Swollen Gums: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Swollen gums, also known as gingivitis or gum inflammation, are inflamed and swollen tissues surrounding the teeth due to infection, poor dental hygiene, or other underlying health conditions.

This condition can be caused by factors such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, or nutritional deficiencies, and can lead to severe health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. To alleviate swollen gums, herbal remedies like aloe vera, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil can be used in the form of mouthwashes or topical applications.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions, and to use them in moderation to avoid adverse reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of swollen 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 swollen gums?

The main causes of swollen gums are bacterial infections, such as periodontitis, which occurs when plaque builds up and leads to inflammation of the gums.

Poor oral hygiene, including inadequate brushing and flossing, can contribute to swollen gums by allowing bacteria to accumulate. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menstruation can also cause swollen gums due to increased blood flow and sensitivity. Smoking and tobacco use can exacerbate gum inflammation and lead to swollen gums.

Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders, can increase the risk of developing swollen gums.

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of swollen gums due to the accumulation of plaque and tartar on teeth, leading to inflammation and irritation of the gum tissues.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a bacterial infection of the gums that causes inflammation and swelling, often resulting from poor oral hygiene or other underlying conditions.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during puberty, menopause, or pregnancy can cause fluctuations in estrogen levels, leading to inflammation and swelling of the gums.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of vitamin C or other essential nutrients, can cause weakened immune function and lead to gum inflammation and swelling.
• Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease and swollen gums due to its damaging effects on blood flow and immune function, making it more challenging for the body to fight off infections.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and immunosuppressants, can cause swollen gums as a side effect due to their effects on the body's immune system and blood vessels.
• Genetic Predisposition: Genetic predisposition can increase the risk of developing gum disease and swollen gums due to inherited traits that may affect the body's ability to fight off infections.
• Systemic Diseases: Systemic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease, can cause gum inflammation and swelling due to the body's decreased ability to fight off infections and heal wounds.
• Infections: Infections, such as bacterial or viral infections, can cause swollen gums due to the body's immune response to the invading pathogens.
• Tumors or Cysts: Tumors or cysts in the mouth can cause swollen gums due to the abnormal growth and pressure on surrounding tissues.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for swollen gums?

The main medicinal herbs used for swollen gums are Echinacea purpurea, Melaleuca alternifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, Salvia officinalis, Aloe barbadensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Calendula officinalis, Syzygium aromaticum, Curcuma longa.

Echinacea purpurea contains compounds that reduce inflammation and boost the immune system, helping to combat the underlying cause of swollen gums. Melaleuca alternifolia and Eucalyptus globulus possess antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gums. Salvia officinalis has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, while Aloe barbadensis is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.

Additionally, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Calendula officinalis, Syzygium aromaticum, and Curcuma longa have been traditionally used to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing, making them beneficial for swollen gums.

• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with swollen gums due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and alleviate pain, thanks to its alkylamides and caffeic acid derivatives, such as echinacoside and chicoric acid.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia helps with swollen gums due to its antimicrobial properties, which prevent the growth of bacteria that cause gum inflammation, thanks to its active compound tea tree oil, which contains cineole and sesquiterpenes.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with swollen gums due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce swelling and prevent the growth of bacteria that cause gum inflammation, thanks to its active compound eucalyptol.
• Salvia officinalis: Salvia officinalis helps with swollen gums due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and alleviate pain, thanks to its caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid derivatives.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with swollen gums due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce swelling and alleviate pain, thanks to its active compounds aloin and aloe-emodin.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with swollen gums due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce swelling and prevent tissue damage, thanks to its active compound glycyrrhizin.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with swollen gums due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and alleviate pain, thanks to its active compound gingerol.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with swollen gums due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce swelling and prevent the growth of bacteria that cause gum inflammation, thanks to its active compounds triterpenoids and flavonoids.
• Syzygium aromaticum: Syzygium aromaticum helps with swollen gums due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which prevent the growth of bacteria that cause gum inflammation and reduce swelling, thanks to its active compound eugenol.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa helps with swollen gums due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce swelling and prevent tissue damage, thanks to its active compound curcumin.

What are the main herbal preparations used for swollen gums?

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

Decoction of herbs such as slippery elm, white willow bark, and yarrow root is used due to their anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and reduce swelling. Tincture of eucalyptus oil is applied topically for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects to ease pain and inflammation. Salve and cream preparations containing herbs like aloe vera, calendula, and chamomile are used to provide topical analgesia and reduce inflammation.

Capsules containing herbs such as turmeric, ginger, and triphala are taken orally to reduce inflammation and fight infection due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Decoction: A decoction of plants such as Echinacea purpurea or Panax ginseng helps with swollen gums by releasing their bioactive compounds, which are then absorbed through the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Tincture: A tincture of plants like Calendula officinalis or Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) helps with swollen gums by dissolving their active ingredients in a solvent, allowing for quick absorption through the mucous membranes, which then helps to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
• Salve: A salve made from plants like Aloe vera or Plantago major helps with swollen gums by providing a protective barrier on the affected area, while also delivering its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which help to reduce swelling and promote healing.
• Cream: A cream containing plants like Arnica montana or Echinacea purpurea helps with swollen gums by delivering its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties directly to the affected area, reducing swelling and promoting healing through topical application.
• Capsule: A capsule containing herbs like Echinacea purpurea or Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) helps with swollen gums by releasing its bioactive compounds, which are then absorbed through the digestive system, reducing inflammation and promoting healing from the inside out.
• Poultice: A poultice made from plants like Plantago major or Calendula officinalis helps with swollen gums by applying a warm, moist compress to the affected area, promoting blood flow and reducing swelling through the delivery of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Gel: A gel made from plants like Aloe vera or Echinacea purpurea helps with swollen gums by delivering its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties directly to the affected area, reducing swelling and promoting healing through topical application.
• Tea: A tea made from plants like Echinacea purpurea or Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) helps with swollen gums by releasing its bioactive compounds, which are then absorbed through the digestive system, reducing inflammation and promoting healing from the inside out.
• Ointment: An ointment made from plants like Arnica montana or Calendula officinalis helps with swollen gums by delivering its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties directly to the affected area, reducing swelling and promoting healing through topical application.
• Suppository: A suppository made from plants like Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) or Calendula officinalis helps with swollen gums by releasing its bioactive compounds directly into the affected area, reducing inflammation and promoting healing through targeted delivery.