When the inside of your mouth hurts, it can be a pain that overrides everything else. Forget sleeping, eating, drinking, or going about your day. You just want the pain to go away!
Sore gum tissue happens from a variety of causes. It could be a case of gum disease, a cut or wound in the mouth, or a condition called stomatitis. How you treat this discomfort depends on what it stems from.
Unlike a typical wound on your body, you can’t put an antibiotic ointment on it and hope it goes away. But you aren’t stuck dealing with the pain without help. Here are three main reasons for sore soft tissue and how to tackle the problems.
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Cuts and Wounds? Try Salt Water Rinses
Have you ever been in the ocean or sea and found that your cuts sting a bit? This slight discomfort is the beginning of a therapeutic skin remedy humans have used for millennia.
Dangerous to swallow, salt water has many benefits as a rinse. It can relieve sore throat pain, reduce swollen gums, and quickly clear up cuts and wounds.
When your mouth hurts because of canker sores or other irritations, take a minute and throw together a saltwater rinse. You only need half a teaspoon of salt and one cup of warm water.
Stir the two ingredients together, and “drink” as much as you comfortably can without swallowing. Swish around in your mouth for 15 to 20 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat two to four times per day to keep the bacteria away.
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Irritated Gums From Your Night Guard? Switch to a Custom-Made Version
Millions of people use night guards to reduce the effects of bruxism, a condition where you grind your teeth and clench your jaw in your sleep. But if you’re not wearing an oral appliance that fits right, it can cause more side effects than it fixes.
This article by JS Dental Lab explains how you’ll know if your night guard is doing its job or making your problems worse. An easy giveaway is that your gums started feeling irritated after you began sleeping with your new device.
It might take a couple of weeks for your mouth to get used to the guard, and you could feel a little sore. However, irritated gums, cuts, and bleeding are sure signs that yours doesn’t fit right.
If you bought your night guard over the counter, or it’s a boil and bite, remember, those kits are more of a one-size-fits-most product. Talk to your dentist about having one custom-made, or look online for a professional lab that provides you the same high-quality customization without the hefty price tag.
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Gum Disease? Switch Your Oral Health Routine
Gum disease starts out as gingivitis, a reversible condition that will disappear if you step up your oral hygiene routine. When you first notice the signs of discomfort or bleeding in your gums, it’s time to start brushing and flossing more and make a dentist appointment.
The dentist will examine your gum line and determine if you have gingivitis or its more serious counterpart, periodontitis. At that stage, the only way to keep the gum disease from progressing is to work with your dentist and follow their instructions.
In the meantime, you can reduce the discomfort of your sore and swollen gums with these small daily oral hygiene tips:
- Brush and floss gently at least twice daily to keep the gums clean and prevent bacteria from thriving.
- Use a saltwater rinse after flossing to eliminate any leftover pesky bacteria.
- Use warm compresses applied to the face’s painful side to remove some of the discomforts.
- Use cold compresses if your gums are visibly swollen.
In addition to these tips to help with the pain, ensure you stay hydrated. Drink enough water to keep your saliva production on full force. This makes it harder for bacteria to get a good hold on your gums.
Conclusion
Whether they’re a minor inconvenience or a major distraction, sore gums aren’t fun. In general, your gum issues are from one of these three primary causes. Pinpoint the reason for your pain, then use these solutions to help it go away.
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