Do you have puffy swollen gums? Known better as gingivitis?

It’s a common dental problem that many people experience. This happens when your gums are in an inflamed state.  The bad bacteria in your mouth have taken over and we now have oral dysbiosis present, which only fans the fire of inflammation.

The most common cause is being overdue for your dental hygiene cleaning. Although other factors do come to play as well such as tobacco use, hormonal issues, vitamin/mineral deficiency, and pregnancy. So besides getting in to see your hygienist tomorrow along with brushing and flossing 2-3x a day! Here are some tips to alleviate any discomfort before then.

Anti-inflammatory diet:

Reduce sugar, gluten, dairy, alcohol, and any processed food. Increase greens, vegetables, low-sugar fruits, healthy fats, minerals, and water intake.

Saltwater rinses:

Mix 1 TBS sea salt in a cup of warm water and swish 3x a day. This neutralizes the pH inside your mouth which soothes inflamed gums. You can add fresh lemon or apple cider vinegar to this mixture for added benefits.

Turmeric paste:

Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with ½ a teaspoon of fine sea salt and ½ a teaspoon of coconut oil. Apply the paste for 10 minutes several times a day. This mixture is very soothing.

Tea bag compress:

Any tea will do really. After steeping your tea, directly place the bag on sore gums. Some will have more benefits than others like green tea for example; for its anti-inflammatory properties. The combination of warmth and herbal benefits will soothe and reduce inflammation.

Baking soda rinse:

Mix ¼ tsp baking soda to a cup of water and rinse/gargle multiple times a day. This neutralizes acidity and helps reduce gum inflammation.

Essential Oils:

There are so many great essential oils out there! Some top ones for dental health are chamomile, clove, myrrh, tea tree, nettle lemon, and peppermint. Simply mix with a carrier oil like coconut oil and rub it on your gums generously. You can also make a mixture to use for oil pulling.

As I mentioned before, if you stay up to date with regular cleanings, practice really good home oral care, and holistic health practices like eating a nutrient-dense diet and managing stress. Your inflamed gums will greatly improve and so will the quality of your life.

To your health,

Jennifer Corrigan RDA

Dr. Kayleigh A. Short DMD, formerly of Integrative Dentistry in Seattle, is your top choice for holistic dental care available to the greater Seattle area, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Monroe, Snohomish, Duvall, Whidbey Island, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Everett, and surrounding areas. Washington State, nationwide, and worldwide we are available for telemedicine holistic dentistry consults. For the best in holistic dental and natural holistic facial aesthetic needs. We diagnose complex dental health cases, that other dentists turn away. Contact us today or schedule an appointment to discover how we can help optimize your oral health and support your wellness journey. ~Dr. Kayleigh Short and the WDC Team