Have you ever had swollen gums? Surely the pain is very uncomfortable and disturbing for you. If you are experiencing this condition, don’t worry, there are various ways to relieve swollen gums that you can try at home.
Don’t delay treating swollen gums, other than that it can make you bleed when you brush your teeth. Swollen gums that are treated late can cause gum disease.
Causes of swollen gums
There are several conditions that cause swollen gums. The most common cause is gingivitis, which is a mild gum disease caused by a buildup of bacteria on the teeth around the gum line because you pay less attention to oral hygiene.
In addition, there are several other causes of swollen gums, such as the following:
1. Pregnancy
Swollen gums are also common during pregnancy. This is because the flow of hormones produced during pregnancy can increase blood flow in your gums. This increased blood flow can cause the gums to become more easily irritated, and they become swollen.
These hormonal changes can also hamper your body’s ability to fight off the bacteria that usually cause gum infections. This can increase your risk of developing gingivitis.
2. Malnutrition
Vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamins B and C, can cause gum swelling. Vitamin C, for example, plays an important role in the maintenance and repair of teeth and gums. If your vitamin C levels drop too low, you can get scurvy. Well, scurvy can lead to anemia and gum disease.
3. Infection
Infections caused by fungi and viruses have the potential to cause swollen gums. If you have herpes, this condition can get worse, called acute herpetic gingivostomatitis, which causes swollen gums.
4. Thrush
Canker sores, which are the result of an overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast in the mouth, can also cause swelling of the gums.
5. Food
Food residue left under the gums can cause swollen gums. One of the foods that often gets stuck in the gums is meat and popcorn.
Within a day or two, if you don’t remove the leftover food thoroughly, it will start to swell.
Symptoms of swollen gums
There are some common symptoms that you can feel when your gums are swollen, such as:
- Gum bleeding.
- Red and swollen gums.
- Pain.
- Bad breath.
How to relieve swollen gums
Swollen gums can be relieved in several ways that you can try at home. Here’s how to get rid of swollen gums with home remedies.
1. Salt water
According to a 2016 study, gargling with salt water can relieve inflammation and promote faster healing of swollen gums.
You can try it by:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of warm water.
- Gargle with the water mixture for 30 seconds.
- After 30 seconds, spit it out, don’t swallow it.
- Do this 2 to 3 times a day until the swelling subsides.
2. Compress with warm or cold water
It is believed that compressing the swollen parts with warm or cold water can relieve swelling.
To do this, you need to soak a towel in warm water, and squeeze out the remaining water. Then place the towel on the swollen gums for 5 minutes.
As for cold compresses, the method is the same, only you use ice water.
3. Tea bags
Many teas contain plant compounds called tannins. According to some studies, tannins can reduce gum pain by killing bacteria that can irritate the gums.
To reduce gum pain, soak a tea bag in boiling water for a few minutes, then remove it, let it cool slightly. While warm, place the tea bag on the swollen gum area for about 5 minutes.
4. Turmeric paste
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to a 2015 study, turmeric paste can prevent plaque and gingivitis, which are responsible for swollen gums.
You can make it easily and you can apply it directly to your gums.
How to make it is as follows:
- Mix turmeric powder, with a little warm water and stir until it forms a paste.
- After brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with water.
- Apply turmeric paste to the gums.
- Let the gel sit on your gums for about 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Do it 2 times a day until the swelling subsides.
5. Essential oils
According to a journal published in European Journal of Dentistry, peppermint, tea tree, and thyme oil are effective in preventing the growth of disease-causing microorganisms in the mouth as well as relieving swollen gums caused by bacteria.
You can try it by mixing three drops of peppermint, thyme, or tea tree essential oil in a glass of warm water. Then, rinse your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out.
For optimal results, you can do it every 2 days until it heals.
6. Aloe vera
Mouthwash containing aloe vera, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry, is as effective as chlorhexidine, a prescription often used to treat gingivitis.
You can gargle with aloe vera mouthwash for 10 days to treat swollen gums.
How to prevent swollen gums
Maintain proper oral care and eat a healthy diet. Brush your teeth regularly, visit your dentist at least once every six months to clean tartar and plaque.
If you have dry mouth, it can increase your risk of plaque and tartar buildup. Talk to your doctor about mouthwashes and toothpastes that can help with this condition.
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