3-Step Home Remedy For Treating Your Minor Symptoms After Laser Gum Treatment
If you are about to have laser treatment for your gums, your dentist may have already explained that the use of lasers reduces the amount of pain, swelling and bleeding normally found after gum surgery. However, you may still have minor symptoms. If so, use the following three-step home remedy for soothing your sore, swollen gums and reducing the bleeding even further.
Step 1: Rinse Your Mouth With Homemade Mouthwash
The first step for reducing your discomfort is rinsing your mouth with a homemade mouthwash containing salt and peppermint oil. The salt in the mixture serves two purposes. First, it acts as a natural antibacterial that kills the germs around the procedure sites, reducing the risk of infection. Second, the salt pulls out inflammation, helping to reduce the swelling.
The peppermint oil in the mouthwash helps reduce pain. It does this by penetrating the gum tissue and numbing the nerve endings.
To make your mouthwash, fill a glass or cup with a half cup of room temperature water. Do not use water that is too warm because this could increase circulation to the gums and increase bleeding.
Add a tablespoon of salt and five drops of peppermint oil, and mix well. Swish half of the solution in your mouth for about half a minute, then spit it out. Rinse with the second half of the mouthwash for an additional half minute. Spit it out, and proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Place A Cold Black Tea Bag On Your Gums
After rinsing your mouth, the next step is placing a cold black tea bag on your gums. The tannins in the tea have astringent properties that help reduce swelling and redness and kill bacterial growth around the procedure sites.
When the tea bag is used cold, the temperature reduces blood flow to the gums by constricting the blood vessels, further reducing swelling and soreness.
Boil a half cup of water in a saucepan, then remove it from the heat. Place a black tea bag in the water and let it steep for five minutes. If your treatment involved more than one area of your mouth, use as many bags as necessary to cover all areas treated.
After the time is up, place the pan with the bags in the refrigerator for an hour. Then, remove the tea bags, and push out the excess liquid. Place the bag between your teeth and cheek so it rests directly on your gums. Leave the bags in your mouth for five minutes. Remove them, then go on to the third step.
Step 3: Rub An Herbal Essential Oil Tincture On Your Gums
Once you have removed the tea bags, the final step is rubbing an herbal essential oil tincture on your gums. Olive oil is used as a carrier oil that is mixed with clove oil and peppermint oil. The benefits of the peppermint oil as the same as described above in step one.
The clove oil's purpose in the tincture is to soothe the soreness and help relieve pain. However, it is imperative that you not use more than the recommended amount of the oil, as some people have a high sensitivity to the oil that can cause irritation or sores. If you know you are sensitive or allergic to cloves or have concerns about using it, feel free to eliminate the clove oil from the tincture.
To make the tincture, place five drops of olive oil, five drops of peppermint oil and two drops of clove oil in the palm of your clean hand. Use one end of a cotton swab to mix them thoroughly. Then, use the other end to apply it directly to your gums. Do not rinse your mouth or eat for about a half an hour after application to allow the oils to soak into your gums.
Using the above home treatment for the first 24 hours after your procedure should reduce your symptoms. However, if you notice an increase in pain or swelling after your laser gum treatment, you may want to follow up with your dentist to discuss any concerns you may have. For more information about caring for your mouth after a procedure, contact a company like Neu Family Dental Center.
Share