Taking ibuprofen can help reduce gum swelling but it is most effective when used in conjunction with dental treatment and not as stand alone therapy.
Ibuprofen can reduce gingival swelling
If your gums are swollen, taking some ibuprofen can help reduce the swelling.
According to one research study, they compared two groups: one that took ibuprofen vs a control group that did not take any. The result was that the group with ibuprofen did in fact have reduced gum swelling after 2 weeks. However, there were no further results after those two weeks.
The primary reason why taking ibuprofen alone without dental treatment is not very effective is its inability to mechanically debride the teeth. Whatever foreign object that may be causing the swelling is not removed when you simply take an oral medication.200mg ibuprofen
Therefore, the conclusion is that it can help with periodontal swelling.
Why ibuprofen helps with gingival swelling: This OTC medication is a NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Due to its anti-inflammation properties it can help bring down some of the gum inflammation which in term lessens the puffiness of the swollen gums. As an additional benefit, it can relieve some of the pain as well.
Most effective as adjunctive therapy
While ibuprofen can help reduce gum swelling, it works the best when used in conjunction with other types of dental treatment.
For instance, the research study from above was comparing the gingival swelling reduction in groups of patient who've undergone a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing). Both groups had a deep cleaning but only one of them was prescribed ibuprofen.
What the study did not investigate was the effectiveness of ibuprofen helping with gum swelling without a deep cleaning.
Why periodontal treatment is necessary: The vast majority of periodontal issues including swollen bleeding gums, typically require some form of mechanical debridement. In other words, manual physical treatment for the gums. Without it, the problem will persist and will not improve.
Take the photo below as an example which shows periodontitis with a lot of tartar buildup.
Not very effective when used on its own
The primary reason why taking ibuprofen alone without dental treatment is not very effective is its inability to mechanically debride the teeth. Whatever foreign object that may be causing the swelling is not removed when you simply take an oral medication.
The tartar or calculus buildup does not go away by taking pain medication, brushing your teeth, or even using mouthwash. The only way to remove it (the source of inflammation) is by scaling it off which your dentist/hygienist can do.
You are not able to do what you see above from using home remedies.
What you should do
Basically what we're trying to tell you is that, if you're experiencing some type of gum swelling you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Taking some ibuprofen may mitigate some of the pain and reduce some of the swelling but these are all temporary solutions. The only permanent treatment will need to be administered by your dentist. Besides, your dentist can always prescribe you chlorhexidine which is a much more effective antibacterial rinse that can reduce gum bleeding.
If you're nearby in Long Island City, NY our dentists are accepting new consultation appointments. We can diagnosis it and treat whatever it is that is ailing your soft tissue!
