What Causes Swollen Gums?
Swollen gums are commonly caused by:
Plaque and tartar in your mouth can lead to gum swelling (Gingivitis) When the gingival infection progresses, gum swelling is sustained in the mouth (Periodontitis) Viral or fungal infections Irritation due to dental fixturesi Surgical implants that are placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth, and they eventually merge with the jawbone. Pregnancy Allergies and sensitivity to dental products or food Gum boil or injury (1), (2)
Symptoms For Swollen Gums
The common symptoms of this condition include:
Bleeding of the gums Red and swollen gums Pain Increase in the gaps between the teeth Bad breath (1), (2)
Amelia, a vlogger, shared her painful experience with swollen gums due to her braces in her video. She said, “I experienced a lot of gum swelling when I had my braces on. They kept getting worse (i).” Here are 15 of the most effective home remedies that can relieve swollen gums, be a great addition to your dental care and help in maintaining proper oral health.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Swollen Gums
There are many home remedies for gum pain. Read on to know them all.
1. Salt Water
Saltwater is one of the most commonly used remedies for oral problems. It neutralizes the mouth’s pH and soothes inflamed gums (3). A saltwater rinse was also found to be beneficial in preventing swelling of the alveolar bonei It is the thick ridge of bone that holds the teeth sockets and is found to the jaw bones that support the teeth. after tooth extraction (4). Hence, it may help reduce swelling around the gums. However, more scientific studies are needed to determine the effect of saltwater rinse on gingivitis. Note: Remember that the relief will only be temporary with this remedy.
1 tablespoon salt A glass of warm water
Add the salt to a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth with it. Do this in the morning and at night, after having your meals.
2. Clove Oil
Clove oil is another age-old home remedy that is often used to treat swollen gums. It has antibacterial, analgesici It refers to a group of over-the-counter drugs especially targeted toward lessening or relieving pain without loss of consciousness. , and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce infection and swelling around the gums (5). 2-3 drops of clove oil You can also use clove oil mixed with black pepper to decrease gum inflammation and pain. Experts also recommend chewing on cloves to get gum and toothache relief. Reapply every few hours.
3. Ginger
Ginger possesses antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that can help reduce the swelling in your gums (6).
A small piece of ginger 1/2 teaspoon salt
Do this 2-3 times a day.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can help treat the infection causing the swelling. It also aids in inflammation reduction of your gums and soothes the tender skin. Studies show that baking soda significantly reduces dental plaque and gingival inflammation (7), (8).
1 teaspoon baking soda A pinch of turmeric
Repeat this every morning and every evening.
5. Lemon Juice
Lemon contains antimicrobial compounds (9). It can help kill the microbes causing the infection and the resultant swelling in your gums. It also balances the pH in your mouth.
1 tablespoon lemon juice A glass of warm water 1-2 drops rose flower essence (optional)
Mix the lemon juice with water and gargle with this solution. Gargle twice every day until you get relief.
6. Essential Oils
Oils of chamomile, tea tree, and peppermint can work wonders in relieving pain in the gums. Tea tree and peppermint oils are strong antimicrobial agents (10), (11). Chamomile oil soothes the inflamed gums and reduces swelling and pain (12).
2 drops chamomile essential oil 2 drops tea tree essential oil 2 drops peppermint essential oil A glass of warm water
Use this mouthwash twice a day.
7. Lawsonia Inermis (Henna) Leaves
Rat studies showed that Lawsonia inermis (henna) leaf extracts can help in healing gingivitis (13). Hence, these leaves can help in reducing swelling and pain around the gums.
Few Lawsonia inermis (henna) leaves A glass of water
Do this two times a day.
8. Castor Seed Oil
Camphor is an analgesic and has a long history of use as a remedy for gum and tooth disorders (14). Castor oil exerts anti-inflammatory effects on the swelling (15).
1 camphor tablet A few drops castor seed oil
Repeat this once every day.
9. Babul (Acacia Arabica) Tree Bark
Ayurveda recommended chewing the Babul (or babool) bark to keep your teeth clean and healthy. The antibacterial activity of acacia gum could help inhibit the growth of periodontal pathogens (16). Using this remedy will give you relief from the inflammation that comes with swollen gums.
1-inch piece of Babul tree bark A glass of water
Rinse your mouth with this 3-4 times a day.
10. Aloe Vera Gel
The gel extracted from this wonder plant has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It heals the swelling and tenderness in your gums and kills the harmful bacteria (17). An aloe leaf Apply aloe gel twice a day.
11. Turmeric
Turmeric is a strong antimicrobial agent and can help reduce inflammation and gingivitis (18).
1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon mustard oil
Repeat this twice a day.
12. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains mild acids that restore the pH balance in your mouth. It also exhibits antimicrobial effects against oral pathogens (19), (20). This reduces the infection and the swelling in your gums.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar A glass of water
Mix the vinegar with water and use this to rinse your mouth. Rinse with ACV 2-3 times in a day.
13. Vanilla Extract
Vanillin, the principal component of vanilla, exhibits antibacterial properties (21). Another study found that vanillin showed significant antibacterial properties when used as a component in a mouthwash (22). Thus, it can not only keep oral bacteria at bay but also reduce the swelling in the gums. 1-2 drops vanilla extract Reapply twice a day.
14. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is known to soothe inflammation and pain (23). Hence, it can help reduce the swelling around the gums.
1 teaspoon Epsom salt A glass of warm water
Mix the Epsom salt in water and gargle with this solution. Gargle with this every morning and at night, before going to bed.
15. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide may help reduce bacteria and inflammation in the mouth. This way, it may help reduce the swelling and infection in the gums. Further, it may also help treat and prevent plaque and gingivitis (24). You Will Need
3 tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution 3 tablespoons of water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Use this solution once a day. Natural remedies are one way to treat swollen gums. You can not only treat the painful symptoms but also get relief using simple ingredients you have at home.
Preventive Tips For Gum Swelling And Gum Bleeding
There are many home remedies for bleeding gums. Try the following tips to prevent gum bleeding and swelling.
When To Seek Professional Help
While home remedies can help with mild swollen gums, it is important to consult a dentist if:
Your gums are still swollen after a few days. They hurt a lot You notice signs of infection like pus, bad breath, or fever. You have other symptoms like loose teeth Gum bleeding does not stop even after gentle brushing. Hard to chew food because of swollen gums
Remember, catching problems early can help prevent bigger dental issues. So do not wait to make an appointment if you are worried about your swollen gums. Is Listerine good for swollen gums? Check out the infographic to know more about what to do and what to avoid when suffering from swollen gums.Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team Listerine is an antiseptic mouthwash that may help inhibit bacterial growth and improve swollen gums caused due to an infection in its early stages. Does hydrogen peroxide help swollen gums? Yes, 3% hydrogen peroxide used as a rinse may help improve swollen gums. Is garlic good for swollen gums? Yes, garlic has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling in the gums (25). What is the fastest way to heal swollen gums? A proper swollen gums treatment at home might be a bit difficult. But, you can manage the swelling and reduce pain by gargling with lukewarm salt water that helps get rid of bacteria. Use a warm compress to help reduce the pain. Avoid using mouthwashes and consuming alcohol or tobacco.
Illustration: Home Remedies For Swollen Gums And Prevention Tips
