What should I do for swollen and painful gums?
Disease description:
I noticed some swelling on the left side of my face upon waking up, and found that my gums were swollen. The gum near the back teeth feels swollen and painful; the pain is somewhat relieved when I touch it with my tongue. What should I do for swollen and painful gums?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
Gingival swelling and pain are common oral problems that can be considered and managed from the following aspects:
1. Identify the cause: It may be triggered by various factors, such as periodontal disease, malpositioned teeth, improper brushing techniques, poor oral hygiene, nutritional deficiencies, or systemic diseases.
2. General treatment: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth at least twice daily and using dental floss to clean interdental spaces, thus reducing bacterial growth. Rinsing with warm salt water can help alleviate inflammation and disinfect the area. Applying cold compresses to the affected area may relieve swelling and pain. Additionally, avoid consuming excessively hard, hot, or spicy foods that may aggravate the gums.
3. Pharmacological treatment: For gingival swelling and pain caused by bacterial infection, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, antibiotics like metronidazole or tetracycline may be used. If the condition is caused by periodontal inflammation, oral administration of medications such as amoxicillin capsules or ibuprofen sustained-release tablets may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
4. Surgical treatment: If the gingival swelling and pain are caused by a gingival abscess, incision and drainage surgery may be required.
