[header] How to soothe red and inflamed gums [title] Eat cold foods. [step] Ice, or ice cold foods such as popsicles, will numb the area that is inflamed. If you just need some temporary relief, and you can't get to a dentist right away, use ice to numb the area. 
[title] Apply a numbing agent to the area. [step] A topical benzocaine ointment, such as those used on babies when they are teething, could help ease the pain temporarily.