Safe and Effective Home Remedies that use Salt to Treat Swollen Gum Tissues

[Amruta Patel]

Swollen gums can have several causes like nutritional deficiencies, oral infections, pregnancy or hormonal fluctuations. If not treated on time, swollen gum tissues can cause inflammation, lead to loss of teeth and invite serious gum conditions like Gingivitis and Periodontitis. If your gum swelling is getting severe and painful with every passing day, using salt will alleviate your pain and provide instant relief. Follow these tried-and-tested home remedies and get rid of swollen gum tissues:

• Salt Water

Rinsing your mouth with lukewarm salt water is one of the oldest and the most effective swollen gum treatments. Salt being a natural disinfectant eliminates all the bad bacteria and harmful microbes that are causing pain and inflammation.

Take a glass of lukewarm water and pour 1 teaspoon of table salt into it. Stir it well and pour some of it into your mouth and swish it all around for a few seconds. Repeat the same process till you finish the remaining water in your glass. Do this at least twice a day to get rid of swollen gums. 

• Mustard Oil and Salt

The glucosinolate found in mustard oil has excellent anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. Mustard oil also has strong stimulant properties which improve blood circulation when massaged on the affected area.   

Take 1 teaspoon of mustard oil and add a pinch of salt to it and mix it well. Massage the paste gently on the swollen gum tissues for 4 to 5 minutes. Spit the mixture after the massage and rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. Repeat this remedy 2-3 times a day for faster results. 

• Ginger and Salt

Ginger is high in antioxidants which are known to inhibit the production of inflammatory agents. All you need to do is make some ginger paste and add a pinch of salt to it. Then gently rub this paste on your swollen gums to get relief. Repeat this thrice a day to reduce the pain and swelling in your gums.

Other Home Remedies to Treat Swollen Gum Tissues 

• Hot and Cold Compresses

Hot and cold compresses are very helpful in healing swollen gums. If your gums are not paining, it is recommended to use cold compresses but if your condition is painful, you should use warm compresses. If your gums are both swollen and painful, you can also use warm and cold compresses alternatively. Cold compresses will work to reduce the swelling while hot compresses will heal the pain effectively. Place the compress against the face pointing the affected area and hold it for a few minutes. Do this till the pain subsides.

• Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an age-old Ayurvedic remedy that heals bleeding gums and strengthens them. It involves swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in the mouth every morning. This is to be done on an empty stomach for at least 20 minutes. Be sure to spit the oil and rinse your mouth before you brush your teeth. Oil pulling is an effective detoxification process that removes bacteria, prevents plaque and promotes healthy gums by creating a sterile environment. Do this daily to get rid of swollen gums naturally. 

• Baking Soda

Being alkaline in nature, baking soda creates a hostile environment which makes the survival of bacteria difficult and creates an antiseptic environment inside the mouth. It effectively neutralizes all the acidic toxins and wastes that are produced by harmful microbes and promotes oral health. Make a consistent paste by adding water to baking soda and gently rub the paste along your gumline. You can also brush your teeth using this paste for brightening your teeth.

• Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is highly effective in treating gum diseases and getting rid of swollen, painful gums. Rich in antioxidants, aloe vera gel has antibacterial properties that fight oral diseases and reduce the bleeding from swollen gums. Rub it gently all over the gum line twice a day to treat swollen gums. Aloe vera gel can also be used as toothpaste and as a mouthwash when mixed with water. 

Do’s and Don’ts to Ease Discomfort and Find Relief from Swollen Gums

Do:

• Brush twice a day and floss regularly
• Add fruits and vegetables to your daily diet 
• If the gum swelling persists even after following these home remedies, see your dentist immediately

Don’t:

• Don’t drink caffeinated beverages if you are suffering from swollen gums
• Don’t drink alcohol or smoke as this may further aggravate your condition
• Don’t  use a mouthwash that contains alcohol

Don’t ignore your swollen gums till they become painful beyond tolerance. Take action at home or consult a dentist to identify the underlying cause of your swollen gums.