7 Natural Solutions to Relieve Swollen Gums

Although these remedies can be very effective in reducing swollen gums, we shouldn't disregard the idea of going to the dentist if the problem's serious.

Swollen gums are a common oral problem that can arise because of poor hygiene habits, a bacterial infection or some oral treatments. It’s an easy symptom to identify as changes in gum thickness and color can be spotted easily. In addition, swollen gums may be accompanied by bleeding, gum pain, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath.

Inflammation of the gums is related to a condition known as gingivitis, which is considered the first stage of a periodontal disease. Gingivitis is caused by the build-up of plaque, a type of waste which isn’t always removed when brushing or rinsing your teeth.

Fortunately, there’s a wide variety of natural ingredients which contain properties that can prevent complications from arising while also decreasing swelling. Although these natural ingredients should be used in conjunction with common hygiene products, they can help to alleviate the pain and speed up the recovery process.

Give them a try!

1. Warm water with salt to relieve swollen gums

Salt has disinfectant properties which help to reduce the presence of bacteria on the affected area, according to this study by the Las Condes Clinic in Chile. As such, a mouthwash made with warm water and salt can provide relief for bleeding and swollen gums.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of salt (5 g)
• ½ cup of warm water (100 ml)

Method

• First, dilute the teaspoon of salt in the glass of warm water.
• Next, gargle the liquid for 30 seconds.
• Avoid swallowing the mixture, as ingesting large quantities of salt can be harmful to your health.
• Use it two or three times a day.

2. Baking soda with hydrogen peroxide

Both sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide are thought to have antimicrobial properties. However, its important to be careful. Prolonged use can be abrasive for tooth enamel, so we’d recommend consulting with your dentist before trying this remedy.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of baking soda (5 g)
• 6 drops of hydrogen peroxide

Method

• First, mix the baking soda with the hydrogen peroxide
• Use the resulting paste to brush your teeth.
• You can also mix them with a little bit of warm water to use as a mouthwash.
• Use the paste twice a day. Brush gently so as not to damage the tooth enamel.

3. Apple cider vinegar

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (10 ml)
• ½ cup warm water (100 ml)

Method

• Start by combining the apple cider vinegar and the warm water, then mix well.
• Rinse your mouth with the solution after brushing your teeth.
• Use it twice a day every day.

4. Alkalizing lemon

The alkaline and antibiotic properties of lemon juice are also helpful in dealing with this condition. Its acidic compounds eliminate harmful bacteria and reduce the gum inflammation caused by an infection.

Ingredients

• The juice of ½ a lemon
• ½ cup of warm water (125 ml)

Method

• First, squeeze the lemon juice and mix it with the half cup of warm water.
• Next, gargle the mixture for 20 seconds and then spit it out.
• Use it a maximum of twice a day.

5. Blueberry juice to strengthen the immune system

Ingredients

• ½ cup of fresh blueberries (100 g)
• 2 cups of water (500 ml)
• 1 tablespoon honey (25 g)

Method

• First, blend the blueberries in half a liter of water.
• Next, sweeten it with a little bit of honey and drink.
• Drink two or three glasses a day.

6. Thyme to combat bacterial growth

A thyme infusion is an anti-inflammatory (according to this study conducted by the Victoria de Girón Center of Biomedical Research in Cuba) and soothing remedy that controls the pain caused by gum infections. Using it as a mouthwash prevents bacterial growth, as confirmed in this investigation by the Technical University of Ambato in Ecuador, and the development of problems such as gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of thyme (20 g)
• 1 cup of water (125 ml)

Method

• Heat the water and, when it comes to the boil, add the thyme and then lower the heat.
• Leave it for two minutes, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a while.
• When the mixture’s ready to be consumed, strain it and gargle it in your mouth for 20 to 30 seconds. Then rinse your mouth as usual.

7. Linden flower tea to relieve sore gums

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of linden flowers (10 g)
• 1 cup water (250 ml)

Method

• Pour the tablespoon of linden flowers in a cup of boiling water and then let it sit for 10 minutes.
• Strain the mixture and use the liquid to rinse your mouth three times a day.

Remember that the effects of the remedies mentioned above may vary in each case, depending on the cause of the inflammation.

While using these remedies can help control the symptoms, it’s best to consult your dentist to avoid developing more serious problems.