From the Guidelines
Gum swelling treatment should prioritize improving oral hygiene and managing symptoms, with a focus on gentle brushing, daily flossing, and rinsing with warm salt water, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. To address gum swelling, it is essential to start by improving your oral hygiene routine. This includes gentle but thorough brushing twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush, as outlined in the multinational association of supportive care in cancer/international society of oral oncology daily oral care plan 1. Daily flossing is also crucial, with waxed floss being easier to use and minimizing trauma to the gingivae. Key aspects of oral care include:
- Brushing with a small, ultra-soft-headed, rounded-end, bristle toothbrush and prescription strength fluoride toothpaste
- Rinsing with a bland rinse, such as 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda in 4 cups of water, several times a day
- Avoiding commercial mouthwashes with alcohol base or astringent properties
- Moisturizing the oral cavity with water or artificial saliva products
- Applying lubricant after each cleaning, at bedtime, and as needed Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort, and for mild cases, antimicrobial mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine 0.12% may help reduce bacterial load 1. However, it is crucial to seek professional dental care immediately if symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by fever, severe pain, or difficulty swallowing, as gum swelling often results from gingivitis or periodontitis caused by bacterial buildup. Regular follow-ups with your dentist, at least every 6 months, are also vital for maintaining good oral health and addressing any potential issues early on 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions Use with care in premature infants or infants under 2 months of age. These products may cause irritation or chemical burns attention to the nails, cuticles, and interdigital spaces a separate nail cleaner may be used rinse thoroughly wash for an additional 3 minutes with 5 ml of product and rinse under running water dry thoroughly Skin wound and general skin cleansing thoroughly rinse the area to be cleaned with water apply the minimum amount of product necessary to cover the skin or wound area and wash gently rinse again thoroughly
The treatment for gum swelling is not explicitly mentioned in the provided drug label. However, the label does provide instructions for skin wound and general skin cleansing, which may be relevant for cleaning the area around the gums.
- Gently rinse the area with water
- Apply the minimum amount of product necessary to cover the area
- Wash gently and rinse again thoroughly 2
From the Research
Gum Swelling Treatment
- Gum swelling, also known as gingivitis, is a reversible inflammatory condition caused by the accumulation and persistence of microbial biofilms (dental plaque) on the teeth 3.
- The condition is characterized by redness and swelling of the gingivae (gums) and a tendency for the gingivae to bleed easily 3.
Treatment Options
- Chlorhexidine mouthrinse has been shown to reduce gingivitis and plaque when used as an adjunct to mechanical oral hygiene procedures 3.
- The use of chlorhexidine mouthrinse for 4 to 6 weeks reduced gingivitis by 0.21 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.31) compared to placebo, control, or no mouthrinse 3.
- Systemic antimicrobials, such as amoxicillin plus metronidazole, have also been shown to be effective in reducing gingivitis and periodontitis 4.
- Ibuprofen, administered systemically, has been found to reduce gingivitis but not de novo plaque formation 5.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents
- Anti-inflammatory agents, such as ibuprofen, have been shown to be effective in treating gingivitis as solo or adjunct therapies 6.
- A systematic review found that the use of anti-inflammatory agents resulted in a higher reduction in gingival indexes and bleeding scores compared to control groups 6.
Adverse Effects
- Chlorhexidine mouthrinse has been associated with adverse effects, including extrinsic tooth staining, taste disturbance, and effects on the oral mucosa 3.
- Systemic antimicrobials have also been associated with adverse effects, including more frequent adverse events in test groups using systemic antimicrobials 4.