Fact Check: Can a Paste of Alum powder, Rock Salt and Mustard Oil Relieve Bleeding Gums in 7-10 days?

An instagram reel claims that a paste of Alum (fitkari) powder, Rock Salt and Mustard Oil can relieve bleeding gums in 7-10 days. The claim by the user is mostly false.

Claim

An intagram reel claims that a paste of Fitkari powder, Rock Salt and Mustard Oil can relieve bleeding gums in 7-10 days. In the reel, the user, dr.sharmarobin says "Take a piece of alum (fitkari) about the size of a lemon, crush it into powder and put it on a hot griddle (tawa) to burn it thoroughly. Once it turns into ash, mix an equal amount of rock salt (sendha namak) into it. Store this mixture in a glass bottle. Now, at night before sleeping—or twice a day if the problem is severe—take a small amount of this powder, mix it with a little mustard oil (sarson ka tel) on your palm, and using your finger, gently massage it onto your gums. People who suffer from bleeding gums or pus in the gums should try this for just 7 to 10 days. If you don’t see improvement, then let me know."

The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is mostly false. The mixture of fitkari (alum), rock salt, and mustard oil may provide temporary relief from symptoms like bleeding gums due to their antimicrobial and astringent properties, but there is no clinical evidence to support the claim that this home remedy can fully treat bleeding gums within 7–10 days.

What are Bleeding Gums?

Bleeding gums are often a sign of gum (periodontal) disease, which refers to conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis—infections and inflammation affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth, including the gums and bone. The most common and mildest form, gingivitis, typically presents with symptoms such as redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing or flossing.

Gingivitis is generally preventable and reversible with consistent oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and seeking professional dental care for cleanings and evaluations. If left untreated, it may progress to more severe forms of periodontal disease, which can result in gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss.

What causes Bleeding Gums?

Bleeding gums can have many causes, including brushing too hard, improper flossing, ill-fitting dentures, hormonal changes during pregnancy, infections, bleeding disorders like hemophilia, blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin, aspirin, heparin), and deficiencies in vitamins C and K. People who wear poorly fitting dentures may also experience gum bleeding, and adjustments by a dentist may be needed. Serious health conditions like leukemia can increase the risk, and pregnancy-related hormonal shifts can make gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding.

What are the health benefits of Fitkari (alum) powder?

Fitkari (Alum) is a natural astringent commonly used in traditional medicine. When used externally, it helps dry out moisture, kill germs and parasites, reduce itching, and treat skin issues like eczema, ear infections, and itchy skin. When taken internally, it can help stop bleeding, treat diarrhea, and reduce symptoms like phlegm, dizziness, or delirium. Burnt alum, a processed form, is mostly used on the skin to help heal wounds, stop bleeding, and treat conditions like gum bleeding, vaginal discharge, nosebleeds, and skin infections. In general, regular alum is used internally, while burnt alum is applied externally.

What are the nutritional benefits of Rock Salt?

Rock salt contains about 85% sodium chloride (NaCl) and 15% trace minerals, including 84 natural elements, which are believed to support the body’s balance and boost overall health. It’s used in traditional remedies for a variety of issues, such as rheumatic pain, insect bites, respiratory problems, and digestive issues like vomiting or stomach worms (especially when combined with lemon juice). Gargling with rock salt can help relieve sore throat, dry cough, tonsillitis, and bad breath. Rock salt in water (brine) is used in steam treatments for asthma, sinus problems, and nasal or ear discomfort. It may also ease muscle cramps, improve circulation, and act as a mild nerve stimulant. Owing to its iron content, it may help raise hemoglobin levels. Adding a pinch to curd or drinks like lassi makes a refreshing and healthy beverage.

What are the nutritional benefits of Mustard Oil?

Mustard oil is a widely used cooking oil, especially in the northeastern, northern, and eastern parts of India. It contains a healthy balance of monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), along with saturated fats (SFA) in safe amounts. This composition contributes to various health benefits, such as lowering cancer risk, regulating body temperature, and offering antibacterial and antifungal protection. Mustard oil also helps in reducing cholesterol, supporting red blood cell (RBC) health, and may aid in managing diabetes. Additionally, it has anti-allergic properties and can help protect against eye and throat irritation.

Can the paste of Alum Powder, Rock Salt and Mustard Oil relieve bleeding gums in 7-10 days?

The mixture of alum, rock salt, and mustard oil may provide temporary relief from symptoms like bleeding gums due to their antimicrobial and astringent properties, but there is no strong clinical evidence to support the claim that this home remedy can fully treat bleeding gums within 7–10 days. Treating bleeding gums effectively depends on identifying and addressing the underlying cause, which usually requires more than just topical remedies.

A study published by Bajpai et al. concluded that mustard seed extract has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity against a variety of oral microorganisms. However, there is no scientific evidence to support its ability to stop bleeding within 7–10 days.

Another study by Huynh NC et al. concluded that short-term rinsing with NaCl enhances human gingival fibroblasts migration and boosts the expression of extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal proteins, thereby promoting healthy gums and oral wound healing. However, there is no documented evidence that rock salt can treat bleeding gums by addressing the underlying cause within 7–10 days.

A clinical study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research found that alum mouth rinse significantly reduced plaque and gum bleeding, with the most effective concentration being 15g/100ml. The results showed a dose-dependent reduction in bleeding by Day 15 and Day 30. Although alum helps in controlling bleeding gums, there is still no medical consensus that it can completely stop bleeding within 7–10 days.

While the combination of alum, rock salt, and mustard oil may help control bleeding gums, there is no scientific evidence to support that it can stop the bleeding within 7 to 10 days.

Dr Shreyas Shahid, MDS, Toothfairy Pediatric and Family Clinic, Hyderabad, said "Remedies like alum, rock salt, and mustard oil may offer temporary relief by reducing bacteria and tightening the gum tissues. However, these natural ingredients do not address the root cause of gum bleeding, which is often linked to plaque buildup, poor oral hygiene, or early gum disease like gingivitis. Relying solely on such remedies can delay proper diagnosis and allow the condition to progress to more serious stages like periodontitis. Bleeding gums should never be ignored, as they can also be a sign of systemic issues. I strongly advise patients to view these remedies as supportive care at best—not a cure. A professional dental evaluation is essential for identifying the cause and starting effective, evidence-based treatment to protect long-term oral health.”

Dr Angela Saha, BDS, Calcutta Heart Clinic and Hospital, Kolkata, said "The use of traditional remedies like a paste made from fitkari (alum), rock salt, and mustard oil for bleeding gums reflects longstanding cultural practices, especially in South Asia. These ingredients possess mild antimicrobial and astringent properties, which may help reduce surface inflammation and provide short-term relief. However, it's important to recognize that bleeding gums are often a sign of underlying gum disease—such as gingivitis or periodontitis—which cannot be effectively treated with home remedies alone. There is currently no scientific evidence confirming that this combination can cure bleeding gums within 7–10 days. These natural methods should not replace a thorough dental evaluation."

Medical Dialogues Final Take