Lilli (Wa) on 02/23/2021
Recently, I had a bad bout with an infection that caused my gum to throb and bleed. I couldn't sleep and was at my wits end and ready to do anything to stop the pain, when I decided to try some of the remedies listed on Earthclinic.
Here are the regimens and remedies that worked best for me:
1. Twice (or more) a day, I used my waterpik on a setting no higher than two. When your gum is really irritated, this may sting a bit and your gum may bleed, but the water really cleans up under the gum where debris and infection are trapped. I fill the well with warm water and a few squirts of hydrogen peroxide. This was the single most effective treatment.
2. I purchased three natural, herbal mouthwashes and alternate rinses during the day.
3. Warm sea salt water rinses reduce pain
4. I made my own tooth powder: 3-4 tbs baking soda, empty one capsule each of: charcoal, Echinacea, and Vit. C powder, one tsp. cinnamon, and a few dashes of cayenne and turmeric. I use about 1/2 tsp., mixed in a little water, and swish it for a several minutes (paying attention to the problem area), before spitting it out without rinsing.
5. Oil pulling with organic virgin coconut oil. Place in your mouth, one teaspoon of coconut oil and swish it around and through your teeth for at least twenty minutes then spit the remainder into a plastic bag and dispose. (to avoid clogs, do not rinse OVCO down the sink)
6. I purchased mini, soft dental bristle brushes (the kind that are shaped like a Christmas tree NOT the hard, plastic variety) and gently brush along the gum line to remove plaque, food, and bacteria. I dip it in mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide and water. The goal is to displace anything that causes irritation. I do this several times during the day, especially after eating.
7. I do tongue scraping right before bedtime.
8. Aloe juice (organic, center leaf) rinse.
I have been following this regimen for 3 weeks and it has been working really well. Almost all of the redness and infection are gone, with no more throbbing, and the gum has pinked up, and even seems to have increased in length a bit.
I plan on using this as a regimen to keep the gums healthy and avoid any further disastrous oral surgeries.
Thank you Earthclinc and all its members who take the time to share their successes. It is a true blessing.
Replied By Tessa (Okanagan) on 02/24/2021
Thank you for your comprehensive list on what you are doing to help restore your gums.
I already have a few of these steps in my gum routine and now I can add the rest.
One thing that may help (and I've been doing it for years now) is to massage the gums. I do it in the shower because there is a fair amount of drool involved!
I was told how to do it by someone who regularly does facial exercises. However, I found this on the Internet (it explains it better):
https://www.vanyodentistry.com/gum-massage-benefits-and-techniques
Massage Your Gums With Your Fingers
If you don't want to purchase a special gum massage tool, then you can massage your gums with your fingers. Take your index finger and hold it firmly against your gum tissue. Then, move the tip of your finger in a circular motion while sliding it along your gum line for about ten minutes.
You can help your finger move more smoothly against your gum tissue and even help kill additional bacteria in your gums with a plant oil, such as olive, coconut, or sesame oil. Place the oil on the finger you use to massage your gums.
I actually do the massage a bit differently.
I put my thumb on the front of my gum and my index finger on the back of my gum and then I massage in a circular motion. It feels great and you're saving time by massaging both sides simultaneously!
Cheers,
Tessa
Replied By Lilli (Wa) on 02/26/2021
Thanks for adding massage to the list. Right after I posted, I thought "I should add massage"...but thought it was already too long...LOL If your gums are painful, do this very lightly. It increases the blood circulation. Or massage through your cheek, not directly on the gums.
Replied By Charity (faithville, Us) on 03/08/2021
A dose (spoon) of salt or sugar will cause the lymph system in the mouth to drain. Mouth will fill with water, spit, repeat until drained ... from Walter Last
Replied By Ben G. (columbus oh) on 05/11/2022
Hi....totally agree about gum massage!!! BUT I use my toothbrush with warm water....I do 30 seconds upper and lower.......did you ever try that instead of your finger?I'm amazed at how ignorant many folks are when it comes to our dental care!! too bad they don't teach it in school!!!
Replied By Lilli (WA) on 09/18/2022
Thank you for this great tip. Worked like a charm and stopped the bleeding immediately. (Note: you will only want to use this method for a few days. Long term use of salt rinses can cause softening of the enamel and gum issues).I am so grateful to all contributors of this site. :)