Gum inflammation or gingivitis is a common ailment that should be treated in time. You can resort to home remedies that are effective.
- Swollen gums: causes
- Symptoms of gum inflammation
- How to lower gum inflammation quickly
- Consequences of gingivitis
Gums serve important functions for oral health: they protect the roots of teeth and jaw bones from infection and decay, hold teeth and hold them firmly in place.
When they are healthy, they have a uniform pale pink color and a firm, smooth texture that fits perfectly to the contour of the teeth. Red, swollen or painful gums indicate that there is a problem.
If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to take action, as simple inflammation of the gums can lead to much more serious gum disease, called periodontitis, and tooth loss. How to lower gum inflammation quickly? Some home remedies can be very effective.
SWOLLEN GUMS: CAUSES
There are several reasons why the gums may be inflamed, such as:
- The accumulation of dental plaque or tartar, due to poor or ineffective dental hygiene.
- Gingivitis or periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the gums that requires treatment to prevent its progression, as it can cause tooth loss.
- Bacterial or viral infections.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause.
- Toxic, such as tobacco smoke.
Good dental hygiene is essential to keep your gums healthy, although you should do it with proper technique, since excessive or too aggressive toothbrushing can also harm them.
Eight out of ten people have inflamed gums, i.e., gingivitis. Most don’t even know it, because gingivitis hardly hurts. It is caused by bacteria in the oral cavity. If you don’t brush your teeth properly, bacteria will multiply because they feed on the food residue left between your teeth.
These bacteria form dental plaque and produce acids and toxins that can inflame the gums, i.e., gingivitis. This does not always cause bleeding, because inflammation occurs in pockets that form between the gums and teeth, so brushing does not reach the focus of inflammation and no blood is seen when brushing your teeth.
In addition to careless oral hygiene, gum inflammation can also be caused by brushing your teeth too intensively. Rubbing too hard or using bristles that are too hard can damage the gums. Wounds are a breeding ground for bacteria, which promotes inflammation and infections.
If you have sensitive gums, use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
SYMPTOMS OF GUM INFLAMMATION
There are some signs that the gums are inflamed. The most frequent are:
- Swelling of the gums. The most obvious symptom is swelling of the gums, which may protrude more than normal.
- Redness. Deep red color, instead of the usual pale pink.
- Bleeding gums when brushing or other contact, even if you do it gently, or when flossing.
- Soft gums.
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- You may notice pain or tenderness when touching, biting, or chewing.
When gum inflammation is due to periodontal disease, there may also be bad breath or receding gums, which can make teeth look longer than normal.
HOW TO LOWER GUM INFLAMMATION QUICKLY
Although there are some causes of inflammation that require deeper treatment, such as periodontitis, the following measures will help reduce inflammation of the gums and relieve pain: Here are some of the highlights:
1. MARSHMALLOW INFUSION
The roots of the marshmallow plant contain substances that form mucilage. When drinking the marshmallow infusion, these mucous substances are deposited as a protective film on the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and stomach and stay there for a long time.
To prepare the infusion:
- Put 2 teaspoons of dried marshmallow flowers and leaves (you will find them in herbalists) in 250 ml of freshly boiled water.
- Wait 15 minutes and then strain.
- Drink the infusion in small sips.
- You can drink 3 or 4 cups a day.
2. BLUEBERRY INFUSION
Blueberries have an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. Its infusion is used to rinse your mouth and massage your gums after brushing your teeth. The massage can be done with the brush itself, very gently, or with a finger:
- Pour 1 tablespoon of dried cranberries over 1 cup of cold water.
- Bring it to a boil and then let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Use this infusion to rinse your mouth, gargle and massage your gums after brushing your teeth.
If you want the effect to be faster, you can get the massage every hour.
3. LEMON JUICE
Lemon juice has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help relieve gingivitis. The acidity of lemon prevents bacteria from multiplying and regulates the pH level in the mouth, which also relieves bad breath.
- Mix the juice of half a lemon with a cup of warm water.
- Rinse your mouth with it, but don’t swallow the mixture.
Do this rinse twice a day, but not too often, only in point cures, as the acid can attack the enamel.
4. CHAMOMILE
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, as well as analgesic effect, and promotes the healing of inflamed gums by stimulating blood circulation and reducing inflammation.
In addition, chamomile has a soothing and disinfecting effect on inflamed gums. Prepare an infusion of chamomile for 5 minutes and use it to rinse your mouth several times a day.
5. COCONUT OIL PULLING
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which can be used effectively against bacteria and pathogens. To fight or prevent gum inflammation:
- Take a teaspoon of coconut oil and let it melt in your mouth.
- Push the oil hard back and forth in your mouth and have it pass between your teeth for five to ten minutes. This allows you to reach all areas of the tooth.
This practice is called oil pulling and it is recommended to do it every day or at least twice a week.
6. HOW TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION OF THE GUMS WITH BAKING SODA AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
The combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is very effective against inflamed gums. It has antibacterial effect and reduces plaque.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup of warm water.
- After brushing your teeth at night, rinse your mouth for about two minutes with this preparation.
Do not use the mixture more than twice a day, nor many days in a row, as it could damage the enamel. Use it only in specific cures.
7. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Another popular home remedy for inflamed gums is apple cider vinegar. Dilute two teaspoons of vinegar in a glass of water and gargle with the mixture about half an hour before brushing your teeth.
This natural oral rinse has an antibacterial effect, is anti-inflammatory and stimulates the formation of saliva, but, like the previous case, it is important not to do it daily, because it could damage the enamel. He resorts to it only in specific cures.
8. ICE
Ice has vasoconstrictive effect, that is, it reduces blood flow in the inflamed area, which helps decrease swelling. It is also a natural painkiller, so it can reduce pain and discomfort in the gums. Apply the ice wrapped in a cloth on the inflamed area for a few minutes.
9. SALT WATER
Salt water has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, so it can help kill bacteria and reduce the risk of gum infection. It also helps eliminate food debris and bacterial plaque that may accumulate in the gums and contribute to their inflammation. Rinse with salt water for 30 seconds several times a day, mixing a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
10. ALOE VERA GEL
Aloe vera gel contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can help reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and prevent gum infections. You can apply some on the gums and massage it gently.
11. TEA TREE OIL
Tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. To use it, add a few drops to a glass of warm water and gargle for about 30 seconds.
It is also important to rest properly, because stress and lack of sleep weaken the immune system and favor general inflammation of the body, also of the gums.
CONSEQUENCES OF GINGIVITIS
If gingivitis is not treated, the inflammation can spread to the entire dental system. This can cause the gums to recede and teeth to fall out. Inflammation of the gums can pose a health risk.
Gingivitis with mild symptoms can be treated by improving hygiene and with home remedies, but if it does not improve in a short period of time, you should seek the help of the dentist.
Dental care plays a critical role in maintaining healthy gums. Teeth should be brushed thoroughly at least twice a day. You should also use an antibacterial mouthwash and floss or special brushes to prevent inflammation of the gums. It is also highly recommended to do one or two professional dental cleanings a year.