How to Get Rid of Swollen Gums Around Your Tooth - 8 Proven Tips

If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to suffer with swollen gums, or other similar medical conditions, you’ll know all too well how painful the condition can be. 

If you’re looking for how to get rid of swollen gums around your tooth, it pays dividends to speak to your dentist and keep them updated with your condition, how you’re treating it, and how it’s affecting your day-to-day life.

If you are dealing with swollen gums, understanding the causes can be almost as important as knowing how to treat it. Fortunately, we’ll be looking at both. Here’s an in-depth look at how to get rid of swollen gums around your tooth and how to prevent swollen gums in the first place. 

What causes swollen gums?

Also known as gingivitis, swollen gums are typically a mild variant of gum disease which can cause the gums to become swollen and inflamed, leaving them red, tender and sensitive to the touch. It can also lead to bad breath, and receding gums.

Some of the main causes of swollen gums include:

Vitamin deficiencies/malnutrition

One of the most common causes of swollen gums is malnutrition. 

Vitamins play a key role in oral health, and a lack of vitamins, particularly vitamin C and vitamin B, can lead to the gums becoming swollen and inflamed. 

A lack of vitamin K can also cause the gums to bleed easier and become swollen easier. 

Dry mouth 

Dry mouth, as the name implies, is a condition caused by a lack of moisture in the mouth whereby it becomes, well, dryer than it should be. 
Dry mouth can leave the gums brittle and make them susceptible to cracking and swelling. 

Pregnancy 

Pregnant women often experience swollen gums due to hormonal changes in their bodies. 
Hormones, especially progesterone and oestrogen, help regulate how the tissue in the gums react to toxins released by tartar and plaque on the teeth.

Dentures 

If you’ve had dentures fitted, you may find that plaque finds it easier to form between each one, and as you know, plaque can irritate the gums and cause infection, causing them to become swollen and inflamed. 

8 ways to get rid of swollen gums around your tooth

If you are suffering with swollen gums, don’t sit back and suffer in silence. Here’s a look at 8 tried and tested ways to get rid of swollen gums around your tooth: 

1. Practice good oral hygiene – One of the most effective ways of preventing and getting rid of swollen gums is to practice good oral hygiene. 
   
   As mentioned, bacteria and toxins from plaque and tartar can cause the gums to become swollen and inflamed. Regularly brushing your teeth, flossing, using mouth wash, and seeing your dentist regularly will help to get rid of swollen gums in no time at all. 
   
   
2. Saltwater rinses – Saltwater rinses are great for getting rid of swollen gums as the saltwater solution helps to get rid of harmful bacteria in the mouth that could cause plaque or tartar build ups. 
   
   
3. Black tea bags – Black tea has potent astringent properties that make it ideal for healing damaged tissues in the mouth, namely those in and around the gums, plus it is also a powerful anti-inflammatory. 
   
   Simply brew a cup of tea as you would usually, set the tea bag aside to cool, and then apply it to the affected area.
   
   
4. Tea tree oil – Tea tree oil has numerous medicinal properties for the human body, and when it comes to oral health, this is no exception. 
   
   Tea tree is not only a potent anti-bacterial substance, it also helps to ease inflammation as well. Simply add a few drops to a glass of water and then use it as you would a regular mouthwash. 
   
   
5. Turmeric paste – This brilliant golden yellow spice isn’t just a delicious culinary ingredient, it is also renowned for its healing properties on the human body. 
   
   Turmeric is one of the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory ingredients in existence, and it is also a potent antioxidant. These two properties make it perfect for the gums and the cells within the gums. 
   
   Simply mix turmeric powder with a little water until it forms a thick paste, and then gently rub it onto your swollen gums and leave it for 5 minutes to work its magic. After, rinse with clean water and repeat for as many days as necessary. 
   
   
6. Oil pulling – Due to the popularity of coconut oil over the years, a technique known as ‘oil pulling’ has recently arisen. 
   
   Oil pulling is a technique whereby a person swishes coconut oil around in the mouth for 5 – 10 minutes, before spitting it out just like mouthwash. Oil pulling helps to draw out harmful bacteria from the mouth, thereby reducing the risk of swollen gums and infection. 
   
   
7. Oral anaesthetic gels – Oral anaesthetic gels use synthetic and natural ingredients to help numb swollen gums, helping to reduce the pain and provide instant relief. 
   
   
8. Improve your nutrition – As vitamin deficiencies can lead to swollen gums, by eating nutritious foods and using supplements rich in vitamins and minerals, you can help to reduce your risk of swollen gums.