Gum infections are typically the result of periodontal disease and dental decay — however, bacteria from the sinus cavities can spread to the gum tissue and cause infections. While you will need to make an appointment with your family dentist if you have a gum infection, consider the following symptomatic relief options while you are waiting for your dental appointment.

Oral Salt Water Rinses

If your gums are sore and inflamed, rinse your mouth with a mild salt water solution. You can make your own salt water rinse by mixing a small pinch of salt into a cup of warm water. Salt has both antimicrobial properties and anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease your symptoms. While rinsing your mouth with salt water can help promote symptomatic relief, it is not a substitute for dental care. Gum infections are usually caused by bacteria which necessitates a visit to your family dentist for an examination and antibiotic prescription.

After you have made your salt water rinse, take a small sip and swish it around your mouth for at least a few seconds. There is no need to rinse your mouth out after you spit the salt water solution out but do not swallow it. Swallowing the solution may cause gastrointestinal problems and it can even increase blood pressure in certain people.

Numbing Agents And NSAIDs

Gum infections are often painful and like other bacterial infections, they can cause both localized symptoms as well as systemic symptoms such as fever, body aches, and fatigue. To relieve gum pain you can rub a small amount of an over-the-counter oral numbing agent on your gums for fast relief. Oral numbing agents are considered safe and well tolerated and are often used to treat teething discomfort in babies

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also called NSAIDs can also help relieve gum inflammation, pain, and systemic symptoms of your bacterial gum infection. If you are not sure which product to use, your family dentist can give your guidance. If you experience severe systemic symptoms such as a high fever, call your primary care physician. While these symptoms can be related to your bacterial gum infection, they may be caused by another health condition.

If you develop a gum infection, make an appointment with your family dentist. When gum infections are treated promptly, the infection may be less likely to spread to other parts of your body and the risk for tissue damage and tooth loss will diminish as well.