# Swollen gums?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swollen-gums/190119>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [July 22, 2003, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swollen-gums/190119 "2003-07-22T11:57:38Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 7\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![d12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/71c47a/32.png) [@d12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/d12)\
**Post date:** [July 22, 2003, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swollen-gums/190119/1 "2003-07-22T11:57:38Z")

</div>

Hey all,  
The other day I woke up and the upper right side of my gums were swollen at the top. It hurts. Alot. I’m due in Toronto for the American Idol concert (the mother is dragging me) and I was just wondering if anyone knows how I can get the swelling down for 1 day without having to see a dentist.  
Cheers,  
d12

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![elfje](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19b73/32.png) [@elfje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfje)\
**Post date:** [July 22, 2003, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swollen-gums/190119/2 "2003-07-22T12:08:29Z")

</div>

swelling usually means infection.  
infection is caused by bacteria  
bacteria thrive in warm, die in cold environments  
use icepack to reduce swelling  
use plenty of mouth wash (listerine) to reduce infection.

should help.  
good luck

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\
**Post date:** [July 22, 2003, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swollen-gums/190119/3 "2003-07-22T12:11:05Z")

</div>

> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by elfje \*  
> **swelling usually means infection.  
> infection is caused by bacteria  
> bacteria thrive in warm, die in cold environments  
> use icepack to reduce swelling  
> use plenty of mouth wash (listerine) to reduce infection.**

Agreed. But you should still make a dental appointment.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![elfje](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19b73/32.png) [@elfje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfje)\
**Post date:** [July 22, 2003, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swollen-gums/190119/4 "2003-07-22T12:13:17Z")

</div>

yes.  
But he was looking for a temporary solution.  
I gave him exactly that.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\
**Post date:** [July 22, 2003, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swollen-gums/190119/5 "2003-07-22T12:17:54Z")

</div>

Understood. I just wanted to stress the _temporary_ aspect of it. I’ve seen too many people put off going to the dentist (and likewise the doctor) because they’re afraid of getting bad news.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MeanJoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanjoe/32/5693_2.png) [@MeanJoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanJoe)\
**Post date:** [July 22, 2003, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swollen-gums/190119/6 "2003-07-22T12:23:17Z")

</div>

gargle/swish with 1 teaspoon sea salt to 4 ounces (or so) of water.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![XJETGIRLX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9fc29f/32.png) [@XJETGIRLX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XJETGIRLX)\
**Post date:** [July 22, 2003, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swollen-gums/190119/7 "2003-07-22T13:29:59Z")

</div>

You can also swish with diluted hydrogen peroxide. Mix in about one part peroxide to about 2 or 3 parts water. Should help clear out any bacteria in the area. Just remember: Don’t swallow!

And definitely check in with a dentist upon your return!