How To Get Rid Of Sore Gums

Gum pain can result from a range of health and lifestyle issues. These causes, and the pain itself, can range in severity. However, a number of home remedies can provide immediate relief.

A person may have gum pain because they have a condition that affects the gums, or because they are simply brushing too hard.

Some other causes of gum pain include:

canker sores
friction from dental devices, such as retainers or dentures
hormonal changes, in females
gingivitis, which often causes the gums to bleed
oral thrush, a fungal infection that can cause a yellowish film to form in the mouth and throat
periodontitis, a serious infection that can develop if a person does not receive treatment for gingivitis
cancer of the mouth or throat, though this is less common

Home remedies can help soothe gum pain, and when it is mild, they can completely eliminate it. However, if the pain is persistent or severe, a person should seek medical advice.

In this article, we list seven home remedies that can provide quick relief from gum pain. We also discuss when to see a dentist.

In the sections below, we list seven home remedies that may provide quick relief from gum pain:

1. Hot or cold compresses

a man looking for quick relief from gum pain — Possible home remedies for gum pain include compresses, salt water, and tea bags.

Applying a hot or cold compress can help reduce swelling, which can relieve pain in the gums.

To make a hot compress for the gums, dip a clean cloth into hot, but not scalding, water. Wring out the excess water, then press the cloth against the area of the cheek or lip that covers the painful part of the gums.

To make a cold compress, use an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth.

Learn about other ways to make a cold compress here.

2. Salt water

Rinsing or gargling with salt water can reduce the number of potentially harmful bacteria living on the gums. This can help reduce any swelling that is causing pain.

To make a salt water rinse:

Mix a quarter teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water.
Take a sip and swish the solution around in the mouth, or gargle with it, before spitting it out.
Repeat this as often as necessary.

3. Tea bags

Many teas contain plant compounds called tannins. According to some research, tannins can reduce gum pain by killing bacteria that may irritate the gums.

Green, hibiscus, and black teas all contain significant quantities of tannins. These compounds cause the puckering feeling in the mouth after drinking strong tea or red wine.

Some teas contain ingredients that may help reduce inflammation, including ginger and additional chamomile.

To reduce gum pain, steep a tea bag in boiled water for a few minutes, then remove it, allowing it to cool slightly. While the bag is still warm, apply it directly to the site of the pain for around 5 minutes.

4. Herbal paste

a paste of Turmeric coconut oil and pepper — A person can make a paste with turmeric and water that may help relieve gum pain.

People have used herbs for their pain relieving properties for centuries.

Cloves, turmeric, and plants in the Spilanthes genus may help reduce pain, and a person can use these to form a paste that they can apply directly to the gums.

To create an herbal paste:

Mix a powdered form of turmeric or clove, for example, with a small amount of warm water. Mix until the consistency becomes paste-like.
Apply some of the paste directly to the site of the gum pain.
Leave the paste on for a few minutes, then rinse it away.

A person can use the paste as often as necessary to help alleviate pain.

Learn about the many other potential health benefits of turmeric here.

5. Essential oils

Many pharmaceutical products contain essential oils due to the various health benefits that they provide. A person can also purchase essential oils to create their own remedies.

Clove, oregano, and peppermint oils all have properties that may help reduce inflammation, decrease pain, and improve circulation.

A person can make a spray containing essential oil and water and use this to reduce gum pain. To create the spray, add 4 or 5 drops of essential oil and 1 ounce of water to a clean spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the site of the gum pain.

6. Oral gels

Benzocaine is a medication that can numb sore gums, and it is the main ingredient in common oral gels, such as Orajel and Anbesol.

It is important to follow the instructions on the label when using an oral gel to treat gum pain.

7. Over-the-counter pain medication

Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can help ease dental and oral discomfort.

A person may see the best results when they combine over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers with home remedies, such as gargling with a salt water solution.

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A person should speak to their dentist if gum pain is persistent or severe.

A person can often relieve mild-to-moderate gum pain at home. However, it is important to be aware of the warning signs that can indicate a potentially serious underlying health issue.

Some symptoms to look out for include:

persistent pain
severe pain
swelling
a fever

The presence of any of these can suggest that a person has gum disease or another condition, such as oral thrush, that requires professional treatment.

When an infection is causing gum pain, receiving treatment for the infection will usually relieve the pain.

Mild-to-moderate gum pain is often not a cause for immediate concern. In these cases, a person can relieve the gum pain by taking steps at home, such as by using hot or cold compresses and taking OTC pain relievers.

However, if the gum pain is long lasting or severe, or if there are additional symptoms, a person should see their dentist.

There are several common gum diseases and infections, and if any of these are responsible for the pain, receiving treatment for them should bring relief.