Our gums are incredible supports for our oral health. They provide a tight seal around our teeth, preventing infection of the tooth roots or jawbone by oral bacteria. They also function as shock absorbers, cushioning our teeth by absorbing the pressure received from everyday chewing. However, as a soft tissue, our gums are prone to injury. So, what should you do if you suffer a gum injury? The Lakeside Dental team offers the following recommendations.
Treating Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are worrisome, but most of the time, it looks worse than it actually is. When blood mixes with saliva, even a small amount seems like a lot. Rest assured that most bleeding slows down in just a few minutes. To help things along, try these simple steps:
- Rinse gently with a mild saltwater mix.
- Press a damp piece of gauze on the spot for a few minutes. If you have no gauze, a clean cloth or a fresh sanitary pad works too.
- If you feel sore, hold ice against the area for five to ten minutes. This helps calm swelling and slows the bleeding.
If you are still bleeding after ten minutes, then give Lakeside Dental in Folsom a call at (916) 983-8870. We are here to help!
Something Stuck in Your Gums?
Most of us have experienced injury to our gums from sharp items like bones, ice chips, or toothpicks. At times, an object such as a seed, splinter, or a piece of food gets lodged in our gums. In both scenarios, our amazing gums react pretty quickly to protect the rest of our body. We may experience swelling, redness, bleeding and pain or sensitivity in the injured gum area. Don’t ignore these signs. Instead, do the following:
- Stay calm. Most small objects work their way out or can be removed gently.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area and reduce swelling.
- Slowly and gently use dental floss to see if the object loosens.
- If dental floss doesn’t work, then gently nudge the object with a clean dental pick.
- Don’t poke too much! Repeated poking may cause irritation or push the object in further.
- If the area feels swollen or tender, hold ice against your cheek for 5-10 minutes.
Typically, using these recommendations, the object comes out and our gums start to mend. If this is not the result for you or you continue to have redness, swelling, increased pain, pus, or develop a bad taste in your mouth, you need to contact Lakeside Dental in Folsom. We have the right tools and experience to safely remove objects from your gums without further damaging them.
Periodontal Abscess
A periodontal abscess is a pus-filled sac that forms when an infection builds up between our gums and teeth or in the jawbone. Abscesses are painful, causing swelling in the gums or face, headaches, and at times a fever. If you are suffering from an abscess, don’t wait! Emergency dental care is necessary to keep the infection from spreading and causing further damage. Contact Lakeside Dental for emergency treatment. We scan the area, find the problem, and start the most effective treatment for fast relief.
We’ve Got Your Gums Covered!
Pain, swelling, or injuries to your gums? Reach out to Lakeside Dental in Folsom. Helping your gums bounce back is a big part of what we do, especially when it matters most.
