If you have recently undergone dental implant surgery, you may be experiencing some mild symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and minor bleeding around the insertion sites. If so, you may decide you want to try one or both of the following homemade, natural treatment options for relieving your discomfort, as well as help prevent infection, using ingredients found in supermarkets and pharmacies.

Option 1:  Apply A Soothing, Cold Compress On Your Gums

This first treatment option involves applying a soothing, cold compress on your gums. Salt is used in the compress's solution, giving the treatment anti-inflammatory properties, drawing out the swelling and easing the throbbing pain around the post insertion sites. It also kills any germs found in and around the dental implants.

The peppermint oil helps reduce the pain when it comes into contact with your gums. It soaks into them and numbs the nerves, giving you almost immediate relief.

The compress is refrigerated to make it cold. This helps reduce the swelling, giving you relief.

You also need a small bowl and gauze squares for this part of the treatment. You can use one 2" x 2" gauze for each implant site, if you only have a few of them. If you have multiple insertion sites, you can also use 4" x 4" gauze pieces and place one on each side of your mouth.

In the bowl, mix together a quarter of a cup of cold water, two tablespoons of table salt, and 10 drops of peppermint oil. Place the gauze squares in the bowl so they can soak up the mixture. Then, put them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Place the gauze pieces over your surgical sites and gently bite down. Do not apply too much pressure, only enough to keep the gauze in place. Biting down too hard could irritate the sites, causing more discomfort and bleeding.

Leave the gauze squares in place until they start to warm up, usually 15 to 20 minutes. Then, remove them and rinse with cold water. Or, if you prefer, you can follow the compresses with the mouthwash described below.

Option 2:  Rinse Your Mouth With A Homemade Mouthwash

This second option uses a mouthwash to cleanse your mouth and relieve your symptoms. As in the first option, salt is used to draw out the inflammation and prevent infection by killing any bacteria around your dental implant sites.

Clove oil is also used to numb the gums and relieve the pain. When using the clove oil, however, make sure you do not use more than is listed in the directions. Using high concentrations of the oil could irritate your already sensitive gums, so diluting it properly is essential for avoiding this side effect.

In a small glass, mix together a half of a cup of cold water and three tablespoons of salt. Cold water is used to soothe the inflammation in the gums. You can also refrigerate the mouthwash for about 10 minutes to increase the cooling and therapeutic effects of the rinse.​

Add seven drops of the clove oil to the salt water. Then, rinse your mouth slowly with half of the solution for a minute. Spit it out, then rinse with the other half. After five minutes, rinse your mouth with clear, cold water. 

Using one or both of the above treatment options three times a day can relieve your discomfort and help prevent infection. However, if you notice an increase in your symptoms, you may want to contact your dentist or the doctor who performed your dental implant surgery. They may want to examine you and provide you with further instructions or treatment options.