Gum Pain Treatment — Using Gum Graft Surgery to Alleviate Pain

Seeking a gum graft, perhaps? Are your gingivae sore to the point where you can’t even chew food properly? If so, we have the perfect solution to your gum pain issue. After all, something as serious as gum pain will require professional dentists with years of experience. One wrong move and your mouth might feel like it’s on fire. Of course, some people choose not to visit a dentist if they feel any gum discomfort. However, that might not be such a good idea. If we ignore the pain, no matter how small it is, we can risk contracting a number of diseases or even losing our teeth. So, if you’d like to learn more about gum pain and what it can lead to, you’ve come to the right place. 

What Causes Gum Pain?

Painful gums can be a result of any number of issues. Unless you resolve the problem quickly, it can lead to bleeding and other serious health problems. With that in mind, here’s a brief list of some of the most common causes of gum pain.

Sinus Infection

Normally, our sinuses are filled with air. However, when they fill up with fluids, it can lead to an infection, which can cause gum pain. This type of problem is quite common and millions of people worldwide are affected each year. 

Canker Sores

Everyone has had at least one canker sore on the inside of their lips within their lifetime. They are pale, scab-looking ulcers that appear for a wide variety of reasons, including stress, injury, or a weak immune system. While they usually appear on the inside of the lip, they can also frequently pop up on our gums, causing pain and discomfort.

Infection or Gum Disease

Gum disease is quite common, and it usually occurs if we don’t take care of our teeth properly. Without proper brushing and plaque removal, bacteria form on our teeth and gums, which leads to serious forms of infection. Pain and bleeding are usually the early signs of anything serious. 

Cuts and Abrasions

Braces, dentures, and retainers are helpful tools, but if the dentist doesn’t apply them properly, they can damage the gum tissue and cause pain. Any small cut or abrasion can lead to an infection if we don’t treat it in time. 

Other Causes

While not as common as the reasons we listed earlier, the causes below can also result in gum pain:

• Hormonal changes
• Improper brushing and/or flossing
• Chewing or smoking tobacco
• Eating particularly hard foods
• Chemotherapy 

Gum Pain Relief Methods

Reading all of the above, you would think that even the smallest pain can lead to a serious health condition, and in a sense, that’s true. However, if we take care of our teeth and gums properly, we can reduce the chances of having painful gums. But what about people who are already facing some pain? Depending on the intensity, you can apply one of the various methods listed below. However, the best thing you can do in this situation is to visit a local dentist and have them take a look at your gums, just to be safe. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is perfect for relieving pain thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. We can apply it to our gums in one of two ways. On the one hand, we can mix a few drops of the oil with tap water and use it as a mouthwash. On the other hand, there are various brands of toothpaste that contain tea tree oil as an ingredient. 

Tea Bags

In order to use this method, you will first need to boil the tea bag in hot water and then let it cool before applying it to the gums. Keep in mind that not all teas have pain relief properties. The best ones you can use to soothe your aching gums are chamomile, green tea, black tea, ginger, and hibiscus. 

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent solution since it can kill off germs and reduce inflammation. You can use it as a mouthwash by mixing it with water and rinsing your mouth with it for about 20 seconds. 

Salt Water Rinsing

A warm cup of water and a teaspoon of salt might be enough to relieve the aching gums. Salt, in particular, is excellent for killing off bacteria in your mouth, as well as preventing new ones from growing. 

Hot or Cold Compresses

This method is quite simple, as it only requires a clean cloth and, depending on what you choose, either hot water or an ice pack. Soak the cloth in hot (but not boiling) water or wrap it around the ice pack and apply it to your face, around the area where your gums hurt. 

Turmeric Paste

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and contains useful antioxidants that help reduce swelling and relieve pain. The best way to use turmeric is to mix ¼ teaspoon of it with some water and make a paste. When you do, apply the paste by gently rubbing it onto your gums and leave it on for about 5 minutes. Make sure to do this for about 2 weeks until the pain is gone.

Pain Killers

Any over-the-counter painkiller can help you, from ibuprofen to aspirin. However, make sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you buy one.

Oral Anesthetic Gels

An anesthetic gel will contain natural anti-inflammatory ingredients that can soothe your gums when you apply them. Some popular options include Anbesol and Orajel.

DIY Dental Spray

You can make your own dental spray by using some water and essential oils (around five drops will do). The best oils for the job are oregano, clove, and peppermint. 

Proper Nutrition

By eating the right food, you can improve your dental health immensely. For instance, any food rich in Vitamin C and folic acid will prevent gum pain, while calcium-rich meals will provide some extra strength to your teeth. 

Gum Graft Treatments

If the pain you feel in your gums becomes unbearable or your gingivae start to recess, you should consider gum graft surgery. This procedure includes grafting healthy gum tissue onto the exposed areas. That way, the root of your tooth and the nerves within will be protected from further exposure, and therefore further pain. So, if you’re experiencing gum-related inflammation and pain, we suggest getting a gum graft treatment as soon as possible. And don’t let the pandemic stop you from keeping your gums healthy. Modern technology can keep both you and your dentist safe with inventions such as the foldable tent which you can read about by clicking the following link: medicalxpress.com/news/2020-12-foldable-tent-safe-dental-pandemic.html 

In Conclusion

Gum pain isn’t something we should take lightly. Even the smallest discomfort can be a gateway to an infection or even our teeth falling out. So, when you sense that there’s something wrong with your gums, make sure to contact your dentist and, if necessary, get a gum graft treatment as soon as possible.