How Do You Drain Your Gums? A Complete Guide for Healthier Smiles

What Does It Mean to "Drain Your Gums"?

Okay, let's dive right into this. If you’re asking, "How do you drain your gums?", chances are you're dealing with gum swelling or infection, and you're looking for a way to relieve the pressure. First things first: when people talk about draining gums, they’re usually referring to the removal of pus or fluid that has accumulated due to an infection. It's kind of like when you get an abscess — gross, but necessary to deal with.

But here’s the thing: while the idea of "draining" might sound a bit DIY, it’s not always the best idea to attempt it yourself. The truth is, when you feel that discomfort in your gums, it’s usually a sign of an underlying issue that needs proper care. So, let’s break this down.

Why Do Gums Need Draining?

Infection and Gum Abscesses

Gums get infected for various reasons, but most often, it’s due to poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup. Bacteria then infiltrate the gums, causing them to swell, turn red, and sometimes even bleed. If not treated, this can lead to an abscess — a pocket of pus that forms around the infection. This is where the whole “draining” thing comes in.

Now, here’s the tricky part: if you have a gum abscess, it can hurt like crazy. I’ve had one before, and let me tell you, nothing gets your attention like sharp, pulsing pain right under your gums. It feels like your whole face is throbbing. But even though draining the abscess might seem like an instant fix, it’s not something you should rush into without proper advice from a dentist.

How Do You Know If Your Gums Need Draining?

So, how do you know if your gums need draining? Apart from the pain, there are some signs you should look out for. If your gums feel unusually swollen, tender, or you notice a bad taste or smell coming from the affected area, you might be dealing with an abscess. Don’t just brush it off (pun intended).

But here’s the thing I learned from my friend, John — he was dealing with a swollen gum for weeks and tried some home remedies that just made it worse. It’s important to act quickly, but also carefully.

How Do Dentists Drain Gums?

Professional Drainage: The Safe Way

Okay, so let’s talk about how a dentist would go about draining your gums. First off, don’t expect them to just cut into your gums without making sure you're comfortable. They’ll use local anesthesia to numb the area (thank goodness for that), and then, they’ll either:

• Incise the abscess: In other words, they'll make a small cut in the swollen area to allow the pus to drain.

• Clean the infection site: After draining the abscess, they’ll clean the area thoroughly to remove any bacteria or remaining pus.

• Drainage tube: Sometimes, they might place a small drainage tube to ensure the pus keeps draining, especially if the abscess is large.

But yeah, this is something you’ll want to leave to the professionals. DIY drainage can lead to more infections, or worse, damage to the tissue around your gums. Trust me, you do NOT want to go down that road.

Post-Procedure Care: What to Expect

After the procedure, you'll likely be prescribed antibiotics to keep the infection in check. You'll also have to take care of the area by rinsing with salt water, avoiding hot or spicy foods, and maintaining your oral hygiene (but don’t overdo it right away — give your gums time to heal).

I remember a time when I thought I could just “tough it out” after a dental procedure, but I ended up making it worse. So, follow your dentist’s instructions, and don’t rush the healing process.

Home Remedies to Manage Gum Discomfort

Salt Water Rinses: The Old School Trick

If you're feeling discomfort before you can get to the dentist, there are a few things you can do to manage the swelling. The first and simplest remedy is a saltwater rinse. It’s an old-school trick, but it works. Saltwater helps reduce inflammation and may even draw out some of the fluid, relieving pressure.

Take a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds. It won’t drain the abscess like a dentist can, but it can help manage the discomfort until you get proper care.

Cold Compresses and Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

A cold compress on your cheek can also reduce swelling. It’s a temporary fix but effective for bringing down inflammation. Just be sure not to place ice directly on your skin; wrap it in a cloth to avoid frostbite.

And hey, don’t forget about pain relief! Over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen can help take the edge off, but don’t use them as a crutch. They’re just temporary solutions.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

Don't Delay: The Dangers of Ignoring Gum Infections

I know, the idea of going to the dentist isn’t exactly exciting. But trust me, putting it off will only make things worse. If you’re dealing with a gum abscess or any infection, the sooner you get it treated, the better. Infections can spread to your jaw or even your bloodstream if left untreated. And while home remedies are fine for managing minor discomfort, they won't fix the underlying issue.

I learned this the hard way — I ignored a small gum infection once, thinking it would go away on its own. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. Instead, I ended up in the dentist’s chair, wishing I’d dealt with it earlier. Don’t make the same mistake.

Final Thoughts: Be Careful with DIY Gum Draining

Look, if you’re wondering how to drain your gums, the answer isn’t as straightforward as grabbing a needle and going at it. Yes, it can be tempting to try and relieve the pressure yourself, but it’s far safer and more effective to see a professional. Dentists are trained to deal with gum infections, and trust me, their methods are much more reliable than any DIY technique you might have in mind. So, take care of your gums — after all, they’re the foundation of your smile!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.