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Overview
If one day you find your gums swollen, protruding or slightly red and even bleeding when you brush, it may be the initial symptoms of an oral illness called gingivitis and if more serious, swollen gums. Sometimes, the gums seem to swell and block the teeth nearby. Sometimes, the inflammation from your mouth aggravates nerve cells, which causes pain to your gums. On the one hand, it could do no harm to your health if you take it into consideration and find the proper treatment for it right away. Otherwise, the disease would turn to be more serious and even remove your teeth. Some people might suffer from an annoying oral problem called swollen gums at one point of their life. What are swollen gums? And how to treat it for good? Find out the answers through this article on Effective Remedies that reveals to you 17 best home remedies for swollen gums that work naturally.
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17 Best Home Remedies For Swollen Gums That Work Naturally
I. What Are The Major Causes Of Swollen Gums?
A large number of root causes were found including oral hygiene status, gingivitis, pregnancy, tobacco. Each triggers different symptoms and sides of the disease; therefore, finding what the primary causes is of great importance in order to cure the disease with the initial steps. Once the disease’s starting point has been detected, you could know how to treat it:
- Oral hygiene status: Some people use the wrong technic of cleaning the oral or merely do it carelessly. That leads to the increase in the number of plaque and bacterial which cause swollen gums.
- Tobacco: Smoking not only affects one’s physical health but leaves problems to the oral health. It ruins the gums and gradually induces swollen gums.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy due to the changes of hormone that boost the blood circulation of gums tissue, women usually suffer from swollen gums as the gums are getting more sensitive and easily irritated.
II. Best Natural Home Remedies For Swollen Gums That Work
There are several ways to cope with this disease, the first thing is to set an appointment with a dentist, and then you also have a plenty of useful home remedies. Here, I draw up a list of 7 most common home remedies for the treatment of swollen gums.
1. Keep Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Gums inflammation is the results of unhygienic oral status when plaque and food debris cannot be removed from the curve of every tooth. This stuff becomes the perfect environment for the harmful bacterial to live in. They release their enzymes that irritate gums. Thus, the key point in healing the disease is to keep the mouth free of the plaque and food debris particularly after the meal.
How Can We Do That?
- Make sure that your teeth are brushed at least twice a day: It will help if the teeth are cleaned with toothpaste every morning and before bedtime. Brushing softly in circle movements and going through every surface of your mouth for certain time not only take the dental plaque out but supplement calcium and other minerals which benefit oral health. Then it will both prevent the disease and reduce the symptoms.
- Use the floss to clean your teeth: In addition to brushing regularly, flossing can help to remove plaque between the teeth and thus prevent the built-up tartar which causes swollen gums.
2. Utilize Clove Oil For Teeth
One natural treatment that can be used to deal with swollen gums clove oil that is always available in the drug store.
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One important component in clove oil is eugenol, which occupies 75%-87% – function on anti-inflammation and antisepsis [1]. Therefore, clove oil works well on reducing swollen gums even with the use of a small amount.
How To Do?
You can rub some oil directly in your swollen gums or make a mix of some drops with water and then hold the liquid in your mouth for a few minutes
3. Home Remedies For Swollen Gums With Turmeric
Turmeric is known for its root from ginger family. For long, it was used in medication and food recipe as the fact that turmeric contains high rate of curcumin- a strong antioxidant ingredient. There are a handful of researches that support the use of turmeric to dissolve oral health and dental ailments like swollen gums [2]. Traditionally, turmeric is processed to powder for the highest effect.
How To Do?
We can use turmeric twice a day to cure gums that are swollen
Step 1: make a mixture of turmeric powder and water so that it becomes the form of pastry.
Step 2: Apply on every surface of the gums
Step 3: Clean your mouth with fresh water.
4. Salt Water Rinse
Add a small spoon of salt into a glass of warm water and rinse in your mouth for a couple of minutes. It is considered as the easiest way to remove food debris and kill oral bacteria.
5. Rub Ginger In The Swollen Part
Like turmeric, ginger has the property of sterilization and anti-inflammation. Thus it can reduce the amount of harmful bacteria around the oral area.
How To Do?
Step 1. Wash the ginger carefully, and then smash it
Step 2: Mingle the smashed ginger with some salt
Step 3: Rub the mixture in where it has swollen gums.
Step 4: Rinse again with fresh water.
6. Home Remedies For Swollen Gums – Use Babul Tree Bark
Another treatment for the disease is to utilize babul tree bark mouthwash. It is believed that babul bark processes one element which can kill many popular bacteria in the mouth. Moreover, it also acts as a cleaner which removes food debris and brightens the teeth.
How To Do?
Boil the babul bark in water and rinse your mouth with this liquid.
7. Supplement Calcium & Vitamin C
These elements are essential for well oral health. Calcium strengthens the teeth while Vitamin C has special property to deal with gums inflammation. Also, enough vitamin C in daily diet prevents the potential bleeding around the gums [3]. Eating a meal with various kinds of food would provide enough minerals and vitamins C one needs a day in order that the oral health stays strong enough to withstand bacteria causing swollen gums. Here is a list of food that is rich for calcium, vitamin C:
- Vitamin C: A large number of foods have a rich source of vitamin C. It can be found in most citrus fruits like orange, lemon; in kiwi fruit, berries; some vegetables like broccoli, dark leafy green, pea, papaya.
- Calcium: Presenting in foods like raw milk, watercress, cheese, sardines contain a great level of calcium.
8. Home Remedies For Swollen Gums – Cold & Warm Compresses
Cold and warm compresses are beneficial for relieving for swollen gums because they aid in reducing pain and swelling. Remember that you need to hold these compresses against the face, not on your swollen gums.
How To Do?
- Firstly, soak a cloth in warm water before wringing out the excess water.
- Then, hold the damp cloth against the face for about 5 minutes.
- Now, wrap a small bag of ice cubes or frozen peas in a towel and then hold it against the face until the area gets slightly numb.
- Remember to repeat the cycle for 2 more times.
9. Home Remedies For Swollen Gums – Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of other effective home remedies for swollen gums that you shouldn’t skip. This herb is packed with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects that help to prevent the growth of bacteria causing plaque in your mouth and soothe your inflamed gums.
How To Do?
- Cut a fresh aloe vera leaf to take its gel.
- Then, rub the gel on your gums by using your fingers.
- Now, gently massage for 2 minutes.
- Finally, rinse with warm water.
- Follow the remedy a few times daily.
10. Home Remedies For Swollen Gums – Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is effective in reducing gum pain and inflammation. It can also help kill germs and treat oral conditions. For oral health, you should use only food grade, 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.
How To Do?
- Mix 35 hydrogen peroxide solution with water in equal parts. Swish this solution around the gums and teeth for half a minute. Rinse it off thoroughly with warm water. Use the method 2 or 3 times per week.
- Combine 1 tsp. of baking soda with an adequate amount of hydrogen peroxide to get a paste. Then, rub the paste on the gums, wait one minute and then wash your mouth with water. Use the treatment 2 or 3 times per week.
11. Home Remedies For Swollen Gums – Sage Mouthwash
Sage is packed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that may help to treat swollen gums and the infection.
According to a 2015 study, sage mouthwash significantly helps to reduce the number of bacteria causing dental plaque [4]. Participants in this study can rinse with the sage mouthwash for up to 1 minute without getting any irritation.
How To Do?
- Firstly, boil 1 – 2 cups of clean water.
- Add 1 tsp. of dried sage or 2 tbsp. of sage to the water.
- Simmer it for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Then, strain and cool down the water.
- Use this solution to rinse your mouth for 2 to 3 times a day.
12. Home Remedies For Swollen Gums – Oil Pulling
In fact, oil pulling is beneficial for preventing oral health issues, inflamed gums, or other dental problems. The age-old Ayurvedic method helps to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria causing infection in your mouth. Also, it can help to prevent plaque formation and strengthen your gums.
How To Do?
- Firstly, put 1 tbsp. of sesame oil in the mouth.
- Then, swish this oil around the mouth for 15 minutes.
- Next, spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with water.
- Finally, brush the teeth.
- Do this method daily before brushing your teeth in the morning.
Note: Never gargle or swallow the sesame oil.
13. Home Remedies For Swollen Gums – Black Tea Bags
The tannins in the black tea bags can help to reduce inflamed gums. Moreover, its antioxidant effects aid in promoting a good oral health.
How To Do?
- Steep a black tea bag in the boiling water for 3 minutes.
- Remove the bag and cool the tea down to a bearable temperature.
- Now, hold this bag on your affected area for 15 minutes.
- Wash your mouth with a solution of salt and warm water.
- Repeat the remedy once daily for several days.
14. Home Remedies For Swollen Gums – Guava Leaf Mouthwash
In a point of fact, guava leaves are considered an effective treatment for managing oral hygiene. According to several studies, the antimicrobial and antibacterial effects of guava leaf mouthwash help to control plaque [5].
In addition, guava leaf mouthwash may reduce gum inflammation, freshen up the breath, and relieve pain.
How To Do?
- Firstly, use a mortar and pestle to crush 5 to 6 tender guava leaves.
- Then, add it to one cup of boiling water and simmer it for 15 minutes.
- Now, cool down the solution and add salt to it.
- After that, swish the warm mouthwash in the mouth for 30 seconds.
- Finally, spit out the solution.
- Follow the method for 2 to 3 times per day.
15. Home Remedies For Swollen Gums – Tea Tree Oil
The antibiotic and anti-inflammatory effects present in the tea tree oil can offer quick relief from inflamed gums.
How To Do?
- Mix some drops of the tea tree oil in 1 glass of warm water. Then, use it as a natural mouthwash twice a day.
- Or, brush your teeth with a type of toothpaste that contains tea tree oil to reduce discomfort.
Follow these home remedies daily until the gums are healthy.
Note: Remember not to swallow the tea tree oil because it may cause stomach problems.
16. Home Remedies For Swollen Gums – Lemongrass Oil Mouthwash
In fact, lemongrass oil is more effective than a traditional chlorhexidine mouthwash at easing gingivitis levels and plaque formation.
How To Do?
- Dilute 2 to 3 drops of the lemongrass essential oil in 1 cup of water.
- Then, swish this solution in the mouth for 30 seconds.
- Finally, spit out the solution.
- Follow the method for 2 to 3 times a day.
Note: Lemongrass oil is likely safe to use, but it is very potent. Remember to start with a diluted mixture so that it cannot cause further irritation.
17. Home Remedies For Swollen Gums – Proper Nutrition
A proper and balanced nutrition may be essential for the health of your gums and teeth. Therefore, you should get adequate amounts of vitamin C, folic acid, and calcium from your daily diet to avoid swollen gums. A deficiency of these nutrients may cause inflamed gums.
- Eat foods rich in calcium, such as sardines, tofu, dairy products, salmon, cereals, soy milk, and collard greens.
- Eat foods rich in vitamin C, such as strawberries, oranges, kiwi, pineapple, bell peppers, broccoli, cantaloupe, Brussels sprouts, and kale.
- Eat foods high in folic acid, such as broccoli, asparagus, dark leafy greens, peas, beans, avocados, and lentils.
If needed, you may also take supplements after consulting a doctor.
Swollen gums could not be the serious health problem if you apply some of these home remedies for swollen gums. Enough vitamin C and calcium in your diet are the primary ways to prevent and treat swollen gums. If you know other natural home remedies for swollen gums that work, please share with us. Visit our Home Remedies page to find out more about some useful home remedies for other health problems.