Whenever you’re experiencing any kind of pain in your teeth, gums, or mouth in general, you should never put an aspirin anywhere near your gums.
If you ever experience unbearable pain anywhere in your mouth, we recommend you consult us; we’ll give you recommendations on the right kind of pain-relieving medication to take. That said, let’s learn a little more about aspirin and why it isn’t safe to put on your gums.
The main reason why aspirin isn’t good for you is that it can chemically burn your gums. Not only does it not relieve your pain, but it also introduces another pain on top of it that you will have to deal with.
Common Dental Myths
Some people wrongly believe that if they mix aspirin into a paste, it will work better, while others believe that the best way to make it work is to press it directly onto the gum. Neither of those methods works.
Why You Should Avoid Aspirin
Aspirin has a scientific name: Acetylsalicylic Acid, which means that it is an acid. You may know from your high school chemistry that acid burns your tissue, including your gums, your mouth, and even your teeth.
If you want an OTC drug that really works, we recommend you get Ibuprofen. It isn’t an acid, it relieves pain and inflammation, and it is actually safe for your teeth, gums, and mouth in general. In fact, if you’re taking aspirin, you shouldn’t take any Ibuprofen at all as the two can be a dangerous mix. Our advice is that you avoid aspirin completely.
Ultimately, if you’re experiencing a toothache, we recommend that you visit our offices so we can have a look at it. A painkiller will provide only temporary relief. If you want a more permanent cure, you should come and let our professionals have a look at it.
For more information about the effects of aspirin on your gums, call Dr. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.
Dr. Frank S. Sciabica proudly serves patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.