How to Soothe Sensitive Gums

Having sensitive gums can cause you pain when you eat or drink. Sometimes sensitive gums hurt even when you aren't eating or drinking. This type of pain can be very distracting and annoying. If you have sensitive gums, there are ways to soothe your pain. These strategies not only help with pain relief, but some of them also help to preserve the health of your teeth and gums, which can prevent the situation from worsening.

Things You'll Need

• Soft toothbrush
• Toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums
• Water
• Salt
• Drinking glass

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit your dentist regularly. Sensitive gums can be a sign of gingivitis, which can lead to more serious dental conditions.

• 2

  Brush your teeth with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Use a toothpaste that is designed for sensitive teeth and gums. Use a gentle, circular motion to brush, rather than a rough back-and-forth motion. Brush after each meal if possible and floss at least once daily to remove food particles. Floss gently, following the curve of the tooth to avoid further irritating the gums. Food that gets caught between your teeth and gums can cause soreness.

• 3

  Rinse your mouth with a solution of four parts water to one part salt. This can help to reduce gum inflammation and sensitivity.

• 4

  Take natural or pharmaceutical pain relievers if your gums become particularly sore. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with irritation and pain. Rubbing cloves or clove oil on your gums also can help to dull soreness.