Effective Home Remedies For Gum Pain That Provide Quick Relief

• Canker Sores

Canker sores are open ulcers that look like red patches with or without a white coating. They may develop anywhere in your mouth, including your gums. This is generally not a serious condition and they tend to clear up on their own (2).

• Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common gum disease that has characteristic symptoms like swollen and bleeding gums that may become progressively painful. Poor dental hygiene is known to be a leading cause of gingivitis. Untreated or unchecked gingivitis can give way to periodontitis which involves swollen, painful gums pulling away and receding from the sides of teeth. Periodontitis can lead to infections and more serious health conditions, so this requires professional medical attention (1).

• Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in ovarian hormones may lead to your gums being swollen, tender, and painful from increased blood flow. It may also increase your risk of gingivitis. Puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, and starting on oral contraceptives may cause hormonal changes leading to sore gums (3).

• Tooth Abscess

A pocket of pus or an abscess may sometimes form because of a tooth infection at the root of a tooth. These abscesses may lead to swelling and pain in the gums. A tooth abscess needs to be treated, generally by means of a root canal (4).

• Tobacco

Smoking or chewing tobacco on a regular basis may lead to sores in the mouth. These sores may be located on the gums and cause pain. Smokers and tobacco users are also at high risk of developing gum diseases or oral cancer (5).

• Oral Cancer

A sore in the mouth that does not seem to heal may be a sign of oral cancer. Oral cancer may appear as a painful or painless sore on your tongue, inner cheeks, gums, or tonsils (6).

According to a survey conducted by the CDC, almost half the adults over 30 (46%) have gum disease, including 9% with severe cases. Also, oral cancer is more common in individuals older than 55 who smoke and heavily drink.

While in a few cases gum pain may need medical attention, most of the time you can apply some sore gum treatments at home to get relief.

• Mouth Rinse With Saltwater

A warm salt-water rinse is traditionally used to promote oral health. Modern research suggests that it may help to speed up oral wound healing (7). What you need to do is described in the following steps:

1. Warm a cup of water. You do not need to bring it to a boil.
2. Pour the water into a glass or mug.
3. Add a teaspoon of salt to the water and stir it till it dissolves.
4. Take a mouthful at a time and swish the saltwater around till it stays warm in the mouth.
5. Spit the water out and repeat the process with the remaining water in the glass/mug.
6. Do this twice every day till you feel the pain leave and the swelling subsides.

• Apply Hot Or Cold Compress

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