Simple Home Remedies for Swollen Gums

Introduction

Swollen gums might feel abnormally bulging and protruding. It is a common problem where one or many triangle-shaped areas of gum between teeth swell. Gum diseases, also called periodontal diseases, affect the gums supporting the teeth. Swelling in the gums can be a symptom of underlying gum diseases, like gingivitis¹. 

If you have swollen gums, you should get help from a dentist to get a diagnosis and treatment. You can also try home remedies to take care of the swelling at home. Read on to find some herbs and remedies to help take care of swollen gums at home.  

Table of Contents

• What Causes Swollen Gums?
• Symptoms of Swollen Gums
• Suggested Home Remedies for Swollen Gums
• When to Seek Medical Help?
• Conclusion

What Causes Swollen Gums?

The most common cause of swollen gums is bacterial plaque, a thin layer of bacteria. Plaque results in various conditions of the gums, like gingivitis and periodontitis. These conditions can give you red and swollen gums

Swollen gums can also be a result of

• Malnutrition  
• Viral or fungal infection 
• Dental fittings or appliances that don’t fit 
• Side effects of medicines  
• Reaction to a toothpaste or mouthwash 
• Scurvy (caused by vitamin C deficiency) 
• Pregnancy 

Symptoms of Swollen Gums

Swollen gums can be a symptom of an underlying health condition like gingivitis. Features of swollen gums include:  

• Swelling and redness of the gums
• Gum bleeding when eating or brushing teeth 

Periodontitis is the progressive stage of gingivitis, which occurs if gingivitis is left untreated. Periodontitis is characterised by symptoms like

• Swelling in the gums 
• Bleeding gums 
• Bad mouth odour  
• Shrinking or receding gums  
• Altered taste 
• Loose teeth 
• Tenderness (or soreness) on chewing³ 

Suggested Home Remedies for Swollen Gums

Here are some natural remedies that you can use to take care of your swollen gums at home. You should try the one that works best for you. These remedies involve some commonly found herbs that you can easily find in your house.  

1. Haldi (Turmeric)  

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory activity, which might help in reducing gum swelling. Turmeric is also a good pain-relieving agent, which might aid in pain relief. You can use haldi or turmeric to take care of your gums. Make a paste using turmeric, salt, and some mustard oil. You can apply this paste to teeth and gums to get rid of dental problems⁵. However, if you feel any irritation after using it, you should immediately rinse it off.  

2. Kali Mirch (Black pepper) 

You can grind some black pepper to make powder and use this powder with mustard oil to make a paste. This paste can be used to massage the teeth and gums to steer clear of dental problems like swollen gums⁵. 

3. Almonds  

Almonds can be used as a remedy for gum problems. You can use the shell powder of almonds to take care of gum diseases. To make the powder, you can burn the shells of almonds, powder them and use them as and when required as a tooth powder⁵.  

4. Green Tea  

The antibacterial properties of green tea might help get rid of swollen gums⁴. You can try adding a few cups of green tea to your diet to help with swollen gums. However, avoid using this remedy if you are allergic to caffeine.  

5. Sage

Sage is known to have antioxidant benefits, which might help soothe swollen gums⁸. You can use sage to make a mouthwash of your own by putting some fresh sage leaves into boiling water. Boil the leaves for some time before straining them. You can store this solution and use it as a mouth rinse. If you don’t find fresh leaves, you can use dried leaves as well.   

6. Aloe Vera  

The inflammation-reducing benefits of aloe vera make it an excellent natural remedy for swollen gums⁸. You can directly use pure aloe vera juice as a mouth rinse. You can also massage aloe vera gel onto the gums. Make sure to buy the aloe vera juice from a good source. Also, check if you have any allergic reaction to aloe vera; in such cases, avoid using it.   

7. Clove Oil

Clove oil helps prevent the growth and formation of bacteria, thereby preventing infections. Clove is also a good pain reliever and might help with pain associated with swollen gums⁸.To use clove for gums, mince some cloves, and use a cotton swab or cotton ball to apply the powder to your gums. Let the powder sit on the gums for some time. Rinse the clove off your gums once done.  

8. Amla  

Amla fruits contain vitamin C in ample amounts. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant beneficial in many health conditions. You can include one fresh amla fruit in your everyday diet to help with swollen gums. You can also use amla powder by mixing it with some water. You can drink this water to take care of your swollen gums.  

If you are suffering from allergies to the remedies mentioned above, you should avoid using them. Instead, choose a remedy that works best for you. 

Other Remedies 

Here are some simple tips that can help you manage gum problems:  

• Use toothpaste containing fluoride to brush your teeth.  
• Change your toothbrush every three months. 
• Get regular dental checkups. 
• Avoid smoking.  
• Avoid using mouthwash straight after brushing

Also Read: Causes and Home Remedies for Shortness of Breath

When to Seek Medical Help?

Swollen gums are a common problem that some people may ignore. However, if the changes in your gums, the redness and swelling last for more than two weeks, you need to seek medical help. 

Also, visit your dentist if your gum problems are associated with: 

• Bad breath
• Bleeding when you eat or brush
• Pain 

Conclusion

Swelling in the gums is a common problem and can occur at any age. Most people often neglect gum problems, as sometimes there is no pain involved. However, timely management is necessary to prevent the problem from worsening. Some common household ingredients like turmeric, black pepper, clove, and amla can be used to take care of swollen gums at home. You can also make herbal mouthwashes at home using dried or fresh leaves of sage. Make sure to take into consideration any allergies before using such home remedies. Also, if the swelling in the gums becomes painful and is accompanied by bleeding when you eat or drink, make sure to get a consultation from a dentist.