Gum Swelling: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Gum swelling, also known as gingival enlargement, is a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of gum tissue, often causing discomfort and pain.

It can be caused by factors such as poor oral hygiene, gum disease, hormonal changes, and certain medications. If left untreated, gum swelling can lead to tooth loss, difficulty eating and speaking, and increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. To alleviate gum swelling, herbal remedies such as aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula can be used to reduce inflammation and promote healing, while also providing soothing relief.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or allergies, and to follow proper preparation and dosage guidelines.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of gum swelling, 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 gum swelling?

The main causes of gum swelling are inflammation due to bacterial accumulation, typically from poor oral hygiene and inadequate brushing/flossing leading to plaque formation, which can cause gingivitis and periodontitis, an infection of the gums that can be exacerbated by systemic conditions such as diabetes and hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Additionally, trauma to the gums, such as biting the cheek or tongue, can also cause swelling. Furthermore, some medications like beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and certain antidepressants can cause gum overgrowth as a side effect. In rare cases, gum swelling can be a symptom of underlying conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, or other blood disorders.

Moreover, gum inflammation can be triggered by smoking, which is known to increase the risk of gum disease.

• Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, caused by poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugar, leading to inflammation and gum swelling.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar, leading to redness, swelling, and bleeding.
• Dental Abscess: A dental abscess is a painful infection of the gums and surrounding bone, caused by a bacterial infection that has spread from a tooth or gum.
• Gum Injury: A gum injury, such as a cut or bruise, can cause gum swelling due to inflammation and bleeding.
• Medication Side Effect: Certain medications, such as antidepressants and steroids, can cause gum swelling as a side effect.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menstruation, can cause gum swelling due to increased blood flow and sensitivity.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin C or calcium, can cause gum swelling due to impaired immune function and bone health.
• Infections: Other infections, such as strep throat or a sinus infection, can cause gum swelling due to the spread of bacteria or inflammation.
• Cancer: Rarely, gum swelling can be a symptom of oral cancer, which requires prompt medical attention.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for gum swelling?

The main medicinal herbs used for gum swelling are Echinacea purpurea, Aloe barbadensis, Zingiber officinale, Salvia officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Calendula officinalis, Eucalyptus globulus, Curcuma longa, Sanguinaria canadensis, Arnica montana.

Echinacea purpurea's anti-inflammatory properties are due to its content of cichoric acid, which reduces swelling and pain. Aloe barbadensis's gel soothes and calms irritated gums, thanks to its high content of vitamin C and beta-carotene. Zingiber officinale's antibacterial properties, attributed to its gingerol content, combat gum infections that cause swelling.

Additionally, Salvia officinalis's antiseptic properties, Curcuma longa's anti-inflammatory properties, and Glycyrrhiza glabra's anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Calendula officinalis, Eucalyptus globulus, Sanguinaria canadensis, and Arnica montana, also make them effective in reducing gum swelling.

• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with gum swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes that contribute to swelling and pain.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with gum swelling due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce swelling and inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with gum swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes that contribute to swelling and pain, as well as its ability to reduce inflammation by improving blood circulation.
• Salvia officinalis: Salvia officinalis helps with gum swelling due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce swelling and inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, and prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause infections.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with gum swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes that contribute to swelling and pain, as well as its ability to reduce inflammation by improving blood circulation.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with gum swelling due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce swelling and inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, and prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause infections.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with gum swelling due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce swelling and inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, and prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause infections.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa helps with gum swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes that contribute to swelling and pain, as well as its ability to reduce inflammation by improving blood circulation.
• Sanguinaria canadensis: Sanguinaria canadensis helps with gum swelling due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce swelling and inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, and prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause infections.
• Arnica montana: Arnica montana helps with gum swelling due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce swelling and inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, and promote the healing of damaged tissues.

What are the main herbal preparations used for gum swelling?

The main herbal preparations used for gum swelling are Decoction, Tincture, Salve, Cream, Ointment, Poultice, Capsule, Gel, Suppository, Tea.

Decoction of herbs like Myrrh, Tea Tree, and Echinacea is used to reduce inflammation and fight bacterial infection due to its antimicrobial properties. Tincture of St. John's Wort is applied topically to reduce swelling and pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Salve, Cream, and Ointment of herbs like Aloe Vera and Calendula are applied topically to soothe and protect the gum tissue.

Capsule, Gel, Suppository, and Tea of herbs like Chamomile and Licorice root are used to reduce inflammation and promote healing from the inside out.

• Decoction: A decoction of the root of the Goldenseal plant (Hydrastis canadensis) helps with gum swelling as the berberine present in it has antimicrobial properties that reduce inflammation and fight off infection in the gums.
• Tincture: A tincture of the root of the Echinacea plant (Echinacea purpurea) helps with gum swelling as the alkylamides present in it have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and promote healing in the gums.
• Salve: A salve made from the resin of the Myrrh tree (Commiphora molmol) helps with gum swelling as the terpenoids present in it have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that reduce swelling and promote healing in the gums.
• Cream: A cream made from the root of the Calendula plant (Calendula officinalis) helps with gum swelling as the triterpenoids present in it have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that reduce swelling and fight off infection in the gums.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the root of the Dandelion plant (Taraxacum officinale) helps with gum swelling as the sesquiterpenes present in it have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and promote healing in the gums.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the root of the Slippery Elm plant (Ulmus rubra) helps with gum swelling as the mucilages present in it have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and promote healing in the gums.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the root of the St. John's Wort plant (Hypericum perforatum) helps with gum swelling as the hyperforin present in it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that reduce swelling and fight off infection in the gums.
• Gel: A gel made from the root of the Aloe Vera plant (Aloe barbadensis) helps with gum swelling as the glycosides present in it have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that reduce swelling and promote healing in the gums.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the root of the Peppermint plant (Mentha piperita) helps with gum swelling as the menthol present in it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and promote healing in the gums.
• Tea: A tea made from the leaves of the Green Tea plant (Camellia sinensis) helps with gum swelling as the catechins present in it have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that reduce swelling and fight off infection in the gums.