How to Treat Swollen Gums at Home Safely

If swollen gums are not treated early, they can cause pain, disrupt daily eating activities, and ultimately deteriorate overall health. Follow this article from BamBu to learn how to treat swollen gums at home safely and effectively!

1. 10 Home Remedies for Treating Swollen Gums

When you notice your gums are swollen, you can apply the following folk remedies to alleviate pain and discomfort:

1.1 Cold Compress to Reduce Gum Swelling

Swollen gums are often accompanied by symptoms like dull pain, redness, and bleeding. Cold compresses help improve these symptoms by constricting blood vessels and slowing blood flow to the affected area. The cold temperature also inhibits nerve activity, reducing pain caused by swollen gums. However, you should only apply a cold compress for about 10-15 minutes to avoid frostbite and nerve, skin, or tissue damage.\

1.2 Treat Swollen Gums with Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme essential oil has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective for treating swollen and inflamed gums. Here are two methods you can use:

• Method 1: Add 2-3 drops of thyme essential oil to a glass of warm water. Use this mixture to rinse your mouth 2-3 times daily until the swelling subsides.
• Method 2: Place 4-5 drops of thyme essential oil on a sterile gauze pad. Apply it to the swollen gums and hold it there for 10-15 minutes. Then, rinse your mouth with water.

1.3 Treat Swollen Gums at Home with Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a popular traditional medicine known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, thanks to its bradykininase content. Here’s how to use it:

• Step 1: Wash aloe vera leaves with saltwater, remove the green skin, and keep only the inner gel.
• Step 2: Cut the gel into small pieces and apply it directly to the swollen gums.
• Step 3: Apply each piece for 2-3 minutes before replacing it with a new one. Continue for 30 minutes.
• Step 4: Rinse your mouth with water.

1.4 Treat Swollen Gums with Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping reduce gum swelling and pain while protecting gums from harmful bacteria. Here are two methods:

• Method 1: Mix turmeric powder with water to form a paste, apply it to the swollen gums, leave it for 3 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Method 2: Crush clean turmeric to extract the juice, apply it to the swollen gums, leave it for 2-3 minutes, then rinse with water.

Repeat these methods 3-4 times a week to improve gum swelling.

1.5 Use Honey to Treat Swollen Gums at Home

Honey has long been used for skin care, treating colds, fever, and coughs. It also boosts the immune system and effectively treats oral diseases like swollen gums. Apply a small amount of honey with a cotton swab directly to the swollen gums, leave it for 15 minutes, then rinse with water.

1.6 Reduce Gum Swelling with Green Tea at Home

Green tea has detoxifying properties and is rich in antioxidants. Its tannin content has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Boil green tea leaves and use the water to rinse your mouth daily for about 30 seconds to reduce gum swelling quickly.

1.7 Treat Swollen Gums with Ginger

Ginger is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties. The zingibain in ginger effectively kills bacteria and controls swelling and inflammation. Here are some methods:

• Method 1: Crush ginger and apply it to the swollen gums for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with water.
• Method 2: Rinse your mouth with ginger water 3 times a day, for 2-3 minutes each time.
• Method 3: Steep ginger in warm water for 5-10 minutes and drink it directly.

 

1.8 Treat Swollen Gums with Lemon at Home

Lemon’s anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for treating oral infections. Its high vitamin C content also boosts the immune system and prevents infections. Squeeze lemon juice, add a little salt, mix well, and apply to the swollen gums. Leave it for 3 minutes and rinse with water.

1.9 Reduce Gum Swelling with Garlic

Garlic contains allicin, which detoxifies, reduces inflammation, and boosts immune function, helping to improve swollen gums quickly. Here are a few methods:

• Method 1: Chew raw garlic directly on the swollen gums for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with water.
• Method 2: Crush garlic with fresh ginger, add a little water, and apply the mixture to the swollen gums for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with water.

1.10 Use Coconut Oil to Treat Swollen Gums at Home

The lauric acid in coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help reduce gum swelling. Apply coconut oil directly to the swollen gums, leave it for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with water. Repeat this 2-3 times daily until the gums heal.

Note: Applying these folk remedies for treating swollen gums at home is temporary. For thorough treatment, visit reputable dental clinics for professional examination and treatment plans.

2. Safe Treatment for Swollen Gums at the Dental Clinic

After an examination, based on the severity of gum swelling, the dentist may prescribe the following treatments:

2.1 Regular Scaling

Tartar buildup is the main cause of swollen gums. Therefore, the simplest way to improve this condition is to remove tartar. Dentists use ultrasonic waves to clean plaque and bacteria from the mouth.

2.2 Medication

After scaling, the dentist will prescribe some medications to help restore the gums, such as:

• Pain relievers: ibuprofen, paracetamol, etc.

• Antibiotics (in case of infection): penicillin, cefixime, etc.

3. How to Care for Swollen Gums at Home

When your gums are swollen, you can care for and clean them by following these steps:

3.1 Use a Toothbrush and Dental Floss

Brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque and prevent bacteria from accumulating and attacking the gums. Use dental floss to clean leftover food from between your teeth effectively.

3.2 Rinse with Saltwater

Saltwater contains sodium chloride, which alkalizes and increases pH in the mouth, inhibiting bacterial growth. Rinsing with saltwater keeps the mouth clean and reduces symptoms of swelling, pain, and bleeding. Here’s the proper way to rinse with saltwater:

• Rinse for 30 seconds the first time.
• Rinse for 60 seconds the second time.
• Finally, rinse with clean water.

Note: Do not swallow saltwater or overuse it, as it can damage tooth enamel.

3.3 Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water increases saliva production, which helps clean plaque and protects gums from bacterial attacks. It also washes away leftover food, excess sugar on teeth, dilutes acids from decay-causing bacteria, and reduces bad breath caused by dry mouth and plaque buildup.

3.4 Avoid Stimulants

Stimulants like alcohol and tobacco are not recommended for health, especially when you have swollen gums. These substances reduce saliva production in the mouth, allowing bacteria to adhere to teeth longer, worsening gum swelling and slowing recovery.

4. Conclusion

By following these home remedies and professional treatments, you can effectively learn how to treat swollen gums and maintain good oral health. Always consult with a dentist for persistent issues to ensure proper care and treatment.