Swollen gums are much more common than you think, and it may have quite a few reasons why it happens. This can be a symptom of gingivitis and infection, but it can also be due to some other causes. It can be a sign of malnutrition or a side effect of poor-fitting dental appliances and dentures. Some pregnant women may also have swollen gums.
When your gums look inflamed, it may also be a temporary thing, due to some food particles getting stuck in between the gums and teeth. It may also be a side effect of the medicine you are taking or even just a reaction to your toothpaste or mouthwash.
What To Do When Your Gums Are Swollen
When you notice your gums feeling painful and inflamed, you can try to alleviate these symptoms by following these natural ways to cure swollen gums. An appointment with your dentist is not necessary until the swelling has been going on for longer than a week. Until then, you can see if it is a temporary thing and whether home care works.
Naturally, maintaining top oral care habits is the first step in how to relieve swollen gums, although you might want to make sure that your mouthwash and toothpaste are not irritating your gums and making them swell. Plus, avoid smoking and drinking as both habits can cause swelling in your gums. Lastly, watch what you eat. Sugary foods and drinks, plus food that can get stuck between the gums and teeth should be avoided. Instead, fruits and vegetables will provide you with the necessary nutrients to promote good oral health.
If the swelling continues and natural home remedies do not work, make an appointment with your dentist to have the swelling checked out by a professional.
Natural Home Remedies For Swollen Gums
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Saltwater
Using salt water to rinse your mouth can soothe your swollen gums and even heal them. All you need to do is to mix 8 ounces of lukewarm warm water and 1 teaspoon of salt before rinsing your mouth with the solution for at least half a minute. Spit it out and do repeat the rinse twice or thrice a day.
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Warm And Cold Compresses
Warm and cold compresses can reduce the swelling and pain in your gums. The alternate warm and cold cycle, done 2 to 3 more times can be done within 2 days of finding out your gums are swollen.
All you need is 2 clean washcloths or towels, one soaked in warm water that you will hold against your face (outside the mouth) for 5 minutes. Then, get some crushed ice and wrap it in the second washcloth before holding it against your face for the same amount of time (5 minutes). Repeat the warm/cold cycles about 2 to 3 more times.
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Turmeric Gel
Turmeric has curcumin, which is known for being both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. A study even concludes that turmeric gel is successful in preventing plaque and gingivitis (the latter being a usual cause of swollen gums).
First, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with clean tap water. Then, apply the turmeric gem to your swollen gums and let it sit there for 10 minutes. Rinse off the gel afterward by swishing freshwater around your mouth. Spit it all out and never swallow it. Do this at least twice a day until the swelling goes down.
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Hydrogen peroxide
Some professionals believe that rinsing swollen gums with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Specifically, for 3 tablespoons of water, you need the same amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Swish around the mouth for half a minute before spitting it out. Rinse your mouth 2 or 3 times weekly until the swelling goes down.
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Essential oils
A mixture of water (8 ounces of warm water) and 3 drops of your favorite essential oil (tea tree, thyme oil, and peppermint and rinsing it for half an hour can take care of swollen gums. Spit it out and do it twice a day.
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Aloe vera
Mixing 2 teaspoons of aloe vera mouthwash and swishing it in your mouth at around twice a day for 10 days is a great way to treat gingivitis. In fact, aloe vera mouthwash has the same effectiveness as chlorhexidine and is great at curing and preventing gingivitis.
Swollen gums can be temporary or longer-lasting, which can even be treated without a visit to the dentist. You can try out these natural cares and see your mouth becoming happier and cleaner.