What should I do for inflamed and painful gums around my wisdom teeth?
Jun 23, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Dong
Introduction
1. Oral hygiene: Use an antiseptic mouthwash or rinse the mouth with warm saline (warm water mixed with salt).
2. Cold compress: Apply ice packs directly to the inflamed area; if direct application is uncomfortable, apply the cold compress externally over the cheek instead.
3. Acupressure therapy: Massage the Hegu (LI4) acupoint.
4. Pharmacological treatment: Apply an appropriate amount of clotrimazole cream topically to the affected area; additionally, oral antibiotics may be taken to alleviate symptoms.
Tooth pain caused by wisdom teeth differs from other types of dental pain and is often accompanied by redness and swelling of the gums. This occurs because impacted wisdom teeth may rub against or irritate adjacent teeth and surrounding oral tissues, triggering common inflammatory conditions in the mouth. So, what should you do if your wisdom tooth causes gum inflammation, swelling, and pain? Below, we address this question.
What to Do for Wisdom Tooth-Related Gum Inflammation, Swelling, and Pain
1. Oral Hygiene
Maintain good personal oral hygiene and rinse your mouth regularly. Because wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the mouth, they can be difficult to clean thoroughly. Consider using an antiseptic mouthwash or rinsing with warm salt water—salt possesses natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Cold Compress with Ice
Crush ice into small pieces and apply them directly to the inflamed area for effective pain relief. If direct application feels too uncomfortable, place the ice pack externally on the cheek over the affected tooth for cold compression.
3. Acupressure Therapy
The Hegu (LI4) acupoint belongs to the Large Intestine Meridian of Hand-Yangming. To locate it, extend your thumb and index finger at a 45-degree angle—the point lies at the intersection of the extended lines along the bones. Alternatively, clench your thumb and index finger together; the highest point of the bulging muscle between them marks the Hegu point.
4. Medication
For gum swelling and pain caused by erupting wisdom teeth, applying an appropriate amount of clotrimazole cream (e.g., Canesten®) topically to the affected area may provide relief. Typically, two to three applications help significantly reduce symptoms. Additionally, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to alleviate inflammation and infection.
The above outlines practical approaches to managing wisdom tooth-related gum inflammation, swelling, and pain. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
