Dental TipSwellings of The Gum Tips
Swellings of The Gum Tips
- If you have a swollen gum and think you have an abscess it may be possible to drain it yourself. This can really only be done if the swelling on the gum has come to a head. Sometimes you can get them to drain where the gum and the tooth meet. Put pressure on the swelling and push it up towards the tooth. If you are lucky you will get a nasty taste in your mouth which means it is likely to be draining.
- Whilst it continues to drain you should use hot salty water mouthwashes. That is a cup of hot water, as hot as you can take with a teaspoon of salt in. Hold it over the swelling and then with your finger on the cheek externally try and milk the swelling up towards the tooth.
- Take pain killers as needed.
- If you have a swelling that can be seen on the outside of your face going up to your eye then you will need some antibiotics as a short-term treatment. Please contact your dentist on the practice number.
- If the swelling affects your breathing or swallowing go straight to A&E. If you feel that you want further advice at any stage then call us or NHS 111.
A Little Reminder
Lastly a little reminder of a few things that will make the coming weeks kinder on your teeth and gums:
- Make sure you brush twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. Ensure you don’t rinse out the toothpaste after brushing as it has much more of a beneficial effect if it is left on the teeth
- Clean in between your teeth EVERY day with either floss, TePes or other cleaning aids that you have been shown by your dentist or hygienist
- Reduce sugar intake in food or drink to just 4 times a day. Your teeth should be able to cope with that. Any more frequent and your risk of developing tooth decay increases dramatically. If you allow tooth decay to develop, it can lead to problems including toothache! The effect of any sugary food and drink on your teeth lasts for up to an hour so be careful and look out for hidden sugars
- Bleeding from your mouth when you brush your teeth is usually because your gums are inflamed – you need to try and determine where the bleeding is coming from and clean more in that area not less.
We hope that you find these tips helpful. Let’s hope that you don’t need to use any of them. If you do, don’t forget that we are on the other end of the phone to give you further advice on 01293 782772 where you will be directed to your dentist for a telephone consultation.
