Updated: 10/25/2019
In This Article
Millions of Americans suffer from sore gums. Sore gums can be painful and annoying, making it difficult for you to talk and chew gum. Your sore gums may sometimes start to bleed while you are flossing or brushing. Many people often do not pay attention to the problem of sore gums because they think it is not usually very severe. But sore gums may be an initial sign of gum disease. Luckily, there are multiple natural remedies to deal with it at home. In this article, you will discover the most effective home remedies for sore gums in adults and children. There is no science-based evidence for the following homemade recipes. The recipes we've focused on are traditional home remedies, so always consult your doctor and check out your health condition regularly to know if a remedy is working for you.
- The most effective home remedies for gum disease
- The best home remedies for gingivitis in toddlers & adults
- The simple-but-effective home remedies for swollen gums
16 Most Effective Home Remedies For Sore Gums In Adults & Children
I. Simple-But-Effective Remedies
1. Salt Water
Salt water is an excellent remedy for oral problems. It prevents bacterial growth and removes the one already growing in the mouth. It inhibits infections that may cause several oral health issues. It is also beneficial for neutralizing the pH of the mouth and soothing the inflamed gums[1]. It further helps to alleviate the swelling, as it contains anti-inflammatory properties[2]. According to a 2016 study, the saltwater rinse may be an effective solution for soothing gum inflammation and promoting the healing process[3].
Option 1
What You Need
- Salt
- Warm water
- A soft-bristle toothbrush
How To Do
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Use the soft-bristle toothbrush to brush your teeth. Then, use some salt to gently rub your gums for several seconds. Afterward, use some warm water to rinse it off. Follow it once every day for quick relief. Try this remedy thrice per week.
Option 2
What You Need
- Salt – ½ to 1 teaspoon
- Lukewarm water
How To Do
Add salt to lukewarm water and rinse your mouth with it twice daily. Do not swallow the water.
Caution: Remember that this remedy will give you temporary relief from this issue.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an ideal remedy for calming gum inflammation and pain. Besides, it is helpful in killing germs and fighting other oral issues. According to the Indiana State Department of Health, patients with red, swollen, or sore gums should rinse it thoroughly with a solution of water and 3 % hydrogen peroxide solution only[4]
Option 1
What You Need
- 3 % hydrogen peroxide solution
- Water
How To Do
Combine the hydrogen peroxide and water in equal parts. Then, begin swishing this mixture around your teeth and gums for around 30 seconds to one minute. Afterward, rinse it off with the support of warm water. Try this home cure 2 to 3 times per week.
Option 2
What You Need
- Baking soda – one teaspoon
- Hydrogen peroxide
How To Do
Prepare a paste by mixing baking soda with sufficient hydrogen peroxide. Start rubbing this paste on your gums and rinse your mouth well after 1 minute with water. For quick results, use this treatment twice a week.
Note: Make sure you don’t swallow hydrogen peroxide.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil may deal with irritated and inflamed gums effectively since it embraces antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to this, it is perfect for treating other oral ailments such as receding gums and oral herpes infections. Moreover, it may fight off halitosis, a chronic bad breath caused by excessive bacteria in your mouth. A study found that people who brush their teeth a gel with tea tree oil twice per day can get relief from gingivitis, inflammation in their gums[5]. A study shows that the anti-inflammatory activities of the mouthwash containing tea tree oil help to manage gingivitis; however, further studies are needed[6].
Option 1
What You Need
- Tea tree oil – few drops
- Warm water – 1 glass
How To Do
Take the tea tree oil and mix it in the warm water. Then, use the solution as a mouthwash two times daily.
Option 2
You can also use toothpaste having tea tree oil to brush your teeth. It aids in easing discomfort. Follow it daily until the gums look healthy again.
Caution: Ensure not to swallow this oil, as it may lead to stomach issues.
4. Turmeric
According to a study, turmeric is a powerful antimicrobial quality[7] and is excellent for decreasing inflammation and facilitating the healing process. It further helps to soothe the pain and swelling of your gums. Along with that, it prevents the activity of bacteria that contribute to a few oral problems. A 2015 study shows that turmeric gel may prevent plaque and gingivitis – a common reason for swollen, sore gums[8].
What You Need
- Turmeric powder – ¼ teaspoon
- Water
How To Do
Mix the turmeric powder with some water to make a paste. Use your clean finger to apply the paste to our gums. Leave it on for roughly 5 minutes and massage gently for one minute. Use warm water to rinse your mouth. Try the treatment twice every day for 1-2 weeks.
Caution: If you suffer from gallstones, ulcers, or bile duct obstructions, don’t use turmeric. Also, avoid it if you are taking immune system suppressants, anticoagulant medicines, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the effective home remedies for sore gums. It can prevent bacterial growth in the mouth and ease inflamed gums, as it composes of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Apart from that, aloe vera is beneficial for healing the tenderness and swelling in your gums and destroying harmful bacteria thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties[9]. According to a 2016 study, aloe vera mouthwash helps to treat and prevent gingivitis as effectively as chlorhexidine – a common prescription gingivitis treatment[10].
What You Need
- Warm water
- Aloe vera leaf – 1
How To Do
Pick up the aloe vera leaf and cut open it to extract the gel. Rub the gel on your gums with the support of your clean finger. Gently massage for around 1-2 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Apply several times every day until the disease is improved.
Caution: Taking aloe vera gel in high doses may cause kidney failure & other kidney problems.
6. Black Tea
The tannins found in black tea bags are ideal for reducing the inflammation of the gums[11] [12]. In addition to this, it may enhance oral health thanks to its antioxidant properties.
What You Need
- Tea bag – 1
- Boiling water
- A warm salt-water
How To Do
Take the tea bag and steep it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Take the bag out of the water and let it cool. Now start holding the tea bag against your affected area for ten minutes. Use the warm salt-water solution to rinse your mouth. Repeat this method once daily for a couple of days.
Caution: Drinking black tea in large amounts may cause health problems because of caffeine, such as headache, nausea, and vomiting, or irregular heartbeat.
7. Oil Pulling Remedy
Oil pulling can deal with inflamed gums and other dental problems. It additionally helps to decrease bacterial growth in the mouth, causing infection. Also, it even inhibits the formation of plaque and strengthens the gums[13] [14].
What You Need
- Sesame oil – one tablespoon
- Warm water
How To Do
Put sesame oil in the mouth and swish it around your mouth for around 15-20 minutes. Spit it out and rinse your mouth carefully with warm water. Lastly, brush your teeth. For best results, do the process every day in the morning before you brush your teeth.
Note: Don’t swallow or gargle sesame oil.
8. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is an ideal remedy for soothing the swollen gums and relieving the pain and inflammation[15]. It may also treat the infection contributing to the problem due to its antibacterial agent.
What You Need
- Epsom salt – one teaspoon
- Warm water – one glass
How To Do
At first, mix the prepared Epsom salt in water. Next, garble with this mixture twice a day (in the morning & at night.
Caution: Ensure not to ingest this Epsom salt water.
9. Essential Oil
Peppermint, tea tree, and chamomile oils can do wonders in eliminating the sore gums. The chamomile oil helps to calm the inflamed gums. Besides, tea tree oil has strong antimicrobial properties[16] that reduce the pain and swelling of the gums. An article in 2013 in the European Journal of Dentistry demonstrates that peppermint, thyme, and tea tree oil helps to prevent the growth of oral microorganisms, causing diseases effectively[17].
What You Need
- Chamomile essential oil – two drops
- Peppermint essential oil – two drops
- Tea tree essential oil – two drops
- Warm water – 1 glass
How To Do
Add all the above essential oil to the water and afterward, rinse your mouth with this oil mixture for two minutes. Finally, use clean water to rinse your mouth. Use this mouthwash twice per day to achieve the desired results.
Caution: Don’t swallow this mouthwash, since not all essential oils are safe to consume or to use orally.
10. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a potential remedy for people suffering from sore gums. Baking soda may battle the infection responsible for the swelling since it comes with antiseptic and antibacterial agents[18] Moreover, it may decrease the inflammation of the gums and ease the tender skin.
Option 1
What You Need
- Turmeric – 1 pinch
- Baking soda – one teaspoon
How To Do
Combine the two ingredients well and use it to massage your gums. Afterward, rinse your mouth by using clean water. Repeat this treatment two times a day.
Option 2
What You Need
- Baking soda
- Salt
How To Do
Mix equal parts of baking soda and salt in a small container. For use, put around of ½ teaspoon of the homemade toothbrush in your palm and immerse the moistened toothbrush into it. Then brush your teeth and gums. It will leave your gums and teeth feeling clean and may decrease tenderness.
Note: Never use baking soda regularly because it may damage your teeth. Use it once or twice per week at first and later continue this occasionally.
11. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is full of the acid, which prevents infections and maintains your oral health by destroying bacteria in the mouth. It further lowers the yellow stain accumulated on your teeth, eliminate bad breath (halitosis), and heals bleeding gums. Also, the anti-inflammatory agents and vitamin C housed in it[19] [20] are perfect for healing your sore, and bleeding gums and balancing the pH in the mouth.
What You Need
- Lemon juice – one tablespoon
- Warm water – 1 glass
How To Do
Combine the juice with water at first and later gargle with this mixture. For visible results, gargle twice daily.
Note: Don’t use lemon too often because its high acid content may damage the calcium level and tooth enamel.
12. Clove Oil
Clove oil possesses anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects[21], which are effective in treating sore gums. Besides, the swelling in the gums can be decreased with this essential oil due to its antimicrobial properties. It will also provide relief from any pain in your gums.
What You Need
- Clove oil – 2 to 3 drops
How To Do
Get the oil and apply it to your swollen gums. Massage gently and leave it on. You can also mix clove oil with black pepper to reduce pain and inflammation. Follow the method every few hours.
Caution: Applying dried cloves inside of your mouth may cause irritation and sensitivity, and damage the dental tissues. Consuming clove oil may be harmful to children and may cause seizures, fluid imbalances, and liver damage.
II. Must-Know Tips To Treat Sore Gums In Adults & Children
1. Use A Soft Bristle Brush To Brush Your Teeth
Sore gums may be a sign of gingivitis that is caused due to poor oral hygiene. So, you can treat the gingivitis by using fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth. Brush your teeth well with a soft bristle brush. Be careful once you floss at your gum line, so you don’t irritate your gums.
2. Oral Anesthetic Gels
You can easily find medicated oral gels on the market. They come with synthetic and natural compounds that aid in numbing and treating gum pain. Besides, some even consist of pain-numbing compounds from botanicals such as Spilanthes or clove. Common OTC brands include Anbesol and Orajel. Follow the directions on the packaging.
III. Prevention Tips For Sore Gums
There are a few preventive ways you can take to stay away from swollen and sore gums, including eating healthy foods and maintaining proper oral care.
- Oral Care: Good dental hygiene may help to prevent gingivitis and other gum diseases. In combination with proper treatment, it may usually stop periodontitis as well[22]. Brush and floss frequently, particularly after meals. It’s necessary to visit a dentist at least one time every six months. If you suffer from dry mouth, it may increase the risk of tartar and plaque Consult your doctor about toothpaste and mouthwashes that may aid with this disease.
- Nutrition: Improving essential nutrition and supplementation of minerals and vitamins, particularly vitamin C, help to contribute to the improvement of periodontal health[23]. Taking enough vitamin C, folic acid, and calcium may help to prevent sore gums. Those who do not get sufficient calcium on a regular basis are more prone to develop gum diseases. Folic acid and vitamin C may help to prevent gingivitis and maintain healthy gums. You should try adding these important vitamins in foods or talk to a doctor about supplements.
IV. Foods That Help To Heal The Gums
Bleeding and sore gums can be an early sign of periodontal disease. So, you need to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Besides, including certain foods in your diet may aid in boosting the healing process and improving the health of the gums. Continuing to consume these foods after healing your gums may help inhibit future mouth problems.
- Vitamin C: A lack of vitamin C in the body may lead to sore or bleeding gums[24]. This vitamin helps to boost up healing and maintenance of healthy tissues. So, your gums may become inflamed and start bleeding if you don’t consume enough vitamin C on a regular basis. Oranges are a leading source of this vitamin, and eating one a day may help provide sufficient of this vital vitamin to heal the gums. Grapefruits, limes, lemons, broccoli, strawberries, and red bell peppers are also rich in vitamin C.
- Vegetable Juices: Cucumbers are packed with minerals and vitamins. Cucumber juice can be helpful in absorbing the acid in the mouth, so the gums may begin healing. You can add some slices of cucumber to a salad or mix a few chopped cucumbers with tomatoes and onions to make a salsa for chips. The juices of some other vegetables, including celery, spinach, carrots, and cabbage, have similar healing properties.
- Beta-carotene: Apricots are full of beta-carotene that the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency may contribute to sore, swollen, and bleeding gums, as the body needs it to maintain healthy tissues. Including vitamin A in your diet may be beneficial for encouraging your gums to start healing and preventing future gum problems. Other sources of beta-carotene are carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
Say goodbye to the problem of sore gums by following the above remedies and tips. Use them frequently without fail to obtain the desired results. If you know other effective home remedies for sore gums in children and adults, please share with us in the box below. All of the content provided in this article are for informational & educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate for you.