How to Get a Great Smile

Posted on: 28 June 2017

Swollen gums can be painful, particularly when eating and cleaning your teeth. They may even bleed when you brush or floss. If you notice swelling in your gums, you should call a dental service right away to book an appointment. Swollen gums are a sign of gum disease, which requires professional treatment. While you wait to see a dentist, here are some self-care tips you can use to soothe the swelling and prevent gum disease getting worse.

Use a Softer Toothbrush

Don't stop brushing your teeth if your gums are sore. Instead, switch to an extra-soft toothbrush. When you brush your teeth, try to avoid pressing the brush hard against the gums or scrubbing rapidly up and down. Instead, move the soft bristles in small circles against the teeth and gums to gently sweep away plaque.

Try an Anti-Gingivitis Toothpaste

Brushing with any toothpaste will help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, some toothpastes have special features that make them particularly good at combatting gingivitis. For example, anti-gingivitis toothpastes contain ingredients that destroy the bacteria that trigger gum disease. Look for toothpaste with "anti-gingivitis" on the packaging or ask your dentist to recommend a brand that is suitable for you.

Don't Stop Flossing

When your gums are sore, you probably won't feel like flossing. However, skipping this vital step in your oral hygiene routine allows bacteria to build up in the gaps between your teeth, which can make gum disease worse. If you use string floss, there's no need to saw the floss back and forth. All you need to do is slide the floss between your teeth, curve it around the edge of the tooth, and gently slide it back out again. If your teeth are too tightly packed to use string floss, you could try using a water flosser to gently clean the tight spaces between them.

Eat Soft, Cool Foods

Foods that are too hot can irritate swollen gums. Let cooked meals cool to a comfortable temperature before you eat it, and snack on cold foods like yoghurt to soothe your gums between meals. When your gums are swollen, it's also a good idea to stay away from spice and foods that require a lot of chewing, such as nuts, tough meat, and crunchy fruits.

Use Benzocaine Gel

If the pain from your swollen gums is making it difficult to sleep, eat, or concentrate on the things you need to do, try using a numbing gel to reduce the pain. Many people find gels containing benzocaine very soothing.