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Home Remedies for Swollen Gums Medically reviewed by

Gerhard Whitworth, R.N. —
By Scott Frothingham —
Updated on February 1,
2023
Home care Home remedies Causes Takeaway

Swollen gums are relatively common. The good news is

there’s a lot you can do at home to help alleviate swelling ADVERTISEMENT

and minimize discomfort.

If your gums remain swollen for more than a week, make an appointment with your dentist.
They can diagnose the exact cause of the swelling, and recommend a treatment plan.

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Home care for gum swelling

If you’ve noticed that your gums are swollen, try the following home care steps:

Brush at least twice a day and floss regularly. Most swollen gums are caused by gingivitis,
good oral hygiene is a strong defense.
Make sure that your toothpaste (or mouthwash) is not irritating your gums. If you think that
your oral hygiene products are irritating your gums, try another brand.
Avoid tobacco products. Tobacco can irritate your gums.
Avoid alcoholic beverages as they can further irritate your gums.
Add extra fruits and vegetables to your meals to make sure you have a well-balanced diet.
Don’t eat foods like popcorn that can get lodged between the teeth and gums.
Stay away from sugary drinks and food.

Most importantly, don’t ignore your swollen gums. Try home care remedies, but if they’re
ineffective, see your dentist to ensure the swelling isn’t a symptom of something more serious.

Home remedies for swollen gums

Try one of these home remedies to help relieve your swollen gums:

Saltwater
A saltwater rinse can soothe gum inflammation and promote healing according to a 2016
study  .

Directions:

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of lukewarm warm water.

2. Rinse your mouth with this saltwater solution for 30 seconds.
3. Spit it out; do not swallow it.
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4. Do this 2 to 3 times a day until the swelling goes away.

Warm and cold compresses

Warm and cold compresses can relieve pain and swelling in swollen gums.

Directions:

1. After soaking a clean washcloth or towel in warm water, squeeze out the excess water.
2. Hold the warm cloth against your face — outside the mouth, not directly on the gums —
for about 5 minutes.
3. Wrap a bag of crushed ice in a clean washcloth or towel and hold it against your face for
about 5 minutes.
4. Repeat the warm/cold cycle 2 to 3 more times.
5. Do this 2 to 3 times a day for the first two days following discovery of swollen gums.

Turmeric gel
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According
to a 2015 study  , turmeric gel might prevent plaque and gingivitis. (Gingivitis is a common
cause of swollen gums.)

Directions:
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1. After brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with fresh water.
2. Apply turmeric gel to your gums.
3. Let the gel sit on your gums for about 10 minutes.
4. Swish fresh water around your mouth to rinse off the gel.
5. Spit it out; do not swallow it.
6. Do this 2 times a day until the swelling goes away.

Hydrogen peroxide
The Indiana State Department of Health suggests that red, sore, or swollen gums should be
rinsed thoroughly with a water and hydrogen peroxide solution using use food grade, 3
percent hydrogen peroxide solution only.

Directions:

1. Mix 3 tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 3 tablespoons of water.

2. Swish the mixture around your mouth for about 30 seconds.
3. Spit it out; do not swallow it.
4. Do this 2 to 3 times a week until the swelling goes away.

Essential oils
According to a 2013 article  in the European Journal of Dentistry, peppermint, tea tree, and
thyme oil are effective in preventing the growth of disease-causing microorganisms in the
mouth.

Directions: ADVERTISEMENT

1. Mix three drops of either peppermint, thyme, or tea tree essential oil with 8 ounces of
warm water.
2. Rinse your mouth by swishing the mixture around for about 30 seconds.
3. Spit it out; do not swallow it.
4. Do this 2 times a day until the swelling goes away.

Aloe vera
Aloe vera mouthwash, according to a 2016 article  in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental
Dentistry, is as effective as chlorhexidine — a prescription gingivitis treatment — in curing and
preventing gingivitis.

Directions:

1. Swish 2 teaspoons of aloe vera mouthwash

2. Spit it out; do not swallow it.
3. Do this 2 times a day for 10 days.

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What caused my gums to swell?

Common causes for swollen gums include:

gingivitis (inflamed gums)

infection (virus or fungus)
malnutrition
poorly fitting dentures or dental appliances
pregnancy
sensitivity to toothpaste or mouthwash
food particles stuck between teeth and gums
side effect of a medicine

There are other possible causes of gum inflammation and swelling.

The best way to determine the root cause of your swollen gums is by reviewing your symptoms
with your dentist so they can make an accurate and complete diagnosis.

The takeaway
Swollen gums are common so you should not be overly concerned if you have them. However,
you should not ignore them.

There are a number of steps you can take to address the swelling, such as good oral hygiene,
salt water rinses, and dietary adjustments.

If the swelling lasts for more than a week, visit your dentist for a full evaluation, diagnosis, and
recommended treatment plan.

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Last medically reviewed on September 25, 2018

How we reviewed this article: Share this article

SOURCES HISTORY   v 

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles
when new information becomes available.
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Current Version

Feb 1, 2023

Written By
Scott Frothingham

Edited By
Alina Sharon

Sep 25, 2018

Written By
Scott Frothingham

Edited By Was this article helpful?

Alina Sharon

Medically Reviewed By
Yes No
Gerhard Whitworth, RN

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How to Treat Swollen Gums with Medically reviewed by Rooz

Khosravi, DMD, PhD, MSD,
Orthodontics , Public Health
Braces — By Corey Whelan on June
1, 2020

Causes Home remedies Treatments Prevention See a doctor

Takeaway ADVERTISEMENT

Dental braces are appliances which adjust and move teeth slowly over time. They’re used to
treat conditions such as crooked teeth or jaw misalignment.

Swelling and pain in the gums can be caused by braces. This is to be expected when braces
are new or being adjusted. However, swollen gums can also signal a dental condition, such as
gingivitis.

In this article we’ll go over how and why braces make gums swell. We’ll also discuss treatment
options and prevention.

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Causes
There are several reasons your gums may feel tender while you have braces. They include:

Poor oral hygiene. Food and dental plaque stick easier to your braces. Bacteria can grow
on these plaques and induce inflammation of gum – gingivitis.
Moving teeth induce a small about of inflammation around your teeth and lower than usual
bacteria on dental plaque could result in gingivitis.
Patient with underlying health condition like diabetes or obesity are more prone to
inflamed gums.

Teeth movement
Realigning teeth is a significant task. Even though you can’t see your teeth moving, the
constant, steady pressure that braces apply causes changes to occur in your gums and jaw
bone.

Gum swelling and pain are a common reaction to getting braces for the first time. Braces also
need to be adjusted frequently, around once a month, causing gum discomfort. This is perfectly
normal, transient, and to be expected. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can reduce
the amount of gum soreness around your teeth.

Gingivitis
Tiny spaces can open up between your teeth as braces move them. Food and dental plaque
can become trapped in these spaces where bacteria grow and induce inflammation. If you’re
having trouble keeping your teeth clean because your braces are in the way, this can cause
plaque buildup, gingivitis, and swollen gums. A portion of gingivitis could lead to destruction of
bone tissue around your teeth which is an irreversible damage, hence it is critical to keep your ADVERTISEMENT
oral hygiene at a high level during your treatment.

Gums that become swollen as a result of plaque buildup and gingivitis will need to be cared for
and treated. Some patients see their general dentist more frequently during orthodontic
treatment.

Gingival hyperplasia
Occasionally, plaque buildup or gum irritation caused by braces may trigger a condition known
as gingival hyperplasia. Gingival hyperplasia is also referred to as gingival enlargement, or
hypertrophy.

It results from an overgrowth of gum tissue around the teeth. Gingival hyperplasia from braces
typically reduces by increased or more effective oral hygiene habits.

Gingival overgrowth often subsides 6-8 weeks after removal of braces while maintaining a
great oral hygiene. In some patients, the overgrown gum become fibrotic and needs to be
surgically removed.

Home remedies
Here are a few ways to curb your gum tenderness from home:

Swollen gums can be soothed at home by rinsing several times daily with warm salt water.
Taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication that reduces swelling and pain
can also help.
Avoid eating tough, hard-to-chew foods when your gums feel tender.
Flossing between your teeth is the key to reduce inflammation of you gum. You could use ADVERTISEMENT
a waterpik as an option, yet unwaxed floss is the best option.

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Treatments
If your swollen gums have been caused by gingivitis, seeing your dentist for regular cleanings
and checkups will help, provided that you remain diligent with at-home dental care.

If your gums are very painful or so swollen that they appear to be growing over your teeth, see
your dentist or orthodontist.

If the cause is severe gingival hyperplasia which doesn’t respond to at-home treatment, your
orthodontist may need to remove the irritated or diseased gum tissue. This is often done with a
laser.

Prevention
It is hard to avoid gum swelling when you are wearing braces. However, proper dental hygiene
can make your gums healthier and less prone to severe swelling. It can also help reduce your
chances of getting gingivitis or advanced gum disease, which is known as periodontitis.

Braces can make it hard to clean your teeth. However, maintaining proper oral hygiene is
essential for reducing gum swelling caused by plaque buildup and gingivitis. Things to do
include:
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Brush your teeth with an electric tooth brush that has a soft brush head.
Use an orthodontic floss threader that makes it easier to clean between teeth and under
the gumline.
Use an antibacterial mouth rinse after brushing.

In addition, avoid eating foods which can get trapped in your braces easily. These include:

steak
corn on the cob
hard candy
popcorn Was this article helpful?

Yes No
When to see a doctor
Swollen gums may last for up to a week when you first get your braces. Each time they are
tightened, you may also experience pain and swelling for one to three days. Swollen gums that
last longer than that should be examined by your dentist or orthodontist.

If gum swelling is accompanied by bleeding from an errant wire or braces that are cutting into
them, let your dentist know. They will either adjust your braces or give you soft wax to protect
the area.

The bottom line

Swollen gums are a common occurrence you can expect when you first get braces put on.

The gums may also swell and become tender after braces are tightened.

Having braces on your teeth may make it harder to take care of them. However, poor oral
hygiene habits may lead to gum disease, which can also cause gum swelling. This can be
avoided by brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily.

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Last medically reviewed on June 1, 2020

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What Causes a Swollen Gum Around Medically reviewed by

Christine Frank, DDS — By
Scott Frothingham —
One Tooth? Updated on April 11, 2023

Causes Gum disease Risk factors Remedies Prevention Takeaway

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We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page,
we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

How we vet brands and products

Having swollen gums is not uncommon and could be

attributed to a number of different causes. This includes
problems with oral hygiene, abscesses, and gum disease.

Sometimes when looking at your teeth in the mirror — while brushing or flossing — you notice
that you have a swollen gum around one tooth.

Read on to learn about the possible causes and treatments.

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What causes swollen gums around a tooth?

There are various reasons that your gum could swell in one area, including poor hygiene, gum
disease, or an abscess.

Poor hygiene
If you don’t brush and floss properly, you can leave behind food debris. This missed debris can
cause decay and inflammation. Over time, this can develop into gum disease. Signs of poor
dental hygiene may include:

pale gums
red gums
swollen gums
bleeding while brushing
pus leaking from a tooth
loose tooth
bad breath
bad taste in your mouth

Gum disease
When bacteria in the mouth infects the gum tissue surrounding the tooth, it can cause
inflammation, which can lead to periodontal disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  , 47.2 percent of U.S. ADVERTISEMENT
adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. Signs of gum disease
may include:

tender or bleeding gums

sensitive teeth
loose teeth
gums pulling away from teeth

Abscess
An abscessed tooth is often the result on an untreated cavity that has allowed bacteria to infect
your tooth. Symptoms of an abscessed tooth may include:

pain
swollen gums
swollen jaw
fever

It’s important to see your dentist if you think you have an abscessed tooth. The infection won’t
go away on its own. If left untreated, it can spread to your jawbone. It’s rare, but possible, that
the infection can spread, leading to very serious health problems.

Gum disease
Our mouths contain bacteria. These bacteria combine with mucus and other components in our
mouths to form plaque on our teeth. If plaque isn’t brushed and flossed away, it hardens into
tartar. ADVERTISEMENT

Plaque and tartar buildup can then lead to gum disease. A common, mild gum disease, known
as gingivitis, is characterized by red and swollen gums that bleed easily.

If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can transform into a more severe gum disease known as
periodontitis, which is characterized by loose or sensitive teeth and painful chewing along with
red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums.

If you have periodontitis, your gums can pull away from your teeth giving easy access to
bacteria that can cause infection. If not treated, this can start to break down the soft tissues and
bone that hold your teeth in place.

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Risk factors
Although most people, given the right factors, can get periodontal disease, there are certain
factors that increase the risk, such as:

smoking
diabetes
AIDS
stress
heredity
crooked teeth ADVERTISEMENT
defective fillings
medications that can cause dry mouth

Home remedies for dealing with swollen

gums around a tooth
Saltwater rinse
A 2016 study  indicated that a saltwater rinse can be effective in dealing with gum
inflammation caused by gingivitis.

Two to three times a day, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of warm water. Swish the
mixture around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.

Tea tree oil rinse

A 2014 study  indicated that tea tree oil can reduce bleeding caused by gingivitis. Two to
three times a day, mix three drops of tea tree essential oil and 8 ounces of warm water. Swish
the mixture around your mouth for 30 seconds and then spit it out.

Shop for tea tree oil.

Turmeric gel
A 2015 study  indicated that turmeric gel might prevent plaque and gingivitis. Two times a
day — after brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth with fresh water — apply turmeric gel to
your gums. ADVERTISEMENT

After letting it sit for 10 minutes, rinse off the gel by swishing fresh water around your mouth
and then spitting it out.
Shop for turmeric gel.

Preventing swollen gums around a tooth

Practicing proper dental hygiene is one of the most important things you can do to prevent
problems such as gums swelling around teeth. Take these steps for strong dental hygiene:

1. Remove bacteria by brushing after meals and before bedtime. Was this article helpful?
2. Floss at least once each day.
3. See a dentist twice a year for checkups and professional teeth cleaning. Yes No

Need to update your brushing routine? Shop online for toothbrushes and floss.

Takeaway
If you notice a swollen gum around one tooth, it might be the result of gum disease, poor
dental hygiene, or an abscess. Visit your dentist to make sure that your swollen gum is properly
treated.

Spending a few minutes a day practicing good dental hygiene habits such as brushing and
flossing can save you the discomfort, time, and expense of treating a health issue such as
periodontal disease.

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Last medically reviewed on August 1, 2018

How we reviewed this article: Share this article

SOURCES HISTORY   v 

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles
when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Apr 11, 2023

Written By
Scott Frothingham

Edited By
Alina Sharon

Aug 1, 2018

Medically Reviewed By
Christine Frank, DDS

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Why Are My Gums Sore? Medically reviewed by

Deborah Weatherspoon,
Ph.D., MSN — By Corinne
O'Keefe Osborn — Updated
on March 8, 2019
Oral health conditions Causes in women Other causes Takeaway

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page,
we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. ADVERTISEMENT

How we vet brands and products

Overview
Gum tissue is naturally soft and sensitive. This means many things can cause sore gums. You
might feel pain between your teeth, on top of some of your teeth, or all over your gums. In
some cases, you might only feel it in the back of your mouth.

Sore gums can bleed or swell, though they don’t always have visible symptoms. Regardless of
what’s causing your sore gums, you might also notice that the pain is worse when brushing or
flossing. It’s possible you may feel more pain if you use a harsh mouthwash, especially one
containing alcohol.

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Keep reading to learn more about the possible causes of sore gums.

Oral health conditions

Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that’s fairly common. It causes inflammation, redness,
and irritation of your gums, especially along the bottom of your teeth. Gingivitis can make your
gums tear and bleed easily, causing soreness.

Other symptoms of gingivitis include:

receding gums
tender gums
bad breath
gums that look puffy

Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, such as not flossing or brushing your teeth
enough. While it’s not a serious condition, it can quickly progress into a more serious form of
gum disease. It’s best to treat it as soon as possible. In most cases, a professional dental
cleaning and a regular brushing and flossing schedule should resolve your symptoms.

Thrush
Oral thrush is a fungal infection that affects your mouth. It involves an overgrowth of a fungus
called Candida. This is the same fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections. Oral thrush is
common in babies, older adults, and people who spend a lot of time in hospitals.
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Thrush is characterized by white spots on your tongue or inner cheeks. Some people describe
the spots as looking like cottage cheese. Occasionally, these spots can spread to your gums,
tonsils, or the roof of your mouth. If they reach your gums, you might feel some soreness or
irritation.

Oral thrush is treated with antifungal medications. These usually come in several forms,
including a pill, lozenge, and mouthwash.

Think you might have oral thrush? Read about six other symptoms of Candida overgrowth.

Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a more serious form of ongoing gum disease that can develop from untreated
gingivitis. It’s an infection caused by plaque buildup that attacks the tissue and bones
supporting your teeth. This causes your gums to recede and your teeth to become loose.

While it usually develops slowly, periodontitis can also come on quickly. Its main symptom is
gum soreness, and it can also cause:

swollen gums
red or purple gums
bleeding gums
gum abscesses
new spaces between your teeth due to receding gums
pain while chewing
bad breath
bite change

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Treating periodontitis requires advanced forms of professional teeth cleaning called scaling
and root planting. Both of these help to remove bacteria from under your gums. You’ll need to
follow up with regular brushing and flossing to avoid another infection.

Causes in women
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes, including those caused by some birth control pills and puberty, can have a
variety of effects. These changes can alter the way your body supplies blood to your gums.
This makes your gum tissue more sensitive and vulnerable to damage and irritation.

Hormones also affect the way your body responds to certain toxins produced by plaque
buildup.

Additional symptoms of hormone-related gum problems include:

red gums
puffy gums
tender gums
bleeding gums

Talk to your dentist if you suspect you have hormone-related gum soreness. They may be able
to prescribe medication to help regulate your hormones or give you tips on how to manage
sensitive gum tissue.

Pregnancy
ADVERTISEMENT
During pregnancy, your hormones are on overdrive, which can cause problems in your mouth.
An increase in progesterone can affect the way your body deals with toxins and bacteria
released by plaque, increasing your risk of infections.

Pregnancy gingivitis is a common condition in pregnant women. Increased blood flow to the
gums resulting from hormonal changes causes swelling, irritation, and soreness. You may also
experience:

tender gums
bleeding gums
red gums
puffy, swollen gums

Pregnancy-related gum soreness usually goes away after you give birth and your hormones
return to their prior levels. However, it’s still important to try have at least one professional
teeth cleaning done during pregnancy. Being extra vigilant about your oral hygiene while
pregnant can also help to minimize your symptoms.

Menopause
Menopause causes changes throughout the entire body, including your mouth. After
menopause, you may notice things like:

changes in taste
a burning sensation in your mouth
greater sensitivity to hot and cold foods
decreased saliva leading to dry mouth

Saliva is responsible for moistening your mouth and removing toxins and bacteria produced by ADVERTISEMENT
plaque. Not having enough saliva in your mouth can increase your risk of developing
periodontitis. It can also increase the sensitivity of your gums, causing soreness and
inflammation.

If your mouth feels dry, try sucking on an ice cube or sugar-free hard candy to increase
moisture in your mouth. You can also try using a mouthwash or spray designed to treat mouth
dryness.

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Was this article helpful?

Other causes Yes No

Canker sore
Canker sores are small sores that can develop on or under your tongue, on the inside of your
lips and cheeks, and at the base of your gums. They look like small white dots and tend to feel
very tender. Canker sores can appear on their own or in small clusters.

Most canker sores go away on their own within a few days. In the meantime, you can try
applying an oral analgesic to temporarily numb the area and relieve pain.

Dental appliances
Dental appliances, such as braces, dentures, retainers, and mouthguards, can all cause gum
irritation. When these devices break or don’t fit correctly, they can cause friction that damages
delicate gum tissue. In addition to sore gums, you might also notice marks or imprints on your
gums left by the device.

Gum irritation can also be caused by chemicals in the products you use to clean or apply your
dental appliance. Try switching to a different cleaning solution or adhesive to see if your
symptoms improve. If they don’t, work with your dentist to either improve the fit of your
appliance or find a product, such as dental wax, to prevent friction and irritation.

The bottom line

Sore gums are not something you want to ignore. Gingivitis and periodontitis are treatable
when caught early. The longer these conditions go untreated, the more you risk permanent
damage.

Make an appointment with your dentist if your symptoms don’t improve or get worse. Don’t
neglect annual visits for dental cleanings and make sure you are brushing and flossing at least
twice per day.

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Last medically reviewed on April 3, 2018

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