How Treat Swollen Gums: Causes, Remedies Dental Care Advice

Swollen gums are a sign that your mouth is fighting an irritation or infection. Usually, swollen gums will feel sore, become inflamed, and will appear bright red. If left untreated, swollen gums can result in serious gum disease, loss of teeth and cause issues with your general health.

To treat swollen gums, it is important to understand what is causing the issue. This expert guide will help you treat swollen gums immediately, using medical treatments and prevention methods.

What Are The Common Causes Of Swollen Gums?

Swollen gums usually occur due to a build up of bacteria in the form of plaque along the gum line. The bacteria will cause your immune system to react and cause inflammation, soreness and swelling.

Build Up Of Plaque & Tartar – If you fail to clean your teeth properly, the plaque will harden to form a sticky build up of tartar. This will cause irritation by holding the bacteria close to your gums.
Gingivitis & Periodontitis – This is the first stage of gum disease. If left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis which damages the bone supporting your teeth.
Lack Of Vitamins – A lack of essential vitamins can cause problems with the body’s ability to repair the sensitive gums. In particular, a lack of vitamin C and vitamin D.
Hormonal Changes – Hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, periods and menopause cause increased blood flow to the gums. This can cause sensitivity to slight irritations.
Poorly Fitting Dental Appliances – Sharp edges on broken fillings, old crowns and loose dentures will cause irritation by constantly rubbing against the gums.
Side Effects Of Medication – Some blood pressure medications, immunosuppressants and anti-seizure medications can cause overgrowth of the gums.

What Natural Home Remedies Can Help Treat Swollen Gums?

Mild cases of swollen gums can be treated at home with these simple and safe natural remedies.

Salt Water Rinse – Mix ½ tsp of salt into a glass of warm water. Swish around your mouth for 30 seconds, 3 times a day to reduce swelling and kill harmful bacteria.
Hot & Cold Compress – Place a hot compress over the outside of your face to ease the pain. Follow with a clean ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce the swelling.
Aloe Vera – Pure aloe vera contains natural anti-inflammatory. Swish pure aloe vera juice/gel around your mouth to soothe the sore, burning gums.
Essential Oils – Add 2 drops of either tea tree oil or peppermint oil to a glass of warm water. Swish around to reduce bacteria and freshen breath.
Clove Oil – Place a small amount of diluted clove oil onto your sore gums using a clean cotton bud. Clove oil is a natural anesthetic.

What Medical Treatments Are Available For Swollen Gums?

If your swollen gums have not improved after trying natural treatments at home, seek medical help from a dentist.

Scaling – Your hygienist will use special tools to scrape away the hardened plaque and calculus.
Root Planing – Dentists will perform root planing to smooth out the rough roots. This makes it difficult for harmful bacteria to attach and grow.
Antibacterial Mouthwash – Chlorhexidine Gluconate mouthwashes are commonly prescribed by dentists to kill aggressive bacteria.
Antibiotics – Your dentist may place slow release antibiotic gels into the deep pockets of your gums or may prescribe antibiotics.
Periodontal Surgery – If you have severe periodontitis, you may need specialist surgery such as flap surgery or tissue grafts to repair the damaged bone and secure loose teeth.

What Are The Best Brushing & Flossing Techniques For Healthy Gums?

The best way to prevent painful swollen gums is to look after your mouth daily. Use the correct techniques to remove food debris without damaging your sensitive gums.

Use A Soft Bristled Toothbrush – Always use a soft bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles will cause damage to your enamel and sore gums.
Angle At 45 Degrees – Angle your bristles at 45 degrees to your gums. Gently move in small circles to remove plaque.
Floss Daily – Gently move floss between your teeth. Shape into a C shape around each side of the teeth. Do not force down.
Clean Tongue – Bacteria love to live on the rough surface of your tongue. Use a tongue scraper daily in the morning to fully remove bacteria.

How Do Diet & Lifestyle Affect Swollen Gums?

Your diet and lifestyle will affect how well your body can fight off bacteria and repair damaged gums.

Increase Vitamin C – Eat lots of fresh citrus fruits, bell peppers, berries and leafy greens. This will help create strong collagen fibers to keep your gums firm.
Increase Vitamin D & Calcium – Drink fortified milks, eat plain yogurt and leafy greens. Vitamin D will help your body absorb calcium to keep your bone protected.
Stop Smoking – Smoking will reduce blood flow to your gums, slowing down the healing process and increasing your risk of severe periodontitis.
Drink Plenty Of Water – Drinking water after meals will help wash away any leftover food. It will also encourage healthy saliva flow.
Limit Sugar – Sugar will cause harmful bacteria to grow rapidly. This will cause acid to be produced and new plaque to form.

When Should You Visit Your Dentist For Swollen Gums?

If your gums are suffering from a mild irritation they may improve with better brushing and salt water rinses. However if you experience:

Swollen Gums For Longer Than 2 Weeks – If your gums are still swollen after 2 weeks of improving your oral hygiene habits, visit your dentist.
Severe Pain – Severe pain that radiates through your jaw and face means you have a deep infection.
Pus & Bleeding – If you can see pus coming from your gums or you are bleeding heavily whilst eating visit your dentist immediately.
Loose Teeth – If your teeth feel loose or move whilst eating this means you have severe bone loss.
High Temperature – If you have a high temperature and your face is swollen this indicates a serious infection that needs emergency treatment.

What Are The Top Tips To Prevent Swollen Gums?

Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft bristled brush and fluoridated toothpaste. Brush gently for 2 minutes.
Floss between all your teeth every evening.
Rinse with warm salt water or an alcohol free antibacterial mouthwash.
Eat a healthy balanced diet containing plenty of vitamin C, vitamin D and fresh vegetables.
Drink plain water throughout the day.
Do not smoke, use cigarettes or vaping.
Visit your dentist every 6 months for a professional clean.

What Are The Frequently Asked Questions About Swollen Gums?

Can My Swollen Gums Heal?

If your swollen gums are caused by a temporary blockage of food or slight irritation they can heal themselves once the debris has been removed and your hygiene has improved. However if it is caused by gingivitis, deep tartar build up or periodontitis you will need to visit your dentist.

How Long Will My Swollen Gums Take To Heal?

Usually after a professional clean or scale your gums should start to feel better within 3-5 days. Full healing of the inflamed tissues can take 2-3 weeks. As long as you continue to brush your teeth thoroughly and gently floss daily.

Why Are My Gums Swollen Around One Tooth?

If your gums are swollen around one tooth this is usually caused by an issue with that specific tooth. This could be caused by food being stuck, a deep cavity, cracked root, failing restoration or tooth abscess. Visit your dentist to have the tooth checked.

Is Salt Water Good For Swollen Gums?

Yes! Warm salt water is a great natural treatment for swollen gums. The salt acts as a natural disinfectant to draw out extra fluid from the inflamed tissues. This will reduce the swelling and help clean any small sores in your mouth.

To treat swollen gums you will need to use gentle natural treatments, make healthy lifestyle choices and visit your dentist. By understanding why your gums are inflamed, keeping your teeth clean by brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist when needed you can protect your smile and keep your health. Book an appointment with your dental clinician today to keep your gums firm, healthy and pain free.