swollen gums

Best natural essential oils for swollen gums

The use of essential oils is tried and true. Many cultures have used them for personal care in order to maintain healthy teeth and eve relieve toothache pain.

Swollen gums can be a sign of gum disease or other oral health issues, and it’s important to consult a dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. However, some natural essential oils can potentially help reduce gum inflammation and promote oral health. Here are a few essential oils that are commonly used for this purpose:

Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce gum swelling and fight the bacteria responsible for gum disease. It should be used with caution and diluted in a carrier oil, as it can be quite strong.
Clove Oil: Clove oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and can help provide relief from gum pain and inflammation. It also has a numbing effect, which can be useful for temporary pain relief.
Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce gum inflammation and freshen your breath. It can also provide a cooling sensation that soothes discomfort.
Lavender Oil: Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and calming properties that can be beneficial for reducing gum inflammation and promoting relaxation.
Myrrh Oil: Myrrh oil has been traditionally used to promote oral health. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce gum swelling and support gum healing.
Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial properties and can help reduce bacteria in the mouth, which can contribute to gum inflammation. It may also provide a refreshing sensation.
Note: the best essential oils will have antibacterial properties. Oregano oil is one example (thyme oil is another), but is too strong for most people.

When using essential oils for swollen gums, be sure to follow these guidelines:

Dilution: Essential oils are potent and should be diluted with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or olive oil) to prevent irritation.
Application: Apply a diluted solution of the essential oil to the affected area using a clean cotton ball, swab, or a soft toothbrush.
Rinse: You can create a natural mouthwash by adding a few drops of essential oil to a cup of warm water. Gargle and swish the solution in your mouth, then spit it out.
Use Caution: Some people may be sensitive or allergic to certain essential oils, so it’s essential to do a patch test before using any new essential oil for oral care.

It’s important to note that while these essential oils may provide temporary relief and potentially support oral health, they are not a substitute for professional dental care. If you have persistent gum swelling or other oral health concerns, consult a dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

causes of swollen gums:

Swollen gums, also known as gingival swelling or gum inflammation, can have various causes. It’s important to determine the underlying reason for the swelling to receive appropriate treatment. Here are some common causes of swollen gums:

Gingivitis: This is the most common cause of swollen gums. It is an early stage of gum disease caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria on the teeth. Gingivitis can lead to red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate or improper oral hygiene practices, such as infrequent brushing and flossing, can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar, resulting in gum inflammation.
Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis can cause swollen gums, pockets between the teeth and gums, and even tooth loss. Periodontitis is a more severe progression of periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth decay and tooth pain. Bacterial infections can cause many oral health problems. Natural remedies such as essential oils are included in many natural products for a reason — they really work.
Pregnancy: Some women may experience swollen gums during pregnancy, a condition often referred to as pregnancy gingivitis. Hormonal changes can make the gums more sensitive to plaque, leading to inflammation.
Medications: Some medications, such as certain antihypertensive drugs, antiepileptics, and immunosuppressants, may have swollen gums as a side effect.
Dental Issues: Swollen gums can result from dental problems like abscesses, tooth infections, or improperly fitted dental appliances, such as dentures or braces.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, particularly vitamin C (scurvy) or vitamin K, can lead to gum problems and swelling.
Allergies: Allergic reactions to certain foods, oral hygiene products, or dental materials can cause gum swelling.
Tobacco Use: Smoking or using smokeless tobacco products can irritate the gums and lead to inflammation.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like diabetes, leukemia, and autoimmune disorders can affect gum health and cause swelling.
Viral or Fungal Infections: Infections, such as oral herpes or fungal infections like oral thrush, can lead to gum inflammation.
Injury or Trauma: Physical trauma to the gums, such as accidental biting, injury during dental procedures, or other trauma, can cause swelling.
Stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and make the gums more susceptible to infection and inflammation.

It’s essential to consult a dentist or healthcare professional if you have swollen gums to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Proper oral hygiene, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medication or dental procedures may be necessary to address the issue and prevent further complications.

Symptoms of swollen gums

Swollen gums, also known as gingival swelling, can be caused by various factors, including gum disease, infections, or irritation. The symptoms of swollen gums can vary in severity, but common signs and symptoms may include:

Redness: Swollen gums often appear red or darker in color than usual healthy gums.
Puffiness: Gums may become noticeably swollen, causing them to appear larger and more prominent.
Pain or tenderness: Swollen gums can be sensitive to touch and may cause discomfort or pain, particularly when eating or brushing.
Bleeding: Swollen gums may bleed when you brush your teeth or floss. This is a common sign of gum inflammation and is often associated with gum disease.
Bad breath: Gingival swelling can lead to bad breath (halitosis) due to the presence of bacteria and infection in the gum tissue.
Receding gums: In some cases, swollen gums may pull away from the teeth, causing gum recession. This can expose the tooth roots and lead to increased sensitivity.
Pus discharge: If an infection is present, you may notice pus coming from the swollen gum area.
Changes in tooth alignment: Severe gum swelling may affect the alignment of your teeth, making them appear more crowded or crooked.

It’s important to identify the underlying cause of swollen gums and seek appropriate dental care. Common causes of swollen gums include:

Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)
Infections, such as abscesses or gum boils
Poor oral hygiene
Allergic reactions to certain foods, oral care products, or medications
Hormonal changes, as in pregnancy or menstruation
Ill-fitting dental appliances, like braces or dentures
Nutritional deficiencies, particularly vitamin C deficiency (scurvy)
Medical conditions, such as leukemia or diabetes

If you’re experiencing swollen gums, it’s a good idea to consult with a dentist or dental professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Proper oral hygiene, dental cleanings, and treatment of any underlying conditions are often necessary to alleviate the symptoms and maintain healthy gums.

What is oil pulling and how it helps swollen gums.

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth for a certain period, typically 15-20 minutes, and then spitting it out. The most commonly used oil for this practice is usually coconut oil, but other oils like sesame oil or sunflower oil can also be used. The process is often done in the morning on an empty stomach.

Here’s how oil pulling is typically performed:

Take a tablespoon of oil and put it in your mouth.
Swish the oil around your mouth and through your teeth for the specified duration (usually 15-20 minutes).
Do not swallow the oil, as it is believed to contain toxins and bacteria that you’re trying to remove from your mouth.
After the recommended time, spit the oil into a trash can or paper towel. It’s important not to spit it into the sink or toilet, as the oil can solidify and potentially clog the plumbing.

Oil pulling is believed to have several potential benefits, one of which is improved oral health, including the alleviation of swollen gums. The idea behind this practice is that swishing oil in the mouth can help remove harmful oral pathogens, oral bacteria, toxins, and plaque, which can contribute to gum inflammation. Here’s how oil pulling is thought to help with swollen gums:

Reduction of bacteria: Oil pulling is believed to help reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria play a significant role in gum inflammation, so by reducing their presence, oil pulling may help alleviate swollen gums.
Plaque removal: Swishing the oil can also help remove plaque, which is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that can accumulate on the teeth and gums. The removal of plaque can reduce the risk of gum inflammation and gum disease.

It’s important to note that while oil pulling is a popular practice and has been used for centuries in some traditional systems of medicine, there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in treating specific dental conditions like swollen gums. Some people may find it beneficial, but it should not be considered a replacement for regular dental hygiene practices such as brushing, flossing, and professional dental care.

If you have swollen gums or other dental issues, it’s essential to consult with a dentist or dental professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can provide guidance on the most effective and evidence-based approaches to address your oral health concerns. Essential oils are a gentle natural remedy for the receded gum line.

Swollen Gums: Its Cause and Treatment

Swollen gums are a common oral health complaint and are experienced by most adults at some stage. Most people don’t give them much thought, apart from noticing the discomfort, but they it may be an indication of a serious dental health problem. Before learning how to treat swollen gums it is important to know the root cause. One of the main causes of swollen gums is gingivitis.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a swelling of the gingiva (gums) and is an dental condition that is caused by an infection in the gum tissue. Gingivitis can be quite mild, but it can also become acute and lead to serious dental problems.

Symptoms of gingivitis

There are several symptoms that one notices at the beginning to develop gingivitis. These may include:

Swollen and red gums.
Bleeding gums.
Bad breath.
Nasty taste in your mouth even after brushing your teeth or using something to freshen the breath.

When gingivitis becomes more advanced, sufferers are likely to begin to notice serious and even painful symptoms. Advanced gingivitis is called periodontitis or periodontal disease. By the time your condition has become periodontitis, you are at increased risk of serious and long-lasting or permanent oral health problems.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

Receding gums
Wobbly teeth and even tooth loss
Pain
Gums that may look bright red or purple
Gums that have a shiny appearance
Serious infection of the gum tissue
Abscesses
Infection of the jaw bone
Teeth moving from their usual alignment.

How does gingivitis develop?

Gingivitis is chiefly caused by bacterial build-up. Your mouth provides the perfect environment for bacteria to develop. It is warm and moist and has a continual supply of nutrients for the bacteria to feast upon in the form of food residue.

Daily the mouth is bombarded by bacteria that develop and feed on the leftover bits of food in your mouth. The bacteria also react with your saliva and produce plaque, which is a sticky matter that clings to your teeth and can cause infection.

When plaque hardens, it becomes tartar, a calcified matter that can exacerbate infection. It is best removed by your oral care professional.

The only way to protect your teeth and gums from gingivitis is by reducing the bacteria and preventing plaque build-up. The most effective way to do this is to follow a good oral health routine at home.

This daily routine should include brushing, flossing and using a mouthwash at least each day, but ideally after every meal. However , beware of commercial mouthwashes (more to come).

Protecting your oral health

Following a good oral health routine is the most effective way of protecting your teeth and gums from gingivitis, other forms of gum disease, cavities, abscesses and other dental problems. By brushing, flossing and rinsing daily, you ought to be able to keep the bacterial onslaught under control.

As well as your home dental routine, you should also schedule twice-yearly dentist check-ups. Your dentist is able to remove any stubborn plaque or tartar and leave your mouth completely clean and able to combat bacteria. They are also able to spot the early warning signs of gingivitis, often before you notice any concrete symptoms yourself.

Using the Right Technique

– For Brushing

The manner in which you brush will maximize the removal of bacteria with each brushing. You should be brushing for two minutes each time – most people do not brush for anywhere near this length of time. Set a timer in order to get an accurate feel for how long this should take.

Next, you need to ensure that you are using a soft-bristled brush. Use the brush to stroke away from the gum and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle.

Start by brushing the outsides of the upper teeth, then the outsides of the lower teeth. Then you brush the insides of the upper teeth and the insides of the lower teeth. Next, the top surfaces of the upper and then lower teeth. Finally, brush your tongue because a lot of bacteria settle there throughout the day.

– For Flossing

When flossing, begin at the back of the upper teeth and slowly slide the floss between into the gum line between the teeth. Shift up and down along the tooth tooth itself in order to remove the food particles and plaque that accumulate there. Repeat, moving forwards and then start with the lower teeth.

Using the Right Products

There is now quite a lot of controversy surrounding some of the commonly used ingredients in commercially available dental products. Ingredients such as fluoride and sodium lauryl sulphate have been found by some scientific studies to potentially cause health problems or be toxic.

Fortunately, there are also many natural products that contain 100 percent botanical oils. These have been shown to be both safe and effective for dental use. Many of these natural oils can kill bacteria and keep it under control, leaving you without stinky breath. You are left feeling clean and fresh and without damaging sensitive soft tissue inside your mouth.

Avoiding the Wrong Ingredients

Some potentially harmful and irritating ingredients that it is best to avoid when buying oral health products include:

Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) – SLS is a foaming substance found in virtually all toothpastes. It can irritate soft tissue including the gums and lead to allergic reactions. Some studies have also demonstrated that it can cause neurotoxicity and may also be a carcinogenic agent.
Triclosan – this is an antibacterial commonly used in mouthwash, but it is also classed as a pesticide and is a known carcinogen.
Fluoride – this ingredient is potentially toxic. Although it has been used in the past to strengthen teeth, more recent studies have shown that it may not be as effective as first thought at protecting teeth from cavities.

It is easy to protect your teeth from swollen gums and other symptoms of gingivitis by following a regular daily dental routine that makes use of the right products and techniques. By visiting your dentist for regular check-ups as well, you can usually avoid developing gum disease and enjoy good oral health in the long term. Discover how to treat swollen gums and its cause.

Proven Gingivitis Treatment at Home – Read This First

Want to avoid gum surgery and use a gingivitis treatment at home? Discover how to cure gingivitis naturally without harsh chemicals and their side effects.

There are natural solutions that can help avoid deep cleanings due to plaque and tartar.

There is no shortage of people who desperately want to know how to treat gingivitis at home without harsh chemicals. Gingivitis is health problem that affects around two-thirds of the adult population. It can range from being a mild oral health condition, to causing long-term dental problems. Fortunately, for those who develop the condition, there is effective gingivitis treatment that can be recommended by your dentist.

Your dentist is generally able to spot the signs of gum disease before you will. This is one of the reasons it is so important to visit your dentist twice each year for a check-up. If they notice the tell-tale signs of the condition, they can suggest appropriate treatment that will restore your gum health quickly.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

There are various symptoms that you may begin to notice if your oral health is not optimal and gingivitis has begun to develop. Be vigilant for the early warning signs of gingivitis and you can boost your dental health by identifying and reversing the condition early on, before long-term damage can occur.

Some of the initial stages of gingivitis may include:

Bleeding gums when you brushing your teeth
Redder than usual gum tissue
Sore or inflamed gums
Bad breath, even after you have brushed your teeth
Bad taste in your mouth.

If the condition is diagnosed at this stage and you begin to treat the condition and follow an effective oral health program, then you can easily reverse the condition and restore your dental health. However, if the condition is allowed to develop, then you may begin to observe more acute symptoms, which can include:

Receding gums
Wobbly teeth
Dental pain
Tooth loss
Severe infection of the gum tissue.

When gingivitis becomes advanced, it is generally known as periodontitis. Once the condition has reached this stage, it generally requires much more intensive treatment. This may require dental surgery and potentially expensive and painful procedures to eradicate diseased tissue and infection.

Is Gingivitis Contagious?

No, not in the way we think of a virus. However, the cause of gingivitis can spread in your gum and teeth, possibly entering you bloodstream where it can wreak havoc on your health. It can be deadly!

What is the cause of gingivitis?

What Causes Gingivitis?

natural gingivitis treatment at home Gum disease is almost always caused when bacteria and plaque build up on the gum tissue and teeth. This occurs when the bacteria that form on your teeth and gums daily after eating is not removed effectively. When you eat, the food residue left behind encourages bacteria, which feed on the leftover food.

The bacteria flourish after each time you eat and must be removed through brushing, flossing and using a mouthwash as part of an effective dental hygiene routine. If they are not removed effectively, then the bacteria will begin to cause infection.

Bacteria react with your saliva and then cause a substance known as plaque to develop. This is a yellowish, sticky substance that clings to your teeth and gums and causes the infection. Over time, if the plaque and bacteria are not removed, the infection will become more advanced and develop into gingivitis.

6 Factors that influence gum health

Following a thorough home dental hygiene routine is vital if you want to keep your teeth and preserve your gums. However, there are other factors that increase your chances of developing gingivitis or exacerbate the condition. Some of these factors include:

Smoking – smoking leaches your body of vitamin C, which is needed for healthy circulation and healthy tissue. When you smoke, deposits of tar stay on your teeth and gums, which also damages the gum tissue.
Diet – if you eat a diet that is high in sugar, then you are opening the door to gingivitis. The bacteria that cause gingivitis love to feed on sugar. You should therefore, limit the amount of sugar that you are consuming each day. Eating a lot of processed foods also limits the amount of vitamins and nutrients that can protect your oral health. Try to cut down on sugary, fatty and processed foods and eat more fresh fresh vegetables instead.
Water – it is important that you are drinking between six and eight glasses of water a day to keep your body healthy. Drinking the appropriate amount of water will also help to flush bacteria from your mouth.
Hormonal upheavals – women are slightly more likely to develop gingivitis and other oral health conditions thanks to hormonal changes. Fluctuations of hormones particularly during pregnancy and menopause can cause gingivitis to occur.
Other Serious health conditions – there are certain health conditions that can make you more susceptible to developing gingivitis. Some conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and many others may affect your ability to fight off bacterial infections.
Medications – there are also some medications that can make you more likely to develop gingivitis or other gum disease. If you take a medication regularly, you should talk to your doctor or dentist about whether it may affect your gum health and how you can protect it from bacterial infection.

What do I do if I have developed gingivitis?

If you think you may have developed gingivitis, the first thing you should do is to visit your dentist. They are able to make a proper diagnosis and suggest a treatment that will ease your individual symptoms most effectively.

Fortunately, if you catch the condition early on, before it becomes periodontitis, you can reverse gum disease and restore your total oral health. There are some simple steps that you can take in order to get rid of the infection and enjoy good oral health once again.

Brush after every meal each day – ideally, you will clean your mouth each time you eat. If you have already developed gingivitis, then this is a necessary step in order to get the bacteria levels under control in your mouth. Brushing is the most effective way to eradicate oral bacteria. Once you have reversed the condition, you can get by on brushing twice a day.
Floss between teeth to remove residual food particles and bacteria. Buy dental tape and use it daily to get rid of the extra muck that gets stuck between your teeth when you eat. Flossing gets rid of the leftovers in areas where your toothbrush can’t reach. Consider using a water floss, which is very effective.
Use a mouthwash – Using a chemical-free mouthwash or equivalent to swill around your mouth twice a day will help to flush out the extra bacteria that are left behind after brushing and flossing. Natural essential oils for gingivitis mixed together with water in the mouth may work well.

With these three simple steps, you can often ward off early stage gingivitis.

Your dentist may suggest other treatment if they consider that your gum disease has advanced to a point where following a good oral hygiene routine is not enough.

What Products Should I Use?

It is important to choose appropriate products to use as well as following an appropriate dental hygiene routine. There are many products for sale that can actually damage your gum health rather than supporting it. There are certain ingredients that you want to avoid:

No Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS): One of the key ingredients to avoid is sodium lauryl sulphate. This chemical is commonly used in toothpaste as well as shampoos, beauty products and cleaning products. It is a foaming agent, but it can hurt sensitive gums and is best avoided. Look at the ingredients of any product you are considering buying and ensure that it does not contain SLS.

No Flouride: Fluoride has long been added to toothpaste as it is thought to strengthen teeth. Many studies have now shown, however, that it is highly toxic and may also have limited benefit to teeth. It is, therefore, best to avoid dental products that contain this ingredient.

No Alcohol: Alcohol is sometimes included in mouthwashes, but you should try to avoid buying products that contain it. This ingredient can dry out your mouth, which is a problem as saliva protects your mouth from the bacteria that can cause gingivitis.

It is often best to purchase products that contain natural ingredients. These days there are some very effective commercially available products that are natural. They do not contain any potentially damaging ingredients. Some of the natural herbs that can effectively clean and protect your teeth and gums include:

Tea tree oil – tea tree oil has been used by Australian aborigines for thousands of years for its antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. This ingredient is particularly helpful for eradicating the bacteria that harm your gum health.
Peppermint essential oil– peppermint eradicates bacteria and leaves your mouth feeling clean and fresh. Some formulas are combined with spearmint and almond oils and in the right combination are alone sufficient to be a very potent solution to kill and control bacteria. Here is an example of one powerful formula that works.
Aloe vera – reduces redness and swelling of gums and soothes the mouth.
Neem – neem has also been shown to be able to get rid of bacteria and plaque inside the mouth. It can also prevent cavities and keep the mouth feeling fresh and clean.

Using the Right Technique

By following a stringent oral health routine at home where you brush, floss and rinse at least twice a day and choosing the right dental products, you can generally reverse the early stages of gum disease. However, you should also ensure that you are using the right technique so that you can remove the bacteria and plaque efficiently. Using the correct technique will also ensure that you do not injure your sensitive gums, which can also encourage oral infection.

Brushing

When brushing your teeth there is a specific technique to use. A thorough brushing should take around two minutes, which is much longer than most people spend. Make sure to cover the upper teeth and the lower teeth, on the inside, outside and chewing surfaces.

Make sure you give extra attention to the hard to reach areas at the back of your mouth and to any fillings or other dental work that you may have. Hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and use short strokes moving away from the gums. Always use a soft-bristled brush as harder brushes can easily damage gums and tooth enamel.

Flossing

When flossing, grab a piece of floss or dental tape that is around 30 centimetres long.

Wind some of the floss around your index finger, leave about 5 centimetres and then wind the floss around your other index finger.
Start with your top teeth at the back and work forwards.
Place the floss gently in the groove between the teeth then delicately move the floss up and to the side of one tooth and then to the other. Each time you should be creating a C-like patter with the floss around the tooth.
Repeat with each gap between teeth at the top of your mouth and then with the bottom teeth.

Rinsing

Using a mouth rinse is reasonably straightforward. Always follow the directions on the mouth rinse that you purchase, but in general, you need to swill it around your mouth for around 45 seconds. This is usually long enough to get to the hard to reach areas and flush out any bacteria that may still be hiding there after brushing and flossing.

If you follow a good daily oral hygiene routine, you are likely to be able to avoid developing cavities, gum disease or other dental problems. Good oral health is also linked to good overall health in adults, so it pays to make the health of your gums and teeth a priority.

If you do develop gum disease, it is important that you seek out gingivitis treatment at home early on to avoid having to deal with advanced dental health problems that can be time consuming, costly and even painful. Do not put off investing in quality products, but be sure they are natural and free of irritating ingredients that could cause more long-term harm than good.

What are you waiting for? Learn how to get rid of gingivitis naturally.

Click here to learn more about a proven gingivitis treatment at home used by many with success.