Inflamed Gums: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Inflamed gums, also known as gingivitis, are characterized by redness, swelling, and tenderness of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth, often due to poor oral hygiene, bacterial buildup, or underlying health conditions such as diabetes or hormonal changes.

Untreated inflamed gums can lead to periodontitis, a more severe gum disease causing tooth loss and potential systemic health issues like heart disease and respiratory infections. To alleviate inflamed gums, herbal remedies like aloe vera gel, peppermint oil, and chamomile tea can be applied topically or consumed as teas or infusions.

However, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, as some herbs may interact with prescribed treatments or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of inflamed gums, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of inflamed gums?

The main causes of inflamed gums are poor oral hygiene, specifically inadequate brushing and flossing, leading to the accumulation of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums.

This can cause an overactive immune response, resulting in inflammation and redness of the gum tissue. Other contributing factors include smoking, which impairs blood flow and increases the risk of gum disease. Additionally, a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can promote the growth of bacteria, contributing to gum inflammation.

Genetic predisposition and systemic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, can also increase the risk of developing inflamed gums.

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of inflamed gums because the failure to regularly brush and floss the teeth allows plaque to accumulate, leading to inflammation of the gums.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a common cause of inflamed gums because it is a mild form of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque, leading to inflammation and redness of the gums.
• Periodontitis: Periodontitis is a common cause of inflamed gums because it is a more severe form of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar, leading to inflammation, infection, and potential loss of teeth.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes are a common cause of inflamed gums because the fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can cause inflammation and sensitivity in the gums.
• Smoking: Smoking is a common cause of inflamed gums because the chemicals in tobacco smoke can reduce blood flow to the gums, making them more susceptible to inflammation and infection.
• Genetic Predisposition: Genetic predisposition is a common cause of inflamed gums because some people may be born with a genetic tendency to develop gum disease, making them more prone to inflammation and infection.
• Medications: Medications are a common cause of inflamed gums because certain medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and high blood pressure medications, can cause dry mouth, which can lead to inflammation of the gums.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies are a common cause of inflamed gums because a lack of essential nutrients, such as vitamin C and calcium, can weaken the gums and make them more susceptible to inflammation and infection.
• Stress: Stress is a common cause of inflamed gums because high levels of stress can cause inflammation and increase the risk of developing gum disease.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune disorders are a common cause of inflamed gums because conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can cause inflammation and damage to the gums and other tissues in the body.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for inflamed gums?

The main medicinal herbs used for inflamed gums are Echinacea purpurea, Melaleuca alternifolia, Salvia officinalis, Eucalyptus globulus, Aloe vera, Calendula officinalis, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Echinacea purpurea's immunomodulatory properties help reduce inflammation by boosting the immune system, while Melaleuca alternifolia's oil, containing cineole, exhibits antimicrobial activity against bacteria and viruses responsible for gum inflammation. Salvia officinalis's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, help to soothe and protect inflamed gums. Eucalyptus globulus's essential oil, containing eucalyptol, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help to reduce swelling and fight infections.

Additionally, Aloe vera's anti-inflammatory properties, along with Curcuma longa's and Zingiber officinale's anti-inflammatory compounds, such as curcumin and gingerols respectively, work in conjunction with Ginkgo biloba's antioxidant properties and Glycyrrhiza glabra's anti-inflammatory compounds to provide a comprehensive approach to managing inflamed gums.

• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with inflamed gums due to its immunomodulatory properties, which can reduce inflammation and promote healing in the oral cavity.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia helps with inflamed gums due to its antimicrobial properties, which can reduce the bacterial load in the oral cavity and alleviate inflammation.
• Salvia officinalis: Salvia officinalis helps with inflamed gums due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and alleviate swelling in the oral cavity.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with inflamed gums due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce inflammation and alleviate bacterial infections in the oral cavity.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with inflamed gums due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can reduce swelling and promote healing in the oral cavity.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with inflamed gums due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce inflammation and alleviate bacterial infections in the oral cavity.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa helps with inflamed gums due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can reduce inflammation and promote healing in the oral cavity.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with inflamed gums due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce inflammation and alleviate bacterial infections in the oral cavity.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba has no proven properties that directly help with inflamed gums, but its anti-inflammatory properties may have some benefits in reducing inflammation in the oral cavity.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with inflamed gums due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce inflammation and alleviate bacterial infections in the oral cavity.

What are the main herbal preparations used for inflamed gums?

The main herbal preparations used for inflamed gums are Decoction, Tincture, Tea, Capsules, Salve, Cream, Gel, Ointment, Oil, Powder.

Decoction is a liquid extract made from boiling herbs like calendula, chamomile, and myrrh, which possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping to soothe and heal inflamed gums. Tincture, a concentrated liquid extract, can be applied topically or taken orally to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, while Tea, a liquid extract made from steeping herbs, can be used as a mouthwash to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. Capsules, containing powdered herbs like turmeric and ginger, can be taken orally to reduce inflammation and pain, while Salve, Cream, Gel, Ointment, Oil, and Powder, made from herbs like aloe vera and tea tree oil, can be applied topically to soothe and heal inflamed gums.

These herbal preparations are effective in treating inflamed gums due to their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties.

• Decoction: A decoction of the herb Echinacea purpurea is used to help inflamed gums by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of gum tissue, while a decoction of the herb Calendula officinalis is used to reduce swelling and soothe irritation.
• Tincture: A tincture of the herb Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) is used to help inflamed gums by reducing inflammation and preventing bacterial growth, while a tincture of the herb Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is used to reduce swelling and fight infection.
• Tea: A tea of the herb Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) is used to help inflamed gums by soothing and protecting the mucous membranes, while a tea of the herb Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is used to reduce inflammation and promote the healing of gum tissue.
• Capsules: Capsules containing the herb Berberis (Berberis vulgaris) are used to help inflamed gums by reducing inflammation and fighting infection, while capsules containing the herb Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) are used to boost the immune system and promote the healing of gum tissue.
• Salve: A salve of the herb Plantain (Plantago major) is used to help inflamed gums by reducing swelling and soothing irritation, while a salve of the herb Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is used to reduce inflammation and promote the healing of gum tissue.
• Cream: A cream of the herb Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) is used to help inflamed gums by soothing and reducing inflammation, while a cream of the herb Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is used to fight infection and reduce swelling.
• Gel: A gel of the herb Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) is used to help inflamed gums by soothing and reducing inflammation, while a gel of the herb Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is used to boost the immune system and promote the healing of gum tissue.
• Ointment: An ointment of the herb Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is used to help inflamed gums by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of gum tissue, while an ointment of the herb Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is used to fight infection and reduce swelling.
• Oil: An oil of the herb Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is used to help inflamed gums by fighting infection and reducing swelling, while an oil of the herb Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is used to reduce inflammation and soothe irritation.
• Powder: A powder of the herb Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) is used to help inflamed gums by reducing inflammation and preventing bacterial growth, while a powder of the herb Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is used to boost the immune system and promote the healing of gum tissue.