Dr. Aditi Rathod Chougule
B.D.S
Specialised in Aesthetic Dentistry
Swollen gums are very annoying and, at the same time, painful. They might be tender, red in colour, and even bleed during brushing and flossing. Much as professional dental care is essential, there are many home remedies to help alleviate swelling in your gums. This blog explores some of the most effective home remedies to relieve swollen gums and shares some valuable tips on maintaining optimal oral health.
1. Saltwater Rinse
A saltwater rinse is among the most accessible and successful home treatments for sore gums. Salt’s natural antibacterial properties help reduce swelling while cleaning out bacteria in the mouth, allowing it to heal sore gums.
How to Use:
- Add a ½ teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water.
- After swirling the mixture in your mouth for 30 seconds, spit it out.
- Repeat two to three times a day, particularly after meals.
Why It Works:
The salt helps draw out infection and reduce inflammation, while the warm water calms irritated gum tissue. When used regularly against bacterial buildup, this saltwater rinse is effective in prevention and allows healing.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that kills bacteria, reduces plaque, and decreases gum swelling. A diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse can be an efficient treatment for swollen gums.
How to Use:
- Mix 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with water in equal quantities.
- Swirl around the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds, avoiding accidental swallowing.
- Discharge the solution and rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water to spit it out again.
- Utilise this remedy two or three times every week.
Why It Works:
Hydrogen peroxide decreases the count of bacteria in the mouth, thus reducing the potential risks for infection in the gums and swelling. It also whitens the teeth, which is an added advantage in oral hygiene.
3. Aloe Vera Gel
Since aloe vera is known for its soothing effect and is used to heal many wounds, applying this gel to puffy gums would help reduce swelling, alleviate discomfort, and quicken the healing process.
How to Use:
- Apply a thin layer of pure aloe vera gel to the puffy gums directly.
- Massage the gel into the gums with your fingers.
- Leave it on for some minutes, then rinse with water.
- Repeat this twice a day.
Why It Works:
Aloe vera is anti-inflammatory and reduces swelling in the gums, which in turn relieves associated pain. It promotes the healing of gum tissue and is an antibacterial agent against microbiota.
4. Turmeric Paste
Turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Due to its excellent healing ability, it has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Turmeric paste massaged on a swollen gum can reduce swelling and even cure infections.
How to Use:
- Mix ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder with a few drops of water to form a paste.
- Apply directly to the puffy gums.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, and then wash your mouth with water.
- Take one dose daily until this remedy has reduced the swelling.
Why It Works:
Curcumin is one of the active compounds in turmeric and is a very effective anti-inflammatory agent with potent antimicrobial properties. It reduces inflamed gums and acts against bacteria, saving the gums from further problems.
5. Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash
Tea tree oil is an absolute antiseptic with strong antimicrobial properties. It can help reduce gum swelling, fight bacterial infections, and aid in general mouth health. However, use it cautiously; remember never to ingest tea tree oil.
How to Use:
- Mix 1-2 drops of tea tree oil into a glass of warm water.
- After 30 seconds of swishing it around in your mouth, spit it out.
- Lastly, give yourself a simple water rinse.
- Apply this remedy once a day.
Why It Works:
The antiseptic properties of tea tree oil can help kill bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of gum infections and alleviating swellings. Using a tea tree oil mouthwash will help prevent gum diseases and maintain healthy gums.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Healthy Gums
Other than these home remedies, the first step towards prevention and treatment of swollen gums would be some good oral hygiene. Here are some pointers to maintain the health of your gums:
- Brush and floss Regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles that can cause irritation and swelling of the gums.
- Soft-Bristled Brush: Your toothbrush’s soft bristles will not irritate your gums further and will not cause more swelling.
- Adequate Hydration: Adequate hydration cleanses the mouth of food remains and bacteria, leaving it with less inflamed gums.
- Balanced Diet: Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, to strengthen the gums and avoid inflammation.
- Avoid the Use of Tobacco Products: Smoking and the use of other tobacco products present even more health factors associated with gum irritation and gum disease. Your gums will thank you for breaking the tobacco cycle.
- Regular Dentist Visits: Properly planned regular visits to your dentist for continued oral health can spot early signs of possible gum disease and allow for cleaning to keep gums healthy.
When to See a Dentist
While home remedies may help to some extent in reducing gum swelling, one should not hesitate to seek the assistance of a professional if the condition worsens or continues for a longer period. Continuous gum swelling can be a sign or symptom of a severe dental disease, such as gum disease or abscess, and requires professional attention.
Overall, swollen gums can be quite painful. Still, with proper care, one may cause the swelling to go down and bring forth healing in no time. Practising these home remedies, along with good oral hygiene, makes maintaining healthy and pain-free gums easy.
