter painkiller like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve your sore gums. Both act by blocking pain receptors and relieving inflammation so you feel more comfortable. As with other medications, read all package instructions and take only the recommended dose.
Step 4
Practice good oral hygiene. Your sore gums could be the result of gingivitis, an infection of the gums. The only way to fight and eventually cure gingivitis is to make sure that you brush after every meal and floss at least once a day. At first you may notice your gums bleeding and becoming inflamed with care, which is normal. As you continue your hygiene regimen, your gums will become healthier and you'll experience less pain overall.
Step 5
Schedule an appointment with your doctor or dentist if your pain persists. You may need a professional dentist's cleaning to clear tartar buildup from your gums, notes MayoClinic.com. If you have constant sores on your gum, talk to your doctor; they may be the result of a severe nutritional deficiency.