Sore gums can cause difficulty in eating or talking which is why the problem should be determined right away. Once the gums start to throb, feel sore, appear reddened or sores are present, it is an indication of unhealthy gums. The healthy gums are characterized by their pink appearance and should be free from pain.
Once home remedies to alleviate the discomfort of the sore gums are provided at home, it is best to set an appointment with a doctor to determine if there is a serious issue as well as provide a long-term treatment option for the pain.
What to do for sore gums?
- Provide the individual with something cold or gargle with cool water. Cold foods such as ice cubes or ice pops not only relieve the pain on a short-term basis, but also reduce some of the swelling and inflammation that contributes to the discomfort. It is recommended to store cold foods in the freezer so that one is available in case sore gums occur.
Provide the individual with something cold or gargle with cool water. - Apply a topical benzocaine ointment on the sore gums. Just be careful not to swallow the ointment. This is often used for teething babies which works by momentarily numbing the gums to alleviate the pain which is useful prior to eating. Carefully follow the instructions on the packaging when using benzocaine ointment and check if it is specifically made for use inside the mouth.
- Provide the individual with an over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to alleviate the sore gums. Both work by blocking the pain receptors and reducing the inflammation for comfort. Just like with other medications, it is important to read the package instructions and only use the recommended dosage.
- Observe proper oral hygiene. The sore gums might be due to gingivitis or gum infection. It is vital to brush after every meal and floss at least once a day. Initially, there might be bleeding in the gums and can become inflamed with care which is considered normal. As the individual continues with the hygiene routine, the gums will become healthier and the pain is minimized.
Set an appointment with a dentist if the pain from the swollen gums persists. In such cases, it might require professional cleaning to clear out the build-up of tartar from the gums. If there are constant sores on the gums, a doctor should be consulted since this might be due to a severe case of nutritional deficiency.