Swollen gums are a common problem, and can
have a number of different causes. If you are suffering from gum swelling that
lasts longer than a few days, you should contact your dental professional.
While you wait for your appointment, there are a few things you can do to
alleviate the severity of the swelling and discomfort.
Causes
- Medications: If you have recently started taking medication, your swollen gums may be a side effect of the drug. Talk to your doctor about your side effects to the medication, and find out if there are alternatives.
- Brand switch: If you have recently changed your brand of toothpaste or mouthwash, you may be having a reaction to one of the ingredients.
- Poor nutrition: Vitamin C deficiency in particular can cause inflamed gums, so if you haven't been eating fruits and vegetables, your diet may be to blame.
- Gingivitis: The main cause of swollen gums is gingivitis. If you haven't been brushing and flossing well, this may be the issue.
There are many other possible causes and
contributors to gum inflammation, so discussing your symptoms with your dentist
is the best way to get an accurate and complete diagnosis.
Remedies
for Swollen Gums
1. Warm
and Cold Compresses
Warm and
cold compresses can provide quick relief for sore, swollen gums as they help
reduce pain and swelling. You need to hold the compresses against your face,
not directly on the swollen gums.
- Soak a clean cloth in warm water and wring out the excess liquid.
- Hold the cloth against your face for 5 minutes.
- Next, wrap a bag of frozen peas in a thin towel and hold it against your face until the area becomes slightly numb.
- Repeat the cycle 2 or 3 more times.
- Use this remedy as needed.
2. Salt
Water
Salt is another
effective remedy for swollen gums. It inhibits growth of bacteria in the
mouth and prevents infections that may contribute to several oral health
issues.
- After brushing your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush, gently rub your gums with salt for a few seconds. Rinse it off with warm water. Do this once daily. After your gums are healthy again, do this 3 times a week to prevent recurrence.
- Another option is to add ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water and use it to rinse your mouth twice daily until the swelling subsides.
3.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen
peroxide can also help reduce gum inflammation and pain. It can even help kill
germs and fight oral problems. For oral health, use food grade, 3 percent
hydrogen peroxide solution only.
- Mix equal parts of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution and water. Swish the solution around your gums and teeth for 30 seconds. Rinse it off with warm water.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Rub this paste on your gums, wait 1 minute and then rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
Use either
of these treatments 2 or 3 times a week.
Note: Make
sure you do not swallow hydrogen peroxide.
4.
Turmeric
Turmeric is
also a good home remedy for swollen gums. It contains curcumin, which has
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain,
swelling and inflammation. In addition, it prevents the spread of bacterial
activity that causes several oral problems.
- Mix ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little water to make a paste.
- Apply this paste on the gums with your clean finger.
- Leave it on for 5 minutes, then massage gently for 1 minute.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Repeat twice daily for 1 to 2 weeks.
5. Black
Tea Bags
Black tea
bags have tannins that can help reduce inflammation of the gums. In addition,
its antioxidant properties promote good oral health.
- Steep a tea bag in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove it and allow it to cool to a bearable temperature.
- Hold the tea bag on the affected area of your gums for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse your mouth with a warm salt-water solution.
- Repeat once daily for a few days.
6. Aloe
Vera
Another
effective remedy to treat swollen and bleeding gums is aloe vera. This herb has
anti-inflammatory as well as antibacterial properties that can prevent the
growth of plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth and soothe inflamed gums.
- Cut open an aloe Vera leaf to get the gel.
- With your clean finger, rub the gel on the gums.
- Gently massage for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Repeat a few times daily until there is improvement in your condition.
7. Tea
Tree Oil
Tea tree oil
contains antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties that can provide quick
relief from irritated and inflamed gums.
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil in a glass of warm water. Use it as a mouthwash twice daily.
- Brush your teeth with toothpaste containing tea tree oil as the main ingredient to ease discomfort.
Note: Make
sure not to swallow tea tree oil. It can cause stomach problems.
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8. Oil
Pulling
Whether it
is inflamed gums or any other dental problem, oil pulling is a good way to
prevent oral health issues. This age-old Ayurveda practice helps reduce growth
of bacteria in the mouth that causes infection. It even prevents plaque
formation and strengthens the gums.
- Put 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in your mouth.
- Swish the oil around your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Spit out the oil, then rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water.
- Finally, brush your teeth.
- Do this daily in the morning before brushing your teeth.
Note: Do
not gargle or swallow the oil.
REMEMBER
There are a number of things you can do,
and a few things you should not do, to ease your discomfort and decrease the
swelling in your gums.
Do:
- Brush and floss regularly. If the root cause of your gum swelling is gingivitis, good oral hygiene is the first step to recovery.
- Improve your diet. Add some extra fruits and vegetables to your diet, and avoid caffeinated beverages and sodas for a while.
- Rinse your mouth with a salt water solution. This can ease the pain of inflamed gums.
- See your dentist! Be sure to make an appointment if your gum irritation persists. A dental professional can determine the exact cause of the swelling, and help you improve the health of your teeth and gums faster.
Don't:
- Don't continue to use toothpastes and mouthwashes that irritate your gums. Mouthwash that contains alcohol may irritate swollen gums. Change your toothpaste if you find it is hurting the affected area.
- Don't use alcohol and tobacco, since both those substances can irritate your gums further.
- Don't ignore the problem. Begin taking action to help reduce the swelling, and see a professional to ensure the swelling in your gums isn't a symptom of something more serious.