From the Guidelines
Treatment for gingival swelling should focus on addressing the underlying cause while reducing inflammation, and the most effective approach is to start with improved oral hygiene, including thorough brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and an antimicrobial mouthwash containing chlorhexidine 0.12% or alternative herbal products like Aloe Vera or Triphala, as they have shown comparable effects to chlorhexidine in reducing plaque and gingival inflammation 1. The goal is to reduce bacterial biofilm accumulation, which triggers an inflammatory response in the gum tissue. Key steps include:
- Brushing teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild fluoride-containing toothpaste, as recommended by the ESMO clinical practice guidelines 1.
- Using an antimicrobial mouthwash, such as chlorhexidine 0.12%, for 30 seconds twice daily, or alternative herbal products like Aloe Vera or Triphala, which have shown comparable effects in reducing plaque and gingival inflammation 1.
- Professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
- For mild inflammation, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (400mg every 6-8 hours) can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Warm salt water rinses (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces warm water) several times daily can soothe irritated gums. If swelling is due to infection, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics such as amoxicillin (500mg three times daily for 7-10 days) or metronidazole (250mg three times daily for 7 days). For severe cases, especially those involving periodontal disease, scaling and root planing procedures may be necessary. Maintaining consistent oral hygiene is crucial for preventing recurrence, and herbal products like green tea have also shown promise in reducing plaque and gingivitis parameters, with effects comparable to those seen with chlorhexidine mouthwashes 1.
From the Research
Treatment for Gingival Swelling
The treatment for gingival swelling can be managed through various methods, including:
- Mechanical plaque removal, which is the primary approach for managing gingivitis and preventing periodontitis 2
- Use of adjunctive chemical plaque control agents, which can provide additional benefits in reducing plaque and gingivitis 2, 3
- Anti-inflammatory agents, although their use in managing gingivitis has no robust evidence base 2
- Surgical or non-surgical treatment therapies for drug-induced gingival enlargement, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health 4
Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatment options for gingival swelling include:
- Professionally administered plaque control, which can significantly improve gingival inflammation and lower plaque scores 2
- Use of re-chargeable power toothbrushes, which can provide small but statistically significant additional reductions in gingival inflammation and plaque levels 2
- Inter-dental cleaning devices, such as inter-dental brushes (IDBs), which are recommended for interproximal plaque removal 2
- Chlorhexidine rinse, which has been shown to be effective in reducing plaque, gingivitis, and gingival bleeding 3
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment options for gingival swelling may be necessary in severe cases, such as: