Gum pain is annoying, there’s no denying that. But, there are ways of not only preventing painful gums but also relieving current gum issues. The good news is, they’re relatively easy.  

What is gum pain?

Gum pain is characterised by soreness when you brush, which is persistent and lingers for more than a couple of days. Don’t worry though, sometimes a trip to the dentist can be avoided by using simple home remedies, and not all oral pain signifies a severe problem.       

What causes painful gums? 

It can be caused by easy-to-solve problems like brushing too hard, having ulcers and regularly wearing retainers or braces. Solve these problems by establishing a good oral hygiene routine. 

Other reasons for gum pain in women could be down to change in hormone levels or menopause.

Or, could be an indicator of a more serious problem, such as periodontitis (tooth decay) or gingivitis (the early stages of gum disease). 

How can I relieve painful gums?

There are many easy simple home remedies for getting rid of any achy gums:

1. Rinsing your mouth regularly with saltwater
2. Some natural remedies can remove pain
3. Hot and cold water compresses can help
4. Make small dietary changes, like limiting your sugar intake
5. Use over-the-counter or prescription medications as directed

Can saltwater relieve gum pain?

Saltwater can help to prevent the growth of new bacteria in the mouth and can remove any existing bacteria too. To do this, fill a glass with warm (not boiling) water, and put in ½ a teaspoon to a full teaspoon of salt. Then, swish this water around your mouth and spit it into the sink. 

Too much salt can be bad for you, so limit the amount of salt in the water. But, the mixture of salt and water can really help if the bacteria are in places where a traditional toothbrush or floss can’t reach. 

Are herbal remedies useful?

It may surprise you, but common herbs and spices can be used as an anti-inflammatory to relieve gum pain. Clove and turmeric have both been used for centuries as natural remedies for pain. 

To use herbs as medication, mix the powdered version of your herb of choice in a bowl with a little bit of warm water until it blends into a thicker paste. Then, go ahead and apply the paste to your gums (warning, it might not taste that nice) and leave it on as long as is needed. You can also do this as regularly as you’d wish – the benefits of using natural remedies!

Clove and turmeric aren’t the only herbs that can ease pain. Peppermint and oregano have pain-relieving properties too. Most people choose to apply these herbs by buying them in the form of essential oil. Before putting the oil in your mouth, dilute a few drops in water and shake. You can put this on your gums, but be careful not to swallow it. Rinse your mouth with water afterwards and spit it out to be safe. 

If herbs aren’t your cup of tea, then you can actually use tea as an anti-inflammatory too. Ginger, camomile and green tea can all be great ways of getting rid of your gum pain as the herbs help to calm any redness, and the tannins in the tea will soak up any bacteria which is irritating your gums. To prepare the teabag, literally, just make a cup of tea and let the tea bag sit in the hot water for 3 minutes before pressing it to your gums once it’s cool enough to touch. 

Using hot and cold water compresses

There are two different methods of using compresses, depending on whether you use hot or cold water. 

For a hot compress, mix cold water with boiling water to create water that is warm, but not boiling. Grab a cloth or flannel and soak that in the hot water, then wring this out. Don’t apply the cloth directly to the gums, instead, press the cloth down on the side of your face where the gum hurts. The gum will still be soothed even if you’re not putting the cloth on it directly. 

Then for a cold compress, you can use an ice pack. By using the same method as a hot compress, press the ice pack to the outer side of your face where the painful gum is. The coldness should relieve any inflammation or pressure you may feel on your gums. 

Can improving your lifestyle prevent painful gums?

Yes! A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle is the key to preventing any future painful gums. Foods that are high in sugar or starch create acids in your mouth, which can damage your teeth and gums. If this acid stays in your mouth for a prolonged period of time, it can cause plaque build-up and even cavities. Instead, make healthy swaps and eat food that is nutritional for your body – the saying ‘you are what you eat’ has never been truer! Foods that naturally support gum health are; fresh fruit, nuts, whole grains and milk. However, not all food is good for your mouth as foods that can irritate gums include; bread, oranges and tomatoes. Remember, everything in moderation. 

It’s clear that preventative measures, like eating a balanced diet, are a good way of ensuring you don’t have to suffer from painful gums. 

Can over the counter painkillers relieve pain?

Over the counter painkillers are often a common response to crippling gum pain. They’re easy to get and can help solve pain fast. Both ibuprofen and paracetamol can help ease any pain. If your symptoms persist and are only getting more painful, then see either your doctor or dentist and they will most likely be able to prescribe stronger medicine or antibiotics to cure your painful gums. 

When should I visit the dentist?

If unsure about any of your symptoms, then book an appointment with your local dentist. It goes without saying that you should be visiting your dentist around twice a year, but you might need an extra appointment if your gums are causing you problems. 

Improving any gum pain

Home fixes like cold compresses, saltwater and herbal remedies can be great for relieving gum pain in the short term, but if the symptoms persist, then it’s definitely time to visit your local dentist. If gum pain isn’t a problem for you right now, then it might be a good idea to get into a great dental routine and lifestyle to prevent any gum issues in the future.