i have an existing problem area in my gums that sometimes acts up when i am stressed or have hormonal changes. yesterday my gums started to hurt then started to swell. i took an ibuprofen before i slept to relieve the pain, but when i woke up, the swelling was even worse than before. i have a pictorial later this evening and cannot afford to come in with a swollen face. is there anything you can recommend to bring the swelling down within 12 hours?
Hias per the information provided by you, the best thing you can do is to visit a dentist who will perform ultrasonic scaling on your gums and prescribe you antibiotics and anti-inflammatory Chat Doctor.  The swelling will start to disappear soon within hours. Avoid self-medication as indiscriminate use of strong painkillers can induce gastric upset along with nausea. Take care.