{"id":1965,"date":"2018-07-16T02:59:47","date_gmt":"2018-07-16T02:59:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=1965"},"modified":"2021-05-18T18:54:02","modified_gmt":"2021-05-18T18:54:02","slug":"11-simple-ways-to-reduce-swollen-gums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/11-simple-ways-to-reduce-swollen-gums\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Simple Ways to Reduce Swollen Gums"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Your gums play a crucial part in your oral health. They are comprised of very dense, yet soft tissue, forming a firm seal that surrounds your teeth in order to support the jawbone and prevent bacteria from damaging the roots of your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The gums can be affected by a condition known as gingival swelling, or more simply, swollen gums. When they gums swell, they may look as if they are bulging out. They also tend to be sensitive or even painful to the touch, and the can bleed easily, especially when you brush or floss your teeth. Instead of the normal pink, the color changes to an aggravated red. In severe cases, the gums may become so inflamed that they can actually conceal portions of your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several reasons why the gums can swell, including gingivitis, pregnancy, infections, and even malnutrition. If your gums are swollen, it\u2019s important to see a dentists as soon as possible; however, there are ways that you can reduce the swelling on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a look at 11 ways you can minimize swollen gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Try a ginger paste<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ginger <\/a>is has long been hailed for its ability to reduce swelling. That\u2019s because it contains anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antioxidants. These properties are why ginger is so frequently recommended as a natural way to treat an upset stomach. They can also prove to be an effective way to reduce swollen, painful gums. To create a ginger paste, start my slicing fresh ginger into small pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place the pieces into a container and mash them up until they have a paste-like consistency. Add in some salt and mix together until the paste becomes coarse. Dip a clean finger or a new cotton swab into the paste and then rub it over your gums. Leave the paste on your gums for about 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse your mouth out thoroughly with lukewarm water. Repeat the application of ginger paste three times a day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Rinse with salt water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gargling with warm salt water<\/a> is one of the most commonly suggested remedies for a number of oral ailments, such as a sore throat, canker sores, and swollen taste buds. It can even help to dislodge annoying and sometimes painful tonsil stones. There is another ailment that warm salt water can help to relieve: swollen gums. Salt water helps to neutralize the pH of the mouth, which then, in turn, eases inflammation of the gums and helps to reduce pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salt water also contains anti-inflammatory properties, which further make it an effective remedy for swollen gums. To try this remedy, simply add a tablespoon of table salt to a class of warm water. Mix until the salt dissolves. Take a large sip of the mixture and swish it through your mouth, concentrating on the affected areas. Repeat this technique a few times a day, including after you eat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Baking soda and turmeric mixture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are suffering from swollen gums, a mixture of baking soda<\/a> and turmeric can be an effective way to provide relief. Baking soda has both antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, which is why it is so commonly used to treat a variety of ailments, such as sunburn and bug bites. It can also be an effective way to reduce swollen gums. Turmeric is a spice that not only provides wonderful flavor, but also has a number of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To use baking soda and turmeric to treat swollen gums, combine the two ingredients and add in a few drops of warm water, mixing together until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to your gums and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse your mouth with warm water. Repeat the process once in the morning and once at night for several days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Clove oil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Clove oil<\/a> is one of the many types of essential oils. It is often used as a homeopathic remedy for several ailments that cause swelling, inflammation, and pain. It can certainly be an effective way to combat and soothe swollen gums. Clove oil contains antimicrobial properties, which can help to fight off an infection that could be causing your swollen gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This oil also has analgesic (pain killing) properties, so it can help to reduce the pain you may be experiencing in your gums. To use this remedy, simply apply a few drops of clove oil to a clean finger or cotton swab and massage it into your gums. Apply gentle pressure as your massaging so as not to further irritate your gums. Leave the oil on your gums and repeat the process twice a day for several days. Alternatively, you can also chew on a fresh clove to relive the swelling and pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. An essential oil rinse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Clove oil isn\u2019t the only essential oil <\/a>that is noted for its ability to combat inflammation and provide pain relief; several other essential oils offer the same benefits, including tea tree, chamomile, and peppermint. Peppermint oil and tea tree oil contain powerful antimicrobial properties, while chamomile has pain relieving properties. Combined, these essential oils can drastically reduce inflammation in the gums and reduce any pain that you may be experiencing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To create this swollen gum remedy, combine a few drops of all three essential oils into a glass of lukewarm water and mix. Take a sip of the water and swish it through your mouth, concentrating on the parts of your gums that are inflamed. Spit the essential oil water out and then rinse your mouth with plain, clean water. Do this two to three times a day for several days until your gums are no longer inflamed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Lemon water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lemon water not only tastes good, but it is also extremely hydrating and many people claim that it can help them reach their weight loss goals. That is because lemon <\/a>has anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon also has antimicrobial compounds, which have the ability to kill off any microbes that may be the cause of an infection that is causing your swollen gums. Furthermore, lemon has the ability to balance the pH in your mouth, which can further aid in the reduction of swelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using lemon water as a remedy for swollen, painful gums is quite simple. Just squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon into a glass. Add warm water to the glass and mix to combine the two liquids. Take a healthy sip of the water into your mouth and swish with it, allowing it to reach all affected areas. Spit out the lemon water and rinse your mouth with fresh water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Water and babul tree bark<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The bark of the babul tree has long been used as a way to improve oral health. In fact, it is an ancient Ayurveda remedy that has been used for centuries. Not only does it help to keep the teeth and gums clean, but it can also help to reduce swelling <\/a>and pain in the gums. The bark of the babul tree contains compounds that have an antimicrobial effect, which means that they can kill off bacteria that collect in the mouth and cause the gums to swell. To use this remedy to treat swollen gums, boil a piece of babul tree bark for about 7 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remove the bark from the water and allow the water to cool. Take a sip of the babul tree bark infused water and swish it through your mouth for about 2 minutes. Make sure that you concentrate on the parts of your gums that are affected by the swelling. Spit the water out of your mouth and then rinse with plain, cool water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Turmeric and mustard oil paste<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We have already discussed how turmeric <\/a>can be an effective way to reduce swelling in the gums, thanks to the powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds the spice contains. With this remedy, mustard oil is added to turmeric. Mustard oil also has antimicrobial properties, as well as pain relieving compounds. When the two are combined, they can be a powerful treatment for swollen, painful gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make this home remedy, mix tighter turmeric and mustard oil to create a paste. You can also add in some salt to the mixture to further enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. Dip a clean finger or cotton swab into the paste and gently apply it to your gums. Take care not to apply too much pressure, as doing so can aggravate already sensitive gums. Leave the paste in place for about 10 minutes. Rinse your mouth with cool, clean water. Repeat the process two times a day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Vanilla extract<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vanilla extract <\/a>is often used as an ingredient in drinks and foods, as it has a delightful taste. However, vanilla extract offers more than just a pleasant taste; it also has analgesic (pain relieving) properties, as well as antiseptic qualities, so it can help to reduce pain in your gums and kill off any bacteria that may be causing an infection that has lead to the swelling in your gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using vanilla extract to treat inflamed and painful gums is very easy. Simply apply the extract to a clean finger or a clean cotton swab and gently rub it into your gums. Make sure that you don\u2019t use too much pressure, as you do not want to further irritate your gums. Let the extract sit on your gums for a few minutes and then rinse your mouth with clean water. Repeat the process several times a day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Change the way you brush<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In many cases, swollen gums aren\u2019t the result of an infection or any other health condition; rather, they are caused by vigorous brushing. While the gum tissue is quite strong, it is also sensitive and can be easily irritated. When you apply too much pressure to your gums while you are brushing your teeth, you could damage the gum tissue, which can result in inflammation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To reduce swelling, try switching up your tooth brushing techniques. Apply less pressure to the tooth brush, particularly when you are brushing near your gums. Additionally, if you are using a hard bristled toothbrush, switch to one that has soft bristles, and make sure that the bristles are made of nylon. While brushing vigorously may seem like an effective way to remove plaque buildup and get your teeth and gums clean, it can actually damage your gums and teeth and cause significant swelling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Floss on a regular basis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A lot of people overlook the importance of flossing their teeth; however, it is one of the most important parts of proper oral hygiene<\/a>. That\u2019s because food particles get trapped between the teeth and brushing alone cannot remove them. When those food particles remain lodged between the teeth, bacteria flourish and will eventually affect the health of your gums, causing not only pain and inflammation, but increasing the chances of developing gingivitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To ensure your teeth and gums are in tip-top condition and reduce any swelling in your gums that you may be experiencing, make sure that you are diligent with your flossing. Dentists recommend flossing at least once a day, prior to brushing; however, you should also floss after eating any foods that noticeably get trapped in your teeth. After floss, rinse your mouth with lukewarm water or mouthwash, and then brush your teeth, using gently force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Aloe Vera<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aloe vera<\/a> has a place in traditional medicine as a potent antiseptic and antibacterial treatment. The fleshy leaves of this perennial plant contain enzymes that eradicate infection fast. It\u2019s for this reason that many skin lotions and creams contain aloe vera. Visit the lotion aisle of your local health store, and you\u2019re bound to find a couple of products with aloe vera listed as the main ingredient.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aloe vera also makes a fantastic mouthwash for curing swollen gums. The natural anti-inflammatory properties of the plant reduce swelling while eliminating bacteria. According to the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry, aloe vera mouthwash is as effective as chlorhexidine \u2014 a prescription strength treatment for gingivitis. The properties of the mouthwash also make it an effective precautionary treatment to ensure there\u2019s no reoccurrence of the condition.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swish the mouthwash around in your mouth and spit it out \u2013 don\u2019t swallow. Repeat the treatment two to three times a day to clear up gingivitis infection.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Hydrogen Peroxide<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hydrogen peroxide<\/a> is an effective treatment against swollen gums and other oral infections. This chemical kills any bacteria or pathogens residing in the mouth. It\u2019s vital that you choose the right formula \u2013 a 3-percent food grade solution. Hydrogen peroxide is available in stronger concentrations, but using this as an oral treatment will give the inside of your mouth a chemical burn, resulting in the need for immediate medical attention.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make your mouthwash by mixing two tablespoons of 3-percent food grade hydrogen peroxide, with 3-tablespoons of purified water. Swish the solution around in your mouth, and ensure you don\u2019t swallow \u2013 as swallowing can cause severe problems with the esophagus, lungs, stomach, and digestive system. Repeat this treatment two or three times a day as necessary, and you should start to see relief from swollen gums in as little as 24-hours after your first treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t gargle, as the bacteria causing swollen gums does not reside in the throat, and you could run the risk of swallowing the solution.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Lifestyle Changes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who suffer regular bouts of swollen gums due to gingivitis <\/a>infection should analyze their lifestyle choices. If you decide that you\u2019re tired of swollen gums and diseases, then choose to control everything that goes into your mouth. Stop self-destructive habits, such as drinking alcohol and smoking \u2013 this alone can save you years of medical bills in the future. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remove refined carbohydrates, such as sugar, from your diet \u2013 these foods increase systemic inflammation in your body, making it more challenging to recover from the effects of the disease. Avoid drinking soda \u2013 both sugar and diet versions. The phosphoric acid found in soda erodes your tooth enamel, exposing your gums to infection.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you adopt this approach of vetting everything you eat and drink, and quitting bad lifestyle habits, you can expect to benefit from a lifetime of excellent oral health, fewer infections of your gums, and fewer trips to the dentist’s office.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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