As you can imagine, experiencing bruised gums is not the most fun thing in the world. Depicted in dull dark red or purple hues, a bruise on the gums indicates inflammation caused by brushing, dental treatment, trauma, or vice versa. Luckily, there are proven methods to strengthen the gums and restore a healthy and pain-free smile.
In this guide, let us understand how the gums can bruise, what care can be addressed to them at home, and what effective methods can be used to avoid excessive bruising in the future as well.
Lets dive in;
Bruised Gums? Here’s How to Heal and Soothe Them Fast –
What Causes Bruised Gums?
There could be several reasons including hard brushing and overzealous flossing, for your gums to get bruised. Some include:
An injury:
trauma that might be caused by attempting to yank out a loose tooth, falling, or a self-inflicted injury.
Harsh Flossing:
Aggressive flossing or unnecessary tugging in between teeth can also cause damage to sensitive gums.
Dental Procedures:
Such activities include, but are not limited to: dental cleanings, orthodontic adjustments, and other figures of dental work, which may cause some level of bruising on the affected teeth.
Trauma from Eating:
Eating foods with hard edges or even sharp things like chips or nuts can cause tears in the soft skin surrounding the teeth.
Dental Appliances:
Ill-fitting dentures or poor adjustments or placements of dental appliances like braces rub against the gums and eventually cause inflammation.
Once you identify the exact cause of your gum contour bruising, it will be easy to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
How to Lighten Bruised Gums: Natural Treatment
In as much as the bruised gums may cause some level of discomfort, some simple yet effective home remedies exist that can be used to treat the affected gums:
Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater gargles can help reduce inflammation around the affected area and promote healing. To use, mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish it around the mouth for 30 seconds. Repeat this habit twice daily until the discoloration is barely visible.
Cold Compress
To the affected side of the mouth, a cold compress on the outside area also effectively helps bring down the swellings and numbs the affected area. Ice packs, when wrapped in a cloth, may be placed against the cheeks for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Aloe Vera Gel
Apart from its lack of side effects, aloe vera also has a healing effect. Gently massage pure aloe vera gel on the affected area of the gums for a few minutes before washing the mouth with water.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
As a very mild antiseptic agent, a hydrogen peroxide rinse can assist in both cleaning and relieving inflamed gums. Use equal portions of 3% hydrogen peroxide with water and keep the mouth rinsed for half a minute. Repeat this 2-3 times a week to aid recovery: however, do not ingest the solution.
Turmeric Paste
Due to its curcumin content, turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Prepare a paste of turmeric powder and water and apply it to the gums. It has to be kept for about 5 minutes and then rinsed off.
Clove Oil
Natural medicine for pain relief would be clove oil. Using a toothpick, put a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and hold the cotton ball to the bruised gums to remove the painful feeling.
Over-the-Counter Treatments for Bruised Gums
If these household procedures are not effective, improvise and look for medications available over the counter:
- Pain Relief Gels: Gels like benzocaine can numb the area and provide temporary relief.
- Mouth Rinses: Antiseptic or anti-inflammatory mouth rinses can promote gum healing and reduce swelling.
- Sensitive Toothpaste: Switch to a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and gums, along with a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent further irritation.
Preventing Bruised Gums in the Future
Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding bruised gums. Here are some simple tips:
- Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions to avoid damaging your gums.
- Floss Properly: Be gentle when flossing. Glide the floss between your teeth without snapping it down hard on your gums.
- Dental Checkups: Regular dental checkups and cleanings can prevent gum problems before they start.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Be mindful of hard or sharp foods that can easily bruise your gums.
- Adjust Dental Appliances: If you wear braces, dentures, or other dental appliances, make sure they fit properly to prevent gum irritation.
When to See a Dentist
If your gums remain bruised or you experience any of the following, it’s time to seek professional care:
- Persistent pain or swelling that doesn’t improve after a few days of home treatment
- Frequent or excessive bleeding from the gums
- Signs of infection, such as pus or a fever
- Bruised gums linked to underlying health conditions like gum disease or vitamin deficiencies
Your dentist can help identify the cause and provide the right treatment to heal your gums effectively.
Conclusion
Bruised gums can be painful, but with the right care, they can heal quickly. From home remedies like saltwater rinses and aloe vera to over-the-counter treatments, you have plenty of options to soothe your gums and get back to a healthy smile.
Remember, taking care of your gums now can help prevent problems in the future. Try out these remedies and feel free to share your experiences in the comments! If your gums need extra attention, don’t hesitate to consult your dentist for professional care.