Swollen gum pain medication is often used to treat complaints of pain and swelling in the gums. This condition can be caused by various things. For swollen gums to work effectively, you need to use them according to the cause of swollen gums.
Swollen gums are a common condition and can be caused by many things. In addition to swelling, this condition is generally accompanied by symptoms of bad breath, pain in the gums, or the appearance of pus from under the gums and teeth.
To determine the cause of swollen gums, you need to see a dentist. The doctor will perform an examination of the teeth, gums, and mouth, as well as supporting examinations such as X-rays of the mouth and blood tests.
Various Causes of Swollen Gums
There are several conditions that can cause swollen gums, including:
1. The wrong way to brush your teeth
Many people brush their teeth too hard, causing parts of the oral cavity, including the gums to hurt or swell. The right way to brush your teeth is done slowly by moving the toothbrush from top to bottom. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, especially for those of you who have sensitive teeth.
2. Side effects of drugs
There are several types of drugs that can cause swollen gums, including anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and calcium channel blockers, which are often used to treat heart disease. Usually, the side effects of this drug are only felt about 2-4 months after being consumed.
3. Vitamin C deficiency
Lack of vitamin C can trigger swelling of the gums. There are several factors that can cause a person to experience a vitamin C deficiency, such as an unhealthy diet, diabetes, stress, and smoking habits.
4. Use of dentures
The use of dentures that do not fit or do not keep the dentures clean can also cause the gums to become swollen. Therefore, if you use dentures, it is recommended to pay more attention to the size and cleanliness of the dentures used.
5. Gingivitis
Gingivitis or inflammation of the gums is often the main cause of swollen gums. Gingivitis generally occurs because oral hygiene is not maintained, causing a buildup of plaque that contains a lot of bacteria on the teeth and gums. If not treated properly, gingivitis can lead to a more severe condition, namely periodontitis and tooth loss.
In addition to some of the things above, smoking habits and hormonal changes during pregnancy can also make the gums swollen. Changes in the size of the jawbone can sometimes make the gums appear swollen or protruding, even though the part that looks protruding is bone. In rarer cases, swelling of the gums can be influenced by cysts, tumors, to cancer.
Medication for swollen gums and their prevention
Basically, swollen gum pain medication needs to be adjusted to the underlying cause. Some types of swollen gum pain medications that are generally given by doctors include:
Pain reliever
To relieve swollen gums that are painful due to inflammation of the gums, your doctor can prescribe pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. The type and dose of medication given will be adjusted to the severity of the swollen gums experienced.
Mouthwash
Your doctor may also recommend using mouthwash to treat swollen gums. This drug can clean the mouth of germs and food debris and overcome inflammation of the gums. Some types of mouthwash that can be used as a remedy for swollen gums include: chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide.
Antibiotic drug
If swollen gums are caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection in your gums. Usually, this drug is taken for at least 3 days. In severe conditions, in addition to medication for swollen gums, the doctor will also perform surgery.
Before you experience swollen gums, there are several preventive steps you can take, including:
- Maintain oral hygiene and regularly use mouthwash
- Brush your teeth gently at least 2 times a day
- Eat healthy and nutritious food
- Drink more water
- Stop smoking and drinks that are too cold or too hot
Sore and swollen gums can be treated with the above medicines. However, before using these drugs, you should consult with your doctor first so that the doctor can determine the right type of swollen gum pain medication for you to use.