Gum inflammation home remedies

Gum inflammation, called gingivitis when it is limited to the gum tissue, can make the gingiva red, puffy, tender, or prone to bleeding during cleaning. The usual local cause is plaque, a sticky bacterial film that collects where the teeth meet the gums; hardened plaque, called calculus or tartar, cannot be removed with a toothbrush.

Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, angling the bristles toward the gumline without scrubbing hard, and clean each interdental space with floss or an appropriately sized interdental brush. Rinse with water after meals if brushing is not practical, avoid tobacco, and do not put aspirin, concentrated essential oils, or caustic substances on the gums because they can injure the tissue; a dentist or pharmacist can advise whether a medicated rinse fits your situation.

Book an examination if bleeding, swelling, soreness, persistent bad breath, or gum recession continues despite careful cleaning, because the problem may involve calculus, tooth decay, a faulty restoration, medication effects, or periodontal disease. Seek urgent dental help for a rapidly enlarging swelling, pus, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or swelling that spreads toward the face or neck.

Ask whether the inflammation is gingivitis or periodontitis, whether calculus is present below the gumline, and whether a filling, crown, bite problem, or medication could be contributing. Ask which interdental cleaning tool fits your spaces and whether you need professional scaling, periodontal measurements, dental radiographs, or a review appointment to check healing.