How to Treat Inflamed Gums at Home

Do you have swollen, red, and painful gums? Trying to find a way to treat inflamed gums without making an expensive trip to the dentist? You’re in luck! Our guide will show you how to soothe your gums and reduce inflammation right at home.

Quick facts: Treating Inflamed Gums At Home

• ✅ Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing and using a mouthwash can help reduce inflammation of the gums – American Dental Association
• ✅ Chewing sugar-free gum can help reduce inflammation of the gums by stimulating saliva production – ADA
• ✅ Eating a diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help keep your gums healthy – American Academy of Periodontology
• ✅ Using a warm saltwater rinse several times a day can help reduce inflammation of the gums – American Academy of Periodontology
• ✅ Avoiding hard and chewy foods can reduce the risk of gums becoming inflamed – American Academy of Periodontology

Causes of Inflamed Gums

Inflamed gums, also known as gingivitis, is a common condition that can cause irritation and discomfort. It is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums. Poor oral hygiene and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or hormonal changes, can increase the chances of developing inflamed gums. Other causes include smoking, stress, and the use of certain medications. Understanding the cause helps in finding the right treatment for inflamed gums.

Poor oral hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of inflamed gums. When plaque and bacteria build up on your teeth they can irritate your gums and cause them to become swollen and inflamed. This can happen even if you’re brushing and flossing regularly, as plaque can still form between your teeth where it’s hard to reach. If left untreated, this plaque can lead to gum disease, which is a serious condition that can have long-term effects on your dental health.

To prevent inflamed gums due to poor oral hygiene, you should:

• Brush and floss after every meal.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day.
• Make regular dental check-ups a priority.

Certain medical conditions

Certain medical conditions can cause inflamed gums. These include diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and immune deficiency syndromes. In addition, certain medications may irritate the gums or interfere with normal healing. For example, some oral contraceptives or high blood pressure medications can cause gum inflammation. People who have poor nutrition or those with a weakened immune system are also at increased risk for developing inflamed gums. Lastly, people with abnormal bites (malocclusion) are more prone to gum inflammation due to the difficulty in properly cleaning teeth in these cases.

It is important to speak to a dentist if you suspect any of these conditions as underlying causes for your inflamed gums as treatment for these underlying causes may be necessary for proper management of the condition.

Allergies

Allergies are one of the major causes of inflamed gums. Common allergens such as food and medications can easily cause allergies that lead to oral inflammation, including in the gums. If a particular food is eaten often, resulting in irritation or swelling in the gum line, it might be because of an allergy to that particular food. Medications such as antibiotics and corticosteroids can also cause allergic reactions which can inflame the gum tissue.

In addition to allergies, certain medical conditions like diabetes or autoimmune diseases are also known to cause inflammation of the gums. To determine if allergies are causing your inflamed gums, it’s best to see a doctor so they can identify what’s causing the problem and help you find relief.

Symptoms of Inflamed Gums

Inflamed gums can be painful and uncomfortable, and can even lead to more serious health problems. Symptoms of inflamed gums include swelling, redness, and tenderness in the gums, as well as pain when eating and brushing. Bad breath and bleeding gums are also signs that your gums are inflamed.

Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to treat inflamed gums at home:

Swollen gums

Swollen gums (or Gingival inflammation) is a common dental issue that can occur due to poor oral hygiene, a weakened immune system, or certain medications. It is characterized by redness and swelling of the gums. This type of inflammation usually comes with accompanying pain in the affected areas. In some cases, it may be accompanied by bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth.

In addition to swollen gums, other symptoms of Gingival inflammation include bad breath (halitosis), receding gums, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your dentist or doctor as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Home remedies such as

• rinsing with salt water
• using anti-inflammatory products

are also helpful in treating inflamed gums at home.

Redness

Gum inflammation, often referred to as gingivitis, is a condition that causes redness and swelling in the gums around the base of the teeth. This can cause gum tissue to become tender and painful when brushing or flossing. Additionally, there may be some bleeding when brushing or flossing.

Inflamed gums can occur for many reasons, such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, or infection from bacteria or fungus.

Treating inflamed gums at home includes:

• Proper oral hygiene – regular brushing and flossing.
• Rinsing with a mouthwash.
• Avoiding acidic foods and drinks that can increase irritation.

If your inflamed gums don’t respond to these measures within a few days, it’s best to see your dentist for further evaluation.

Bleeding

Bleeding gums are a common symptom of inflamed gums, or gingivitis. This condition is most often caused by bacteria buildup along the gum line, irritating the tissue and causing inflammation. While mild inflammation may cause no symptoms, more severe inflammation can cause pain and bleeding during brushing or flossing. When left untreated, the condition can progress to periodontitis, which can result in a loss of teeth.

In addition to brushing and flossing twice daily, regular dental check-ups can help prevent inflamed gums from progressing to periodontitis. Home remedies such as warm salt water rinses and green tea are also thought to reduce inflammation of the gum tissue. Consult with your dentist for additional advice on how to treat inflamed gums at home.

Home Remedies for Inflamed Gums

If you are experiencing red, swollen, and tender gums, this is an indication of gum inflammation. Home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms, reduce pain, and prevent the condition from getting worse.

Here are some home remedies that you can try to soothe your inflamed gums:

Saltwater rinse

Saltwater rinse is a simple and easy home remedy for treating inflamed gums. This method comprises of simply taking some lukewarm water and adding a teaspoon of salt to it thereby making a saltwater solution. Then swish around this solution in your mouth and gargle for about 30 seconds. Salt has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can help reduce the inflammation within your gums. Many people find this method to be quite effective in relieving the pain caused by inflamed gums.

Apart from treating inflamed gums, salt water rinses can also help

• remove food particles trapped between the teeth
• reduce bacterial growth that can lead to dental plaque formation

It is recommended to repeat this process twice a day until the inflammation subsides.

Oil pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient practice of taking a tablespoon of oil, such as coconut oil, and swishing it around in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. The idea behind this remedy is that the oil draws out toxins from your gums, which helps reduce inflammation and discomfort. While there haven’t been any clinical studies to validate this remedy, anecdotal evidence suggests that it may be effective.

It is important to note that you should spit out the used oil and avoid swallowing it. Additionally, be sure to rinse your mouth with warm or lukewarm water after you finish oil pulling in order to remove any remaining bacteria or toxins.

Turmeric paste

Turmeric is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy that has been used for centuries in India to treat a variety of ailments and conditions. With its powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, turmeric is an ideal home remedy for treating inflamed gums.

To make a turmeric paste, combine one teaspoon of turmeric powder with enough water to make a thick paste. Gently apply the turmeric paste onto your inflamed gums, allowing it to sit for five to ten minutes before gently rinsing off with lukewarm water. With regular applications, you should start to notice a decrease in inflammation and gum tenderness after several applications.

Lifestyle Changes

Making lifestyle changes is one of the most important things you can do to treat inflamed gums. You should make sure to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. You should also limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods as these can aggravate your inflamed gums. In addition, limiting your alcohol and tobacco usage is important in order to prevent further inflammation.

Let’s talk about some more lifestyle changes you can make to treat inflamed gums:

Quit smoking

Smoking is a major cause of gum disease, so the first and most effective lifestyle change you can make to treat inflamed gums is to quit smoking. Quitting smoking can not only help prevent further gum inflammation, but it can also be beneficial in reversing the effect smoking has already had on your gums.

When you smoke, your body cannot produce the proteins it needs to keep your gums healthy. Smoking restricts blood circulation to your gums, making them more prone to infection and inflammation. Additionally, tobacco smoke contains numerous toxic chemicals that irritate and damage gum tissues. By quitting smoking, you can help reduce existing inflammation in your gums and reduce future risk of periodontal disease.

Improve oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential for proper dental care and preventing gum inflammation. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash to decrease bacteria levels in the mouth–all of these steps can reduce the chance of developing inflammed gums.

Having a regular dental checkups are also important as they allow your dentist to catch any potential problems before they become serious enough to cause gum inflammation. Additionally, limit or avoid sugary or acidic foods and drinks; both can contribute to an unhealthy mouth environment that may lead to inflamed gums.

If you do have inflamed gums or have just been diagnosed with any kind of gum disease, be sure to let your dentist know so they can recommend specific treatments that will help you beat the condition:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day.
• Flossing daily.
• Using an antibacterial mouthwash.
• Limiting or avoiding sugary or acidic foods and drinks.
• Having regular dental checkups.

Eat a balanced diet

A balanced diet can help promote healthy gums. Eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats will provide the vitamins and minerals needed to ensure gum health. Aim for a balanced plate that consists of half vegetables or fruits and the other half with lean protein and complex carbohydrates.

Additionally, avoid sugary snacks that can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. Eating a balanced diet can also help with weight loss which is associated with periodontal disease. This is especially important if you are diagnosed with inflamed gums as being overweight can add to the inflammation caused by this condition.

Lastly, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to help flush out any unwanted bacteria that may be causing gum inflammation.

When to See a Dentist

Inflamed gums can be a sign of something serious and should not be taken lightly. Inflamed gums can be a symptom of Gingivitis or Periodontitis, both of which require specialized treatment from a dentist.

It is important to know when it is time to see a dentist for inflamed gums in order to ensure proper treatment.

Persistent pain

Persistent pain is a sign that the inflamed gum tissue is not improving and that it may be time to consider seeing a dentist. You may still be able to successfully treat inflamed gums at home, but if the pain or swelling persists over time, this is an indicator that you should contact your dentist.

If you notice signs such as tooth sensitivity, a persistent bad taste in your mouth, or bleeding gums, an evaluation by your dental provider will give you the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for your individual needs. Additionally, it’s important to visit the dentist and receive professional care even if gum inflammation has been previously treated at home with success. Seeing a dentist on a regular basis can ensure that any further issues are caught early before they have a chance to cause more serious problems down the line.

Recurring inflammation

Recurring inflammation of the gums is an indication of a more serious gum health issue. While over-the-counter medications and home remedies can reduce inflammation in the short term, if you’re dealing with recurrent episodes of gum inflammation, it’s important to see a dentist. They’ll be able to diagnose what behind your gum inflammation and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

The first step in treating recurring gingivitis or periodontal disease is to identify the underlying cause. The dentist will take x-rays and examine your mouth, teeth, and gums to identify any issues that could be causing your recurring gum inflammation. Once they have identified the cause, they can recommend an appropriate course of treatment which may include:

• Antibiotics
• Deep cleaning
• Other dental procedures

Seeing a dentist as soon as you begin experiencing signs of gum inflammation is the best way to ensure that the issue can be addressed quickly and effectively.

Unusual symptoms

Certain unusual symptoms might also be reasons to see a dentist right away. If you’re experiencing pain when you bite or chew, this could be a sign of something more serious, such as an abscessed tooth or infection. If your gums look abnormally red or swollen, they may be inflamed and need treatment. Additionally, bleeding gums can also be a sign of unhealthy gums and should not be ignored.

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your dentist right away. Even if it turns out your gums aren’t inflamed after all, it’s better to err on the side of caution rather than waiting until the condition worsens. Early detection and treatment can help keep your teeth healthy and prevent further issues from cropping up down the road.

FAQs about: Treating Inflamed Gums At Home

Q: What causes inflamed gums?

A: Inflamed gums can be caused by poor oral hygiene, gingivitis, or periodontal disease.

Q: How can I treat inflamed gums at home?

A: You can treat inflamed gums at home by practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, and using a mouthwash containing antimicrobial ingredients. Additionally, you can apply a warm salt water rinse to your gums to reduce inflammation and pain.

Q: Should I visit a dentist if my gums are inflamed?

A: Yes, it is important to visit a dentist if your gums are inflamed, as it could be a sign of a more serious condition. The dentist can diagnose and recommend the best treatment for your condition.