3 Ways To Reduce Gum Swelling

The main symptom of gum disease is red, swollen gums. There may be other symptoms that could point to the onset of the disease, such as bad breath even after brushing, bleeding, and receding gums. If left unchecked, the condition can cause eventual tooth loss so it is best to visit a dentist for treatment.

However, swollen and tender gums are not caused by gum disease alone. You may experience this issue if you have just had your braces removed or had a wisdom tooth extracted. No matter what causes it, gum swelling can be irritating, especially when you brush. This article looks at simple ways to reduce gum swelling.

Rinse with salt water and brush gently

Irritants such as bacteria and food particles in your gums are often the main cause of swelling. Rinsing your mouth with warm, salty water after meals could help remove such irritants and sooth your gums. Be sure to swish the salty water in your mouth for a minute or so and then spit the solution out, as it will likely contain bacteria you don't want in your body.

Brushing too hard could also worsen gum irritation. Be sure to brush gently and switch to a soft bristled toothbrush so as to reduce the swelling and pain.

Use warm and cold compresses

Doing warm and cold compresses on your gums can be effective at reducing gum swelling, especially if it is caused by an injury to the soft tissue. Begin by using warm compresses to sooth the injury and then place a cold compress to suppress swelling and pain.

Remember to hold the compresses against your face near the injured tissue, not to place them in direct contact with the gums. If the swelling is accompanied by bleeding, hold gauze to the gums until the bleeding stops.

Dental cleaning

Scheduling an appointment for with a general dentist can be very effective at halting swollen gums and gum disease. During the cleaning, your dentist will remove hardened tartar in the gum tissue that is hard to remove with normal brushing or flossing. This will help reduce gum irritation and likely halt the onset of gum disease. During your dental visit, your dentist may also inspect the gums for other problems such as recession and examine you for tooth decay and other dental problems.

Swollen gums are both unsightly and irritating. The tips above can help ease the swelling and hopefully reduce any discomfort and tenderness you experience while brushing or chewing.  

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