Effective Home Remedies For Gum Pain That Provide Quick Relief

You may be able to tackle lower or upper gum pain by using a cold compress. The reduction in temperature can help with inflammation and block the sensation of pain. The use of a cold compress to treat pain has been practiced since ancient times and is often recommended by dentists after major oral surgeries (8). Simply follow the steps as described below:

1. Take an ice pack and wrap it up in a clean piece of cloth.
2. Hold it on your face against your aching gum.
3. Do this twice or thrice a day till the pain subsides.

• Apply A Poultice Or Paste With Herbs And Spices

Both turmeric and clove are readily available in most kitchens and can be used for pain relief associated with gum infection. Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial spice that has a wide range of benefits for oral and dental health (9). Cloves are also considered to be a strong antibacterial spice with proven benefits against gum disease (10).

1. Take powdered turmeric or powdered clove and mix with a few drops of warm water.
2. Apply the paste to your sore gums and leave it on for 5 minutes.
3. Rinse with lukewarm water.
4. Repeat the process a few times or when you feel your gums are painful.

• Topically Apply Used Teabags

Green tea is considered to be effective in promoting gum health as it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (11). Follow the steps to use tea bags for quick relief from gum pain.

1. Use a fresh tea bag and steep it in hot water for 2-5 minutes. You can drink the tea that you make in this process.
2. Take out the used teabag and let it cool in a clean dish.
3. When it is a comfortable temperature, directly place it on your sore gums.
4. Hold it there for 5 minutes.
5. Repeat this process twice a day or till your gums stop hurting.

• Clove Oil

It is known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and is often used as a natural remedy for alleviating gum pain and toothache (12). The following steps show you how to use clove oil for gum pain relief:

1. Mix a few drops of clove oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil.
2. Dip a cotton ball or a clean cloth into the diluted clove oil mixture.
3. Gently apply the oil-soaked cotton ball on the affected area. Ensure it adequately covers the area.
4. Keep the cotton ball in place for a few minutes to allow the clove oil to seep into the gum and rinse your mouth with water to remove any residue.
5. Do this 2-3 times a day.

• Over The Counter Medicines

Conny Wu, a blogger and proponent of natural remedies, shared her go-to solution for irritated gums. She revealed her quick pantry fix—a honey and cinnamon paste. She writes, “I’ve experienced immediate relief and have had gum pain disappear after just one application (i).” Emphasizing the treatment’s safety, Conny assured it was okay to swallow. However, she recommends regular dental check-ups.

You can opt for medicated oral gels which contain natural or synthetic components that can help numb gum pain if you want quick relief. Some commonly used brands include Anbesol and Orajel. You can also take painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. It should be noted that frequent or long-term use of these medications may have adverse side effects. If you think that your gum pain is not resolving, contact your dentist (13).

Even with home remedies, some cases of gum pain may linger for a while. It is important that you know which instances of gum pain are nothing to worry about, and which require quick medical attention.

When To See A Dentist

You need to visit your dentist if you experience any of the following:

• Pain that does not seem to go away.
• Pain that is severe.
• Sores on the gum that do not heal in two weeks.
• Swelling that seems to get worse.
• Loose teeth around your gums.
• Fever that accompanies gum pain.
• Difficulty in sleeping or eating.

Gum pain can impair your day-to-day functioning and require visits to the dentist. You can save yourself the trouble by taking a few simple measures that can lower your chances of ending up with aching gums.

According to a survey among the US population, oral health issues are one of the main causes of sleeplessness. 39% of adults reported losing sleep due to oral health issues, while 18% missed work. 30% had to spend a large amount of money on oral health in 2021.