If you have swollen and painful gums due to wisdom teeth, here are some things you can do. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce inflammation. Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease the pain. Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that can irritate the area. Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. If the pain and swelling persist or become severe, see a dentist. The dentist may recommend removing the wisdom tooth if it is causing problems. ????