Common Gum Problems That Need Attention
Gum emergencies can range from a piece of food wedged painfully below the gumline to an abscess, which is a pocket of infection that may cause throbbing pain, a bad taste, a pimple-like bump on the gum, or swelling in the face. Injuries from sharp foods, burns, or accidental cuts can also affect the gums.
Persistent bleeding, a sudden change in how your gums look or feel, or pain that keeps you awake are all signs that you should be evaluated promptly.
What You Can Do at Home
Rinse gently with warm salt water to soothe the area and help keep it clean. If something is caught between your teeth, try floss carefully rather than using sharp objects. A cold compress on the outside of the cheek may help with swelling, and over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken as directed on the label if they are safe for you.
Avoid placing aspirin or other medications directly on the gums, as this can irritate the tissue.
When to Call Us or Seek Emergency Care
If you have gum pain, swelling, or signs of infection, please call our office at (561) 235-5424 so we can arrange to see you as soon as possible. Infections in the mouth do not resolve on their own and should be treated.
If swelling is severe or spreading, if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, if bleeding will not stop with steady pressure, or if you have a fever with facial swelling, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 right away.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for a professional examination. For advice about your own smile, please call us at (561) 235-5424.