Yeah, saltwater's been our go-to for quick relief too, especially when my kiddo had braces. But you're right—it doesn't really fix anything long-term. Our dentist suggested trying a gentle tea tree oil rinse (diluted, of course). It seemed weird at first, but honestly, it calmed things down nicely without the sting that fluoride gels sometimes have. Might be another gentle option to consider if aloe doesn't quite do the trick...
We tried tea tree oil rinses too, but honestly, the taste wasn't something we could get used to... Plus, quality oils can get pricey. What ended up working better (and cheaper) for us was chamomile tea bags. I'd brew a cup, let it cool down till it's just warm, and then swish gently for a minute or two. It helped calm irritation surprisingly well, without any weird aftertaste or stinging—definitely worth a shot if you're on a budget.
Plus, quality oils can get pricey.
Chamomile sounds gentle enough, but honestly, I didn't notice much difference when I tried it. Maybe my gums were just too irritated at the time. Saltwater rinses ended up being more effective for me—cheap, easy, and always on hand. Sure, the taste isn't great either, but it's tolerable and fades quickly. OTC gels helped temporarily, but I didn't love the numbing sensation...felt weird. Guess everyone's gums react differently.
I agree about the chamomile—tried it myself and didn't feel a noticeable improvement either. Maybe it's just too mild for some of us. Saltwater rinses have always been my go-to as well, especially because they're convenient and don't involve running to the store. One thing I'd add is to make sure you're using lukewarm water rather than hot or cold; temperature extremes can actually make sensitive gums worse (learned that the hard way...).
As for OTC gels, you're right about the weird numbing sensation. I found that applying a smaller amount than recommended helped reduce that odd feeling while still providing relief. Also, I noticed certain brands worked better than others, so it might be worth experimenting a bit if you haven't already. Everyone's gums definitely seem to respond differently, so what works wonders for one person might just be 'meh' for another.
Saltwater rinses are usually my first choice too, but honestly, sometimes even lukewarm water feels uncomfortable for me. Weirdly enough, I've found aloe vera gel (the pure kind) soothing without that numbing weirdness... might be worth a cautious try if gels aren't your thing.
