When was the last time you thought about having your teeth and gums checked? For the majority, this visit does not take place until the gums start to hurt.

Healthy gums are the foundation of a radiant smile and good dental health. However, problems like swelling, bleeding, tenderness, and discomfort are quite common in the population. And to much surprise, the majority also tend to ignore these symptoms, paving the way for serious dental issues.

While visiting a dental practitioner or dentist is the best long-term solution, some natural home remedies can help soothe and heal gums. These solutions are easy, inexpensive, and use items you already have in your home.

In this guide, we’ll explore seven proven and easy-to-follow home remedies to cure gum disease without a dentist.

What is Gum Disease?

Before learning about the remedies, let’s gain a quick understanding of what is meant by ‘gum disease’.

Gum disease, also known as gingivitis or periodontal disease, is an infection or inflammation of the gums. It begins with the buildup of plaque and bacteria around the teeth, later progressing to affect the bone and connective tissue if left untreated. The following are some common causes of gum disease:

• Poor oral hygiene practice 
• Smoking 
• Genetic predisposition 
• Hormonal changes 
• Nutritional deficiencies 
• Chronic illnesses 

7 Best Home Remedies to Cure Gum Disease 

No doubt, seeking help from periodontal dentistry solutions is the best long-term solution; you can gain instant relief from home remedies. Let’s discuss those. 

1. Saltwater Mouthwash 

Gargling or rinsing with salt water is among the oldest and simplest remedies for instant relief from painful gums. It helps reduce bacteria in the mouth and heals the gums — credited to the antiseptic properties of salt.

Here’s what you need to do: 

• Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.  
• Swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out.  
• Repeat two to three times daily. 

Why it works? Saltwater not only reduces bacteria but also soothes inflamed gums. It creates a gentle, natural environment where your mouth can begin to heal. 

2. Oil Pulling 

Oil pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic practice that is gaining traction once again. The oil helps reduce inflammation and remove the sticky plaque from around the teeth. Coconut oil is especially popular because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The practice is simple: swish a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for about 15–20 minutes before spitting it out. If 20 minutes feels too long, start with 5 minutes and build your way up.

Why it works: Oils bind with harmful bacteria in the mouth, pulling them out from between the teeth, reducing their growth, and easing gum irritation. 

3. Using Aloe Vera 

The aloe vera plant is well-known for its antiseptic and antioxidant activity. So, while the plant is beneficial for the skin, it also renders some magical effects on the gums.

Aloe vera gel has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, making it a perfect ointment for easing swollen or bleeding gums.

To Do: 

• Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to your gums. 
• Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse your mouth with water.  
• Do this once or twice daily. 

Why it works? Aloe vera calms inflammation and helps your gums recover from irritation caused by bacteria. 

4. Tea Bags 

Teas are more than just an everyday favorite hot beverage. Some teas contain plant compounds, called tannins, that are potent anti-inflammatory compounds. Some teas also contain polyphenols known as catechins, which fight inflammation and reduce the bacteria linked to gum disease.

The following teas all contain significant quantities of tannins: 

• green tea 
• hibiscus tea 
• black tea 

To Do:

• Drink a warm cup of green or hibiscus tea every morning. 
• Avoid adding sugar. 

OR

• Steep a tea bag in boiled water for a few minutes, then remove it. 
• While the bag is still warm, apply it directly to the site of the pain for around 5 minutes. 

Why it works: The antioxidants in green tea protect gums by lowering inflammation and supporting healthy tissue. 

5. Turmeric Paste 

Turmeric, a common kitchen spice, is well-known for its powerful healing abilities. It contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compound. Turmeric helps reduce the swelling, pain, and inflammation of your gums.

To Do: 

• Mix a pinch of turmeric powder with a few drops of water to form a paste.  
• Apply it to your gums, leave it for 5 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water.
• Repeat once daily.

Why it works: Turmeric reduces swelling and kills harmful bacteria on gums, making it an effective natural remedy for gum infections.

6. Warm and Cold Compress

Using a warm and cold compress is often used to relieve pain. Likewise, it is a simple yet effective way to relieve gum pain and reduce swelling. The remedy is especially helpful if your gums feel tender after brushing or eating.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out, and place it gently on your cheek near the gums.
• After a few minutes, switch to a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel.
• Alternate between warm and cold for 5–10 minutes.

Why it works? The warm compress improves blood flow to the gums, speeding up healing. On the other hand, the cold compress numbs pain and reduces inflammation. Together, they bring fast relief from discomfort. 

7. Baking Soda Mouthwash

Baking soda works as a natural cleanser for your mouth. It is slightly alkaline in nature. That’s why when it’s used as a mouthwash, it neutralizes acids, reduces bacteria, and helps soothe irritated gums.

To Do:

• Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water.
• Swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds.
• Spit it out and repeat once daily.

Why it works? Baking soda balances your mouth’s pH levels, making it harder for harmful bacteria to survive. It also freshens breath and gently calms gum irritation.

Bonus Remedy — Over-the-Counter Tablets

Sometimes, gum pain is too strong to manage with rinses and oils alone. In such cases, over-the-counter toothache tablets like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide quick comfort.

• Take the recommended dose of an over-the-counter tablet (follow instructions on the package).
• Use it only for short-term relief when pain or swelling is severe.
• Combine with home remedies for better long-term results.

These tablets reduce inflammation and block pain signals in the body, giving your gums time to heal and recover. They work quickly, making them ideal for temporary relief until other remedies take effect.

Final Thoughts

To live a quality life, caring for your physical health is important. In this regard, taking care of dental health is equally important. The article lists 7 simple and useful remedies to treat gums at home.

While these 7 home remedies can help soothe discomfort, reduce inflammation, and promote healing, consistency is key to seeing lasting results. Alongside these remedies, maintaining good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and scheduling regular dental checkups are crucial to preventing future gum problems.

 

Frequently Asked Questions