How to relieve swollen and painful gums
Disease description:
Recently, eating foods at varying temperatures has made my teeth quite sensitive. There's a significant swelling in my gums, and even after taking amoxicillin, the swelling hasn't gone down. Doctor, what’s the best way to relieve swollen and painful gums?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
When experiencing swollen and painful gums, the following methods may help provide relief:
1. Local cold compress: Wrap an ice pack or ice cubes in a piece of gauze and gently apply it to the affected area for about 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times daily. This helps constrict blood vessels and reduce pain and swelling.
2. Oral hygiene: Brush teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day, avoiding hard-bristled brushes or excessive brushing pressure. Additionally, use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between teeth and reduce bacterial growth.
3. Mouth rinse: Dissolve a small teaspoon of salt in warm water and use it as a mouthwash daily to kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and alleviate discomfort. Alternatively, choose a mouthwash containing ingredients such as rosemary or mint, which can freshen breath and soothe the gums.
4. Medication: Under a doctor's guidance, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or indomethacin may be used to relieve pain and swelling. For "wind-fire" toothache caused by upper respiratory tract infections, consider using external application of Teeth Gold oral tablets along with internal use of traditional Chinese medicines like Niuhuang Jiedu Pills.
