Question: For
about the past week I have had a sore throat, pain in my ears, and
swollen gums. I was on a plane and I thought I may have picked something
up there or I also ate a lot of fruit without washing it which I was
thinking could be what is irritating my gums. What should I do to
make this go away? Christine
Answer: Dear Christine,
In many cases an earache is accompanied
by a sore throat. To obtain relief from this you may try taking over
the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen.
Swollen gums are usually either
enlarged, bulging or protruding and are a common symptom of the following
conditions:
- Gingivitis
- Sensitivity to toothpaste/mouthwash
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Pregnancy
- Malnutrition
The swollen gums should improve
by themselves but it is recommended to visit a doctor if the swelling
is severe, lasts for a long time and is painful.
