Gum ache can be a nuisance. It is extremely painful and can cause a lot of different problems. Keeping a good oral hygiene is necessary. To relieve the pain and cure of the gum ache and other diseases there are home remedies that you should follow.
Read on to know more about gum ache and home remedies.
Table of Contents
Causes Of Gum Ache
Gum ache can be caused by several reasons.
- When people don’t practice proper hygiene, it causes bacteria to grow in the mouth. These lead to the building of plaque on teeth.
- Sores on the gums can be caused by food, toothpaste or bacteria infection. It can lead to painful and bleeding gums.
- Bleeding gums can be painful and can be caused by infection or improper oral care.
- Gum sensitivity is some sort of irritation in the gum. It can cause a lot of pain.
- Pregnancy causes some hormonal changes in the body. The hormones make your gums more sensitive during this time. The teeth and gum can decay during this period.
- Brushing too hard can lead to bleeding of gums. The bristle of the brush can tear the gum lining and infection or ulcers in the gum.
- Acidic food can lead to swollen gums.
- Dentures or other such foreign material in the mouth.
There are several symptoms to recognize if you are having any trouble with your gum.
Symptoms Of Gum Ache
- Red and swollen gums
- Pain or irritation in the gums
- Bad breath
- Gap between teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Ulcers
You should be cautious of these symptoms and follow the advice before it makes the problem worse.
Here are few simple home remedies to help you with gum ache.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Gum Ache
There are ample remedies you can try to get rid of your pain and other gum related problems. Here is a list of the remedies given below.
1. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera has healing properties. It can soothe and heal the gum from inside. It also has anti-inflammatory, antifungal and anti-microbial properties. It can fight and prevent the bacteria from increasing.
What You Need –
- Aloe Vera leaf
What You Should Do –
- Extract the juice from the leaf.
- Massage it on the gum and leave it for 20-25 minutes.
- Rinse your mouth.
- Repeat 2-3 times daily.
2. Salt
Salt is another effective remedy that can help fight bacteria and prevent them from growing in the mouth.
What You Need –
- Salt
What You Should Do –
- After brushing your teeth, gently massage some salt over your gums.
- Rinse it off with water.
Alternatively –
- You can also add the salt to lukewarm water and gargle with it.
- Do this once daily.
- Reduce the frequency of use if there are signs of improvement.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric, like salt, can prevent the bacteria from growing as it has anti-oxidant. It can even reduce the swelling, pain, and inflammation as it has anti-inflammatory properties too.
What You Need –
- Turmeric powder
- Water
What You Should Do –
- Mix turmeric powder with water.
- Apply that paste on the gums.
- Massage gently for a minute.
- Leave it for 5 minutes.
- Rinse it with water.
- Repeat twice daily for two weeks.
4. Tea Tree Oil
In addition to the other remedies, tea tree oil is also very effective. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
It helps in reducing swelling and irritation of the gums.
What You Need –
- Tea tree oil
What You Should Do –
- Mix a few drops of oil with water.
- Gargle with it.
Alternatively –
- You can also massage your gums with it and rinse it later.
- Do it once daily until you see an improvement.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another addition to the list of remedies. It can help fight germs and prevent infection. It can also reduce inflammation as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It can deal with other oral issues too.
What You Need –
- Hydrogen peroxide powder or solution
What You Need To Do –
- Mix equal portions of water and hydrogen peroxide.
- Gargle around your gums and teeth.
Alternatively –
- You can also mix hydrogen peroxide powder with baking soda.
- Use that paste and massage it over your gums.
- Rinse it off.
- 2-3 a week until you see an improvement.
6. Black Tea Bag
Black tea bag contains tannic acid and anti-inflammatory properties. It has anti-oxidants which can be good for oral health too. If applied directly to the gum it can be much more beneficial than drinking tea.
What You Need –
- Black tea bag
What You Should Do –
- Put the tea bag in hot boiling water.
- Remove it and let it cool down a little.
- Hold it against your gum until it cools down completely.
- Do this once daily till you see an improvement.
7. Garlic
Garlic is a natural painkiller. It contains allicin, a chemical ingredient that can help fight gum diseases and prevent tooth decay. It also has antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It can relieve pain and inflammation.
What You Need –
- A clove of garlic
- Salt
- Oil
What You Should Do –
- Crush the garlic clove.
- Add some salt to it.
- Massage it on the gums.
- Leave it for 5 minutes then wash it off with lukewarm water.
Alternatively –
- You can also add the crushed garlic with some oregano oil.
- Massage it on the gums.
- Rinse it off with water.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains has malic acid that can help fight bacteria. It also helps in whitening the teeth.
What You Need –
- Apple cider vinegar
- Salt
What You Should Do –
- Mix the apple cider vinegar in water.
- Swish it in the mouth.
Alternatively –
- Mix apple cider vinegar with salt.
- Massage it on the gums.
- Leave it for 5 minutes.
- Wash it off.
9. Alum
Alum, also known as fitkari, is effective for the bleeding and painful gums. It can reduce the bleeding and the inflammation of the gums.
What You Need –
- Alum
What You Should Do –
- Crush the alum and mix a little water to it.
- Massage it on the gums.
- Leave it for a few minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
Alternatively –
- You can leave the alum in a glass of water.
- Wait till it dissolves completely.
- Swish it in your mouth.
- Use any of the above methods twice daily.
10. Babul Tree Bark
Babul tree bark has long been used in Ayurveda as a medicine for oral hygiene. It can alleviate pain and reduce the inflammation of the gums. It even kills the bacteria.
What You Need –
- A bark of babul tree
- Water
What You Should Do –
- Boil the bark in hot water for 5 minutes.
- Gargle with this water.
- Use it 3 times daily.
11. LawsoniaInermis Leaves (Henna Leaves)
Henna leaves are antibiotic in nature and can fight and prevent bacteria growth. It also alleviates the swollen gums.
What You Need –
- Henna leaves
- Water
What You Should Do –
- Boil the leaves in water for 15 minutes.
- Gargle to relieve the gum pain.
- Do twice daily until you feel a better.
12. Ginger
Ginger contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It can alleviate the pain and reduce the swelling.
What You Need –
- Ginger
- Salt
What You Should Do –
- Crush the garlic to a paste.
- Mix half a spoon of salt.
- Massage this on your gums.
- Leave it for 12-15 minutes.
- Gargle with water.
13. Onion
Onion is another effective method to prevent gum ache. It has anti-inflammatory properties. These can fight against bacteria and reduce the swelling and pain.
What You Need –
- Onion
What You Should Do –
- Cut onion into slices.
- Place the piece directly over the affected area.
Alternatively –
- You can squeeze out the onion juice and apply it the affected area.
Or
- You can chew on raw onion for a few minutes for the pain to subside.
14. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is known to cure ulcers and reduce inflammation.
What You Need –
- Fenugreek seeds
What You Should Do –
- Boil the seeds in the water.
- Use it as a mouthwash.
Alternatively –
- You can also crush the fenugreek seeds.
- Add the powder to form a paste.
- Apply it to the affected area.
15. Camphor
Camphor works in similar ways to fenugreek. It reduces swelling and can treat sore gums.
What You Need –
- Camphor
- Castor oil
What You Should Do –
- Add camphor to the castor oil.
- Apply this paste to the gums.
- Do this twice daily.
Alternatively –
- You can apply camphor directly to the gums.
- Do this twice daily.
16. Cashew Oil
Cashew oil has anacardic acids present in it. This helps in fighting against the bacteria and healing the abscesses.
What You Need –
- Cashew oil
What You Should Do –
- Apply the oil directly to the gums.
17. Cabbage Juice
Cabbage has anti-inflammatory properties and can cure sore gums and ulcers in the mouth.
What You Need –
- Cabbage leaves
What You Should Do –
- Grind the cabbage into juice.
- Apply it to the affected area directly.
18. Lavender Oil
The lavender oil has an overall effect on healing gum problems. It has anti-fungal, antimicrobial and anti-bacterial properties.
It also helps in relieving pain.
What You Need –
- Lavender oil
- Cotton swab
What You Should Do –
- Use a cotton swab to apply the oil directly on the gums.
19. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a natural painkiller. It also protects from bad breath and bacteria.
What You Need –
- Peppermint oil
- Water
What You Should Do –
- Add a few drops of peppermint oil in water.
- Swish it in the mouth.
20. Acacia Nilotica
Acacia Nilotica’s bark can help strengthen the gums.
What You Need –
- A bark of Acacia Nilotica
What You Should Do –
- Chew on it every day to strengthen your gums.
21. Calendula
The antibacterial properties help in preventing the bacteria from increasing in the mouth and relieving the pain. It can also heal bleeding gums.
What You Need –
- Liquid Calendula
What You Should Do –
- Mix calendula with water.
- Use it as a mouthwash.
22. Willow Bark Tree
Willow bark tree is as effective a remedy as any of the above. It reduces swelling and infected gums.
What You Need –
- Willow bark
What You Should Do –
- Boil the bark in water.
- Use it as a mouthwash.
Alternatively –
- You can chew on the bark or use it to brush your teeth.
23. Indian Lilac
Indian lilac is another effective plant for curing gingivitis and other oral problems. It fights the bacteria and protects your gums from diseases.
What You Need –
- Indian lilac leaves
What You Should Do –
- Crush the leaves and use the powder to brush your teeth.
- You can also add baking soda to improve its effects.
24. Chamomile Tea
The antibacterial properties of chamomile tea help in protecting and healing the gums.
What You Need –
- Chamomile flowers
What You Should Do –
- Boil the leaves in water.
- Strain it and gargle with the water.
- Do it regularly.
25. Burdock Root
Burdock roots help boosts your immune system and provides relief to your gums. It also helps in healing the sore gums.
What You Need –
- Burdock roots
What You Should Do –
- Boil the roots in water.
- Strain it and let the boiling temperature reduce.
- Then gargle with it.
26. Sage
Sage leaves can cure gingivitis and protect against bacteria.
What You Need –
- Sage leaves
What You Should Do –
- Boil the leaves in water.
- Add some salt to it.
- Swish it in the mouth.
- Do this daily.
27. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a medicinal plant that helps in reducing pain and soothing the skin.
What You Need –
- Eucalyptus leaves
What You Should Do –
- Rub the leaves directly on the gums.
- Or you can crush the leaves and apply the paste.
28. Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass juice can pull out the toxins from the gums and helps you prevent bacterial growth.
What You Need –
- Wheatgrass juice
What You Should Do –
- Use the wheatgrass juice as a mouthwash.
- Do it regularly.
29. Plantain Leaves
Plantain leaves help alleviate the pain.
What You Need –
- Plantain leaves
What You Should Do –
- Crush some leaves and add some water to form a paste.
- Add some salt to it.
- Apply it to the affected area.
30. Sea Salt Solution
Sea salt can be very effective against killing bacteria.
What You Need –
- Sea salt
What You Should Do –
- Add sea salt with water.
- Swish in your mouth for 30-35 seconds.
- Then rinse your mouth and brush your teeth.
- Do this 3-4 times a day.
31. Cranberry Juice
The anti-oxidants and the vitamins help fight and prevent bacteria growth.
What You Need –
- Cranberry juice
What You Should Do –
- Drink 4 ounces regularly.
32. Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil is another effective against pain and inflammation of gum. It also helps reduce bacteria growth.
What You Need –
- Cinnamon oil
- Jojoba oil
What You Should Do –
- Add cinnamon oil with jojoba oil (1:20 ratio).
- Apply it to the affected area.
- Rinse your mouth properly.
33. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil can reduce the pain and inflammation in the gums.
What You Need –
- Oregano oil
- Olive oil
What You Should Do –
- Mix oregano oil with olive oil (1:3 ratio).
- Use a cotton swab to apply to the affected area.
34. Sea Salt Solution
Sea salt can be very effective against killing bacteria.
What You Need –
- Sea salt
What You Should Do –
- Add sea salt with water.
- Swish in your mouth for 30-35 seconds.
- Then rinse your mouth and brush your teeth.
35. Apples
Apples have plenty of nutrients that help keep bacteria at bay. It also helps strengthen the gums.
What You Need –
- Apples
What You Should Do –
- Eat apples regularly.
36. Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver heals and reduces the inflammation faster.
What You Need –
- Colloidal silver
What You Should Do –
- Massage some colloidal silver directly to the affected area.
Alternatively –
- You use swish it in the mouth for 10 mins.
- Repeat several times a day.
37. Urine Therapy
Yes, it might sound disgusting but urine has many benefits. It can deal with most of gum and teeth related problems.It clears out the bacteria and the body also absorbs the necessary nutrients to heal itself.
What You Need –
- Fresh morning urine
What You Should Do –
- Keep it in your mouth for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse your mouth properly.
38. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal helps in drawing out the toxins from the gum thus reducing pain and inflammation.
What You Need –
- Activated charcoal
What You Should Do –
- Add some activated charcoal to water.
- Apply the paste on the affected area.
- Leave it for 5 minutes.
- Rinse your mouth properly.
39. Asafetida
Asafetida works as a pain reliever.
What You Need –
- Asafetida resin
- Lemon juice
What You Should Do –
- Heat asafetida resin.
- Add some lemon juice to it.
- Apply it to the inflamed gums.
- Then rinse your mouth.
40. Red Clover Tea
Red clover tea is effective against ulcers and gum abscesses.
What You Need –
- Red clover leaves
What You Should Do –
- Boil some red clover leaves in water.
- Let them steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain and drink the tea.
- Drink this concoction twice a day.
41. Echinacea
Echinacea flower not only helps reduce inflammation but also fights germs and bacteria. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is very effective against dental problems.
What You Need –
- Echinacea
What You Should Do –
- Prepare a tincture of Echinacea flower.
- Apply it directly on the gums.
42. Basil
Basil can prevent the growth of unnecessary bacteria and prevent gum pain.
What You Need –
- Basil leaves
What You Should Do –
- Boil basil leaves with water.
- Strain the leaves out.
- Drink the tea.
- Drink regularly to prevent gum and other problems.
43. Wintergreen Oil
Wintergreen has antiseptic properties and is also a painkiller. It helps cure gums diseases.
Note – This can be harmful so avoid it using frequently.
What You Need –
- Wintergreen oil
What You Should Do –
- Massage wintergreen oil directly to the affected area.
- Apply in a moderate quantity.
Alternatively –
- You can also chew on a chewing gum that contains wintergreen oil.
44. Goldenseal
For a good oral health, use goldenseal. It has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that can fight bacteria and fungi.
How To Use –
- Goldenseal capsules
How You Should Use –
- Open the goldenseal capsules and add the powder to your toothpaste.
Alternatively –
- You can apply some goldenseal extract directly to the gums.
45. Rose Flower
Rose flower too, is a pain alleviating remedy.
What You Need –
- Rose flower essence
- Lemon juice
What You Should Do –
- Mix some drops of rose water with water.
- Add 2-3 drops of lemon juice to it.
- Swirl in your mouth for 1 minute or so.
- Do this 3-4 times daily.
46. Bayberry
Bayberry has pain relieving and healing properties. It can be very effective for swollen gums.
What You Need –
- Bayberry
- Vinegar
What You Should Do –
- Crush some bayberry and add some vinegar to it to form a paste.
- Massage it on the gums.
- Then rinse your mouth and brush your teeth.
- Do this once a week.
47. Arabica Bark
Arabica bark can be used to cure gum aches.
What You Need –
- Arabica bark
What You Should Do –
- Boil arabica bark in water for 5 minutes.
- Gargle with it. Make sure you move it around the gums.
- Do once daily.
48. Castor Oil
Castor oil can be used to treat gum ache. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used in many ways.
What You Need –
- Castor oil
- Honey
- camphor
What You Should Do –
- Add some honey to some castor oil.
- Mix 5 grams of camphor to it.
- Rub directly onto the gums.
Alternatively –
- You can put a few drops of castor oil on your toothpaste and brush your teeth.
- Do this regularly.
49. Baking Soda
Baking soda prevents the plaque from developing on the teeth. This prevents the gums from getting infected as plaque can cause gum diseases.
Baking soda also neutralizes the acid in the mouth thus preventing tooth decay.
What You Need –
- Baking soda
- Peppermint oil
What You Should Do –
- Mix some baking soda with water to form a paste.
- Add some peppermint oil.
- Use this paste to brush your teeth.
50. L-Lysine
L-Lysine is an amino acid. Your body doesn’t produce it naturally and the deficiency of L-Lysine can cause gum problems.
What You Need –
- Food rich in L-Lysine (lemons, tomato, broccoli, oranges)
What You Should Do –
- Add this to your daily diet.
The home remedies are easily available at hand. These are powerful natural healing remedies and have shown good results. These remedies can sometimes even give you a quick relief and heal the gums faster.
Note – Check if you are allergic to something before using it.
Here is a list of few precautionary measures that can help you avoid gum aches.
Do’s
- Brush your teeth twice a day regularly.
- Floss every day.
- Gargle after every meal to take out the food particles in the teeth.
- Use a soft or extra soft bristle brush.
- Clean your tongue.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Visit a dentist twice a year for the check-up.
Don’ts
- Don’t brush vigorously. You can spoil your teeth and hurt your gums.
- No smoking.
- No chewing tobacco.
In addition, if you have any questions about gum ache read the frequently asked questions section below to find out the answers.
FAQ’s
1. Do Painful Gums Always Mean Gum Disease?
No, gum diseases are not always painful. They can go undetected and turn into a periodontal disease if not taken care.
2. Could Painful Gums Be Due To Allergy?
Yes, it is possible that the pain can occur due to an allergy to food, drink or other oral products. The mouth, when recognizes a foreign material tries to expel it. This can lead to swelling of the gum, tongue and the walls of the mouth.
3. Can My Diet Cause A Painful Gum?
A lot of bacteria are there in your mouth and your skin is also thin. So, it is important that you don’t have a deficiency of vitamin C in your diet. Vitamin C is essential for your oral hygiene as it helps fight bacteria.
4. Are Gums More Sensitive At Different Stages Of Life?
During pregnancy, puberty, menstruation, and menopause you are likely to feel sensitivity in your gums due to hormonal changes. The hormones change decreases the level of blood supply to the gums. Your gums become vulnerable at this point and can contract diseases.
When To Visit Your Doctor?
If the home remedies don’t alleviate your pain and persist longer than a week then you should immediately visit your doctor.If you suspect something is wrong then visit your doctor immediately.Going at least twice a year for the check-up to a dentist is a must.You should visit the doctor at least twice a year.
Conclusion
Keeping a good oral hygiene can reduce most of the oral problems. Good brushing, cleaning your tongue and eating the right food can also help a lot. If you follow the given advice you can even prevent any oral problems.