Definition of swollen gums
Swollen gums represent a troublesome condition, which often presents with an edematous and reddened appearance; in the vast majority of cases, swollen gums are also accompanied by inflammation, easy bleeding and pain.
Gingivitis, swollen gums and gingival inflammation are three closely related disorders.
Causes
In the case in which a subject suffers from swelling on the gingival level, he will have to pay a lot of attention to the brushing during the daily cleaning of the teeth: it has been seen that the too aggressive action of the toothbrush can increase the sensation of swelling to the interested part, favoring the bleeding.
Even tartar, due to plaque calcification, combined with bacteria and mucus, helps to promote and enhance the swelling of the gums: in this case the tartar must be removed with the help of the dentist (dental cleaning).
Swollen gums can then depend on other factors, including pregnancy, lactation and puberty: here the subjects are subjected to hormonal shifts so consistent that they also influence fluid retention and blood circulation.
The use of some categories of drugs may represent a problem in the presence of swollen gums; in particular, reference is made to anticoagulant drugs, since, if taken in excessive doses, they can cause bleeding.
If a person is deficient in vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin K, he will probably also suffer from swollen gums.
The serious lack of vitamin C, very rare in industrialized countries, involves scurvy, a disease that causes fatigue, pain in the muscles, lack of hunger (loss of appetite) and greater likelihood of attack by pathogenic microorganisms. But not only. Scurvy also affects the gums, which become more fragile and sensitive, sometimes leading to tooth loss.
Regarding the lack of vitamin K, however equally rare, it can be stated that at gingival level the deficit manifests itself with bleeding accompanied by swelling.
Remedies for swollen gums
To consider that even stress greatly affects the problem: it seems, in fact, that when the body is subjected to conditions of severe stress there is a high probability that the gums are affected, considering the sharp decrease in immune defenses. As a defense mechanism, our body responds with a strong and annoying inflammation of the gums. In this case, the herbalist recommends rinsing with a solution containing eleuterococcus ( Eleutherococcus senticosus ), which with its adaptogenic and immunostimulant properties helps strengthen the immune system. In substitution it is possible to use Echinacea ( Echinacea purpurea ), with immunostimulating properties, or aloe gel ( Aloe vera ), which has the same properties as echinacea. In addition, the aloe gives an immediate feeling of freshness and tends to calm the irritation of the gums, because it is also attributed to mild anesthetic properties.
Even a correct use of specific mouthwashes relieves the sensation of swelling: in this regard, we can consider the essential oils of grapefruit ( Citrus Paradisi ), with known anti-inflammatory properties, useful for calming the swelling at the level of the gums.
Furthermore, sage ( Salvia officinalis ) and mint ( Mentha x piperita ) are very important because they give a feeling of cleanliness and disinfection of the oral cavity. Camomile ( Chamomilla Recutita ) is also an excellent drug that can be used to treat swollen gums, thanks to its soothing action.
Confectionery gums and tradition
It is curious to remember which techniques were used in ancient times to try to correct the disorder of swollen gums. Once upon a time, as you can imagine, there were no toothpastes and brushes for oral hygiene; sage leaves were used, pine twigs and dry bark, which were chewed. This technique served not only to clean teeth, but also to strengthen the gums, preventing disorders such as bleeding and swelling.
To avoid the worsening of swollen gums, the ancients also used tea-based rinses, because tea, thanks to its astringent properties made from tannins, is an excellent remedy to keep the gums in good health.
