A lot of people who have had root canals don’t know this, but there are certain symptoms of swelling gums that come with having the procedure done to your teeth. Swelling gums can be caused by irritation from using mouthwash, or it can be caused by the buildup of bacteria around your teeth and the root canal, which causes inflammation and swelling of the gums around the area. We’ll discuss both of these causes in this article so you know how to get rid of swelling gums and keep them from coming back again in the future.
Actively support your health with these habits
Swelling in your gums could be caused by many factors, including poor circulation or even gum disease.
Unfortunately, swelling is a general term that encompasses any issue with excess fluid buildup within your gums or teeth.
If you notice swelling around your teeth, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Your dentist will likely perform a physical exam before moving on to specific tests such as X-rays or CT scans.
To avoid issues like swelling and tooth decay, focus on developing healthy oral care habits like regular brushing and flossing, as well as eating a balanced diet that reduces your overall risk for health problems such as diabetes.
Remind yourself that you don’t want swelling in your gums or root canal symptoms any more than you want cancer.
Toxin build-up isn’t pleasant, so try these natural ways to flush out toxins:
- Eat foods rich in fibre: Fiber binds with waste in your intestines, making it easier for them to pass through. Research has shown that those who consume higher amounts of fibre are less likely to suffer from constipation, which can be a cause of swollen gums and root canal symptoms.
- Eliminate or limit artificial sweeteners: Sweeteners like saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose promote the overgrowth of bacteria in your mouth.
Heat is your best friend
Heat works wonders for sore, swollen gums.
When it comes to treating inflammation from dental work like root canals, heat therapy can be just as effective at getting rid of your pain as anti-inflammatory medications.
Heat therapy is a good way to manage your discomfort between visits with your dentist or periodontist, but you don’t have to reach for an over-the-counter medication in order to reap its benefits.
In fact, putting heat on sore gums may help relieve symptoms more effectively than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
That said, it’s important not to get too hot or keep the heat on for too long—prolonged exposure or intense temperatures could actually cause more damage in some cases.
Eat spicy food
Studies have shown that people who eat spicy foods tend to suffer from fewer digestive problems than others.
Capsaicin, which is found in chilli peppers, appears to help with many of these issues, thanks to its ability to temporarily increase blood flow throughout your body—including areas in your mouth.
Chewing on a jalapeno pepper could help you reduce swelling caused by a root canal procedure while also offering some pain relief.
Additionally, capsaicin can kill off harmful bacteria that may be causing swelling or other symptoms.
Before reaching for some Habanero chips (or any other spicy snack), make sure you’re not sensitive or allergic—otherwise, you could cause more damage than good!
Spicy food not only stimulates circulation but also fights to swell.
Gradually build up your tolerance for spicier food until you’re able to eat spicy dishes like stir-fries, curries, or salsas.
Consume omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids play a major role in health and wellness, from your heart health to brain function.
For oral care, omega-3s can help reduce plaque buildup, which causes inflammation—and can make your gums appear swollen.
Studies show that people who eat more fish have fewer cases of periodontal disease.
Omega-3s are also important for wound healing; when you experience a cut or other trauma in your mouth, these essential fats work with platelets in your bloodstream to create an anti-inflammatory environment that expedites healing. (Remember when we talked about inflammation earlier? The same concept.)
Finally, omega-3s help improves bone structure; a deficiency can lead to weakened bones and further tooth loss over time.
Use garlic powder
Garlic isn’t just a vampire killer, it’s also a great natural solution for dealing with gum infections.
The powder forms a protective layer over your teeth while fighting off any bacterial invasion.
Make sure you use raw garlic, as it has allicin—the compound responsible for most of garlic’s beneficial effects—in its most active form.
Soaking some cotton balls in minced garlic and applying them directly to your swollen gums will work wonders too. (Psst… You can also apply diluted apple cider vinegar on your gums.)
Stay hydrated
Dehydration can cause swelling gums, so it’s important to stay well hydrated when you have a root canal.
Be sure to drink plenty of water during your treatment and for several days afterwards.
To speed up healing, try ice chips or a frozen popsicle. In addition, chewing on parsley or sour-apple Life Savers will also help ease swelling symptoms; just be sure not to swallow these substitutes—you want them in your mouth only.
One last thing: If your tooth is sensitive, be careful not to bite into anything hard—like an apple core!
Gargle with saltwater
When you visit your dentist, they will likely clean out your wound and then recommend a saltwater rinse.
While saltwater is not as effective at reducing swelling as an antibiotic, it is more convenient.
Mix up some saltwater by adding half a teaspoon of table salt into 8 ounces of warm water.
Stir it until it dissolves and swishes it around in your mouth for 30 seconds.
Spit out any excess salt or water after swishing, but don’t rinse with fresh water.
You can do two or three rounds a day until swelling stops if needed.
Use ice packs on swollen areas
Placing an ice pack on your swollen gums or tooth can help to alleviate pain.
Ice therapy works by reducing blood flow and inflammation, as well as numbing pain.
If you don’t have an ice pack on hand, simply place a towel in a freezer for about 30 minutes before applying it to your gum area or tooth.
Using ice after your dentist or dental hygienist has treated you is also a good idea; try holding it on your swollen areas while they finish up, then repeat after they’re done working on you.
Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen
Taking an NSAID can help reduce some of your swellings.
If you need help managing a fever while taking an NSAID, consider taking paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) instead.
Note: Do not take aspirin because it could worsen your condition.
The most common side effects associated with NSAIDs are nausea, heartburn, and stomach upset.
Also, some research has shown that they may raise blood pressure in those who have high blood pressure or heart failure.
As a result, if you have one of these conditions, it’s important to get your doctor’s OK before taking an NSAID for pain relief—even over-the-counter versions.
If you don’t want to take NSAIDs consider using enzymes like Trypsin Chymotrypsin. Find out more details on Trypsin Chymotrypsin Tablet Uses in Hindi.
