Natural Ways To Treat Gum Pain
Gum pain can affect anyone and everyone, regardless of age or gender. Its painful nature makes it one of the most common dental problems, which millions of people around the world are affected by on a daily basis . The pain can either be caused by an infection or from something more serious such as oral cancer, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it if it interferes with your daily life. Thankfully, there are many ways to treat gum pain naturally without taking harsh medications or getting invasive treatments done by your dentist.
Teeth Grinding
Just like headaches, it can be challenging to get a handle on what is causing your teeth grinding. If you’re experiencing chronic tooth pain, make an appointment with your dentist right away. He or she will examine your mouth and may recommend a deep cleaning or other treatment. However, there are some natural remedies you can try in the meantime. Many experts recommend sleeping with a pillow between your upper and lower jaws. This encourages you to keep them separated at night, thus taking pressure off your teeth and gums during sleep. Do not chew gum while you sleep (unless it’s sugarless), because that only exacerbates problems with clenching and grinding of teeth at night.
Use A Mouthguard
If you grind your teeth or suffer from nighttime clenching, don’t be surprised if a sore jaw is one of your issues. OTC pain relievers and mouthwashes can help, but they won’t do much to get at what might be causing your gum pain in the first place. Your first line of defense should always be to see a dentist; many dental professionals recommend using a night guard during sleep. The guards are custom-fitted for you, so they won’t slip out of place when you sleep—they also provide protection against other health problems associated with nighttime grinding like worn enamel and receding gums.
Improve Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is a major contributor to gum pain. Bacteria in plaque can cause inflammation and infection, both of which are painful. A good way to prevent gum pain is to brush and floss regularly, especially after eating sugary or starchy foods like candy, cookies or chips. Proper dental care also includes regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and examinations. If you already have gum pain , try rinsing with warm salt water several times a day; it might help alleviate symptoms until you can get in touch with your dentist.
Tooth Whitening
You might think whitening strips and trays are unnatural, but there’s nothing artificial about how they work. Typically, a gel is placed on your teeth and activated by either light or heat to gently lift stains from your enamel. However, because these treatments come in direct contact with your teeth, side effects are a possibility. From sensitivity to tooth staining, it’s always a good idea to do some research before embarking on a whitening regimen. Before starting any treatment be sure to talk with your dentist and make sure you know what you’re getting into.
Natural Remedies
If you have gum pain, you’re not alone. In fact, about 65% of people will experience some form of gingivitis or periodontal disease at some point in their lives. The best way to combat gum pain is by educating yourself about your condition and finding a reliable dentist that can treat your needs. But if you’re looking for immediate relief from your discomfort and don’t want to wait around for an appointment, there are a few simple things you can do on your own.
Last Resort Treatment Options
If your gum pain is so severe that you can’t eat or sleep, your dentist may offer you local anesthesia to make your gums numb while they work. You might also be given a prescription for an oral anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen, a steroidal anti-inflammatory like prednisone, or some type of antibiotic to take until you see your regular doctor. These treatments are meant to relieve inflammation quickly and get rid of acute pain so that normal healing can resume. Again, these are temporary measures only and won’t heal your problem; they just provide relief so that you can cope with it better in the meantime.
Are There Other Reasons For Gum Pain?
It’s important to understand that gum pain can be caused by a number of other things. For example, inflammation in other parts of your mouth could be causing you pain—check for symptoms such as swollen gums, pus on your teeth or tongue and increased heart rate. Additionally, an infection in your tooth can cause pain that radiates through your jaw—feelings of pressure and heaviness are often present along with sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. If you have gum pain without any signs of bleeding or swelling in your mouth then make sure to see a dentist as soon as possible; they’ll check for oral cancer using one or more of several tests including x-rays, ultraviolet light or even a biopsy.