Maybe you’re brushing your teeth a bit too hard or are going through hormonal changes, and now, your gums are left tender and irritated. No matter the exact reason behind it, knowing how to relieve gum pain can keep you comfortable until you can see your Charlotte, NC, dentist. Here’s everything you need to know.
There are many things you can do to alleviate your gum soreness. A saltwater rinse works great to clean the mouth and reduce the swelling. Keep up with your oral hygiene routine, and make sure you’re using a soft-bristled brush. You should also watch what you’re eating and, if necessary, take over-the-counter medication. If the discomfort persists, schedule a dentist appointment.
What to Do When Your Gums Hurt?
As there are many possible reasons why your gums hurt, the best thing you can do is consult your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark. With a quick dental exam, they will be able to figure out what’s behind it and help get your smile back on track.
However, as you wait for the dentist appointment, it’s good to know a couple of home remedies that will keep you comfortable in the meantime. So, let’s talk about how to treat sore gums, one case scenario at a time.
How to Relieve Gum Pain From Flossing and Brushing
If your gums hurt when brushing, but no bleeding is present, you might be getting carried away and doing it a bit too aggressively. Sure, you want a good clean, but the secret to keeping your teeth healthy isn’t scrubbing them down like you would a stubborn stain.
Here’s what a good oral hygiene routine looks like: brush your teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes at a time. As per recommendations by the American Dental Association (ADA), you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush, either electric or manual. As for flossing, you should be getting under the gum line, but do it as carefully as possible.
A Saltwater Rinse Can Help With the Swelling
No matter if it’s from brushing or something else, one great home remedy that can help alleviate soreness is a saltwater rinse. Add a teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water, mix it well, and swish this salty drink in your mouth. Do this at least twice a day. This simple saltwater rinse will help keep the bacteria in your mouth at bay, as well as reduce swelling.
How to Relieve Gum Pain During Pregnancy
When there are significant hormonal changes in the body, like during puberty, pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and menopause, it can result in sores or even bleeding gums. Besides keeping up a good oral hygiene routine and incorporating a saltwater rinse, there are a couple of other things you can do.
Pregnancy cravings are pretty hard to resist, but still, try to limit the sugar intake. Instead of unhealthy snacks, try to munch on fruits and vegetables as much as you can. It doesn’t have to be so miserable – there are plenty of healthy snack ideas online.
Also, make sure to take your prenatal vitamins. Vitamin C is very important for gum health, while calcium will keep your teeth strong. Of course, if you have any concerns at all, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or dentist in Charlotte, NC.
How to Relieve Gum Pain After Dental Cleaning
Dentists clean teeth in numerous ways, and some of them can leave your teeth sensitive and gums sore. For example, deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planning, targets buildup below the gum line, which can leave your mouth feeling sensitive. Luckily, there are many things you can do to feel more comfortable after teeth cleaning:
- Try a saltwater rinse or an antimicrobial mouthwash,
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste to alleviate tenderness,
- Take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen,
- Rest as much as possible for the first few days,
- Eat only soft, nutrient-rich foods for at least a week.
Deep cleaning can be an invasive procedure, but fortunately, things are changing. Our practice of advanced cosmetic & laser dentistry in Charlotte, NC, has implemented new methods and technologies that pave the way for gentler treatments while still bringing great results. With laser deep cleaning, the chances of leaving the office with sore gums are kept at a minimum.
How to Relieve Gum Pain After Tooth Extraction
If you had a tooth extraction, you can try out all the remedies we’ve discussed for previous case scenarios. You can also use an ice pack on the affected cheek to alleviate swelling, and make sure to change the gauze as your dentist instructed. With some rest, you’ll be back to normal in no time!
When Should You See Your Dentist?
While the remedies we’ve discussed can do wonders for sore gums, keep in mind these are just temporary solutions. Please visit your dentist if you’re experiencing:
- Constant discomfort that won’t go away,
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums,
- Dentures that are uncomfortable to wear,
- Teeth that have become loose,
- Receding gums.
Aspire Dental Wellness Is Here to Get Your Smile Back on Track
No matter what’s causing the trouble, our team at Aspire Dental Wellness is here to help. We’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have, take a look at your oral health, and provide treatment if needed. We even offer non-invasive solutions for more complex cases, like Perio ProtectⓇ for gum disease. Contact us today to get that smile back to feeling great!
