What causes swollen gums, and how can they be treated with natural remedies or oral hygiene practices? - #16899

Swollen gums can be a frustrating reality, right? It's great that you’re keen to understand what might be going on and exploring different ways to take care of them. Let's tackle some of the possible causes and remedies from an Ayurvedic perspective mixed with modern insights. First, your gum swelling could indeed be caused by plaque buildup, since even regular brushing doesn’t always get the hard-to-reach spots. Little things can change in your oral routine. You might want to try a softer toothbrush and ensure your brushing technique isn’t too aggressive, focusing more on gentle circular motions. And yes, hormonal fluctuations, whether due to stress or things like pregnancy, can definitely contribute in their own mysterious ways. Determining if it's gingivitis (mild inflammation) or periodontitis (more severe) involves checking symptoms like persistent bad breath, receding gumline, or if your gums bleed often. If these ring a bell, or things just aren't improving, seeing a dentist would be the way to go. Disease progression can lead to complexities like tooth loss, as the gums provide essential support for our pearly whites. Natural remedies can be helpful companions. Saltwater rinses are indeed beneficial—a teaspoon of salt in a warm glass of water twice a day should do the trick. Aloe vera can be soothing, just apply a small amount on the gums and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. Foods rich in vitamins C and D, like amla (Indian gooseberry) and leafy greens, promote gum health. Turmeric paste, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can also be applied. Just mix with a little water for a paste—leave it on your gums for a few mins and rinse. Of course, maintaining overall oral hygiene with proper flossing is vital. If stress is a player, incorporating calming practices like yoga or meditation can help balance your doshas - especially if you have a predominant pitta constitution prone to inflammation. When I dealt with something similar, adapting my diet helped a lot—less sugar and more natural anti-inflammatories like ginger and cinnamon tea. Hopefully these tips can get those gums back on track! Make sure to check in with professional help if those symptoms persist.