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 since changes in the gum thickness and color can be spotted easily.
In addition, swollen gums may be accompanied by bleeding, gum pain, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath.
This oral problem is related to a condition known as gingivitis, which is considered the first stage of a periodontal disease.
Gingivitis is caused by the plaque build-up, which is not always removed after brushing your teeth.
Fortunately, there is a wide variety of natural ingredients which contain properties that combat swollen gums. This is because these properties prevent complications from arising as well as decrease the swelling.
Although these natural ingredients should be used in conjunction with common hygiene products, they can alleviate the pain and speed up the recovery process for those who have swollen gums.
Try them!
1. Warm water with salt
A mouthwash made with warm water and salt can provide relief for bleeding and swollen gums.
This is because salt has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that decrease the presence of bacteria on the affected area.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of salt (5 g)
- ½ cup of warm water (100 ml)
Method
- Dilute the teaspoon of salt in the glass of warm water and gargle the liquid for 30 seconds.
- Avoid swallowing the mixture because it can cause undesired reactions.
Use it two or three times a day.
2. Baking soda with hydrogen peroxide
Both sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide have antibiotic and antimicrobial compounds that prevent various types of infections from developing.
In this case, both products control bacterial proliferation and reduce the symptoms of gingivitis.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda (5 g)
- 6 drops of hydrogen peroxide
Method
- Mix the baking soda with the hydrogen peroxide and 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.
3. Apple cider vinegar
The natural acids of apple vinegar balance the pH of the mouth and alter the environment that bacteria need to cause infections.
Using apple cider vinegar as a natural rinse is a great remedy for swollen gums and bad breath.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (10 ml)
- ½ cup warm water (100 ml)
Method
- Combine the apple cider vinegar and the warm water. Mix them well and rinse your mouth with the solution after brushing your teeth.
- Use it twice a day every day.
4. 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
- Squeeze the lemon juice and mix it with the half cup of warm water.
- Gargle the mixture for 20 seconds and then spit it out.
- Use it twice a day.
5. Blueberry juice
Blueberry juice is an antioxidant-rich beverage that strengthens the immune system and reduces susceptibility to infections.
Consuming blueberries controls swelling and bleeding and decreases the presence of germs.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of fresh blueberries (100 g)
- 2 cups of water (500 ml)
- 1 tablespoon honey (25 g)
Method
- Blend the blueberries in half a liter of water, sweeten it with a little honey and drink the juice.
- Drink two or three glasses a day.
6. Thyme
A thyme infusion is an anti-inflammatory and soothing remedy that controls the pain caused by gum infections.
Using it as a mouthwash prevents bacterial growth 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
- Bring the water to a boil and, when it boils, add the thyme and then lower the heat.
- Leave it for two minutes, remove it from the saucepan and let it stand 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
Linden flower tea is a soothing drink that decreases inflammation and pain caused by oral problems.
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 them stand 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 swelling.
While using these remedies can control symptoms, it’s best to consult your dentist to avoid developing more serious problems.
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