10 Tips for Quick Relief from Gum Pain
There is nothing more annoying and irritating than a toothache or painful gums. It is one of the most uncomfortable feelings ever and people are often stuck wondering how they can ease the pain. In this post, we have put together ten tips for quick relief from gum pain or periodontal disease that is both easy and effective.
Hot and Cold Packs
It might seem rather strange to use a hot or cold pack for aching gums instead of muscle injuries but, in some cases, it really does work. Much like using a hot water bottle for a sore stomach, these packs can target the painful area and relieve any pressure. To make a simple hot pack simply dip a flannel in hot but bearable water then squeeze the water out. Next, hold the hot cloth onto the jaw where the pain is located. You do not need to place the flannel inside the mouth as it will be effective enough when applied on the skin. For a cold pack, take an already frozen ice pack from the freezer and wrap a cloth around it. Then apply it to the skin just as you would the hot pack.
The Healing Power of Tea
Many tea lovers will tell you that tea will solve anything and, to some degree, they may be right. There are many healing abilities contained in teas, some more potent than others and they may become your savior when dealing with sore gums. You can use teabags for gum pain by pouring boiling water into a mug and leaving a teabag in there for a few minutes before taking it out. Once the teabag has cooled down enough place it in your mouth and press it against the painful area with your teeth. Many tea types have potent anti-inflammatory properties as well as being a high antibacterial. Some of the most effective teas to use are green tea, ginger tea, and chamomile although black tea will still do the job. As a side note, ginger tea is also perfect for treating sickness and upset stomachs.
The Traditional Salt Method
Probably the most common method to use at home is the traditional saltwater rinse. Many of us will probably remember our parents getting us to do this as children when our teeth were coming through or if we were sick, but they weren’t wrong. A good old saltwater rinse works wonders for oral health. Mix one tablespoon of salt into a warm glass of water and stir until the salt has dissolved. Then, you simply swish the salt water around your mouth making sure that it reaches the painful area before spitting it out. You definitely won’t want to swallow this one but using it will prevent bacteria growth and reduce any swelling. This method can be used several times a day.
Painkillers
The typical over-the-counter painkillers can help the more stubborn pains. Aspirin and Ibuprofen are especially useful for tooth or gum pain and can also be used alongside most home remedies. Just make sure to follow the dosage recommendations on the label.
Hydrogen Peroxide
If you’re one with a handy bottle of hydrogen peroxide in the cupboard, then you will definitely want to try it for gum or tooth pain. Using hydrogen as a simple mouthwash will eliminate germs and reduce inflammation. You would need to dilute the hydrogen peroxide with an equal amount of water and then swish it around your mouth for roughly 20–30 seconds. After spitting the solution out rinse, the mouth with water and you are good to go.
Oral Anesthetic Gels
If you are looking for something other than painkillers, you might want to try an oral anesthetic gel. The application is as easy as rubbing the gel on the affected area. Within a few minutes, there should be a noticeable difference. The oral anesthetic gels are available in almost every drug store, and most of them contain natural ingredients that will numb the pain. Two of the most common ones are Anbesol and Orajel although there are others to choose from.
Tea Tree Oil
Considered an essential oil, tea tree oil comes in handy for a whole range of ailments including that of tooth and gum pain. Every essential oil has healing properties and a few of them can be used for oral health. It is important to note that tea tree oil and all other essential oils should be diluted before use and should never be used in its natural concentrated form. To use tea tree oil for gum pain, add a few drops to a glass of water and mix thoroughly. Afterward, you can use it as you would a regular mouthwash. Tea tree oil is very soothing and can provide quick relief from a toothache and gum pain.
Homemade Dental Spray
This remedy is another one that includes the use of essential oils but as a spray instead of as a mouthwash solution. The homemade dental spray treatment will require a clean empty spray bottle and again any essential oil that is used will need to be diluted. Inside of the small spray bottle add about five drops of essential oil and fill it up with water. Shake before every use and then spray the mixture directly to the sore area. A few essential oils that have powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities are clove, peppermint, and oregano.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is basically just a fancy name for a thorough mouth rinse. The most beneficial oil to use for this treatment is coconut oil as it has incredible antibacterial properties. Coconut oil comes in a semi-solid form but melts pretty quickly so you will first need to scoop out a tablespoon of coconut oil and chew it until it dissolves. The texture may feel slightly weird, but after doing it a few times, you will soon get used to it. Once the coconut oil has dissolved swish it all around the mouth and in between the teeth for approximately 20 minutes. This may seem like a long time, but it is a lot more effective if done for this length of time. After 20 minutes, spit the coconut oil into the trash and rinse your mouth out with water. Try to avoid spitting it into the sink as it could temporarily clog up the sink when it returns to its semi-solid state. As well as helping to reduce gum pain, coconut oil has also been known to improve the overall condition of the teeth and with regular use even whiten them slightly.
Turmeric Paste
Turmeric has been used in remedies for centuries and is considered a wonder spice. In 2017 and 2018, we have seen the popularity of turmeric based beauty products soar as the word spread about its true potential. Not only does turmeric have a fantastic effect on the skin and internally, but it is also highly beneficial orally as well. To create a turmeric paste, you will need a ¼ teaspoon of turmeric to add to small amounts of water. Mix them together until a paste is formed and then rub it directly to the tender area and leave it for five minutes. Once the five minutes is up, rinse the mouth with water and use regularly.
There are a number of things that can cause a toothache or gum pain and you might not always be able to reach a dentist promptly. If that is the case, then these remedies could provide the exact relief you need. If the pain continues, contact your dental professional as soon as possible.
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