Gum disease is a prevalent cause of a toothache. The painful, swollen gums are source of excruciating discomfort and can make drinking, eating and talking difficult. While it is a wise move to seek immediate treatment if infection is suspected, there are some home remedies that can help relieve the pain due to gum disease momentarily.
Close look on gum disease
The oral cavity is packed with bacteria which combine with other materials to form the sticky plaque that covers the teeth. If proper hygiene is not observed such as regular brushing and flossing, the plaque develops into a hard coating known as tartar which can only be removed with professional cleaning.
The build-up of tartar and plaque can lead to gum disease. An oral infection that only involves the gums is known as gingivitis. Once the infection extends to the connective tissue as well as the bone, it is known as periodontitis.
Signs and symptoms
The initial symptoms of gum infection include swelling, redness, bad breath and bleeding. The indications of advanced cases of infection include pain or discomfort and tooth loss. Remember that the pain is an indication of a grim infection and should require treatment by a doctor. This is why it is vital to set an appointment with a doctor right away once the symptoms of infection are present.
Treatment
The only long-term measure to relieve the pain linked with gum disease is to seek treatment. The infection in its early phases might be reversed with topical or oral antibiotics, professional cleaning and improved hygiene practices at home.
As for more advanced cases of gum disease, surgery might be required to open up the swollen pockets of soft tissue, repair the damaged bone and stabilize loose teeth.
Home remedies
Various home remedies can momentarily reduce the pain from gum disease. The over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used until a dentist can be consulted.
It is vital to avoid cold or hot foods since they can aggravate the condition. The individual should brush his/her teeth gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid increasing the inflammation. Some individuals claim that clove oil is an effective analgesic. All you have to do is soak a cotton ball with a few drops of oil and then instruct the individual to bite down.