Gingivitis can be a painful and distressing condition. Symptoms include red and swollen gums, which often bleed. You may have started to notice that your gums bleed while brushing your teeth and feel tender to the touch. This is the first stage of gum disease, and it’s essential to take steps to improve the condition of your gums before it becomes worse. If left unchecked, gingivitis can cause severe problems such as tooth loss. These natural remedies for gingivitis may help.
Can you reverse gingivitis at home?
The good news is, there’s a lot you can do at home to address gingivitis symptoms. When started early and used correctly, gingivitis home remedies can help relieve symptoms and improve your oral health.
Gingivitis is a very common gum disease that affects people of all ages. It is a gum infection that’s caused by plaque, the sticky film that builds up on teeth. When plaque starts to build up on the teeth, it can cause gum irritation. If untreated, plaque hardens and becomes tartar. Once tartar forms, it must be removed by a dental professional. The key to treating gingivitis at home, then, is to get rid of plaque before it becomes tartar.
It’s best to start treatment as soon as the symptoms of gingivitis appear. Catching the condition in its early stages will make it easier to get rid of, and you’ll also be able to prevent the gingivitis from turning into a more serious condition.
The first thing to do if you notice any irritation, swelling, or bleeding of the gums is to get rid of any plaque. The best way to remove plaque is to brush your teeth at least twice a day. If you’re already brushing twice a day, make sure you’re brushing for at least two minutes and that you’re properly brushing any hard-to-reach areas. Flossing is also necessary to get in between teeth and remove any food particles that brushing can leave behind. You can also try one of the home remedies below to help heal your gums.
If these gingivitis home remedies don’t improve your symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist. Sometimes, having your teeth professionally cleaned by a hygienist may be necessary to remove the plaque that has accumulated around the gums and teeth.
Is gingivitis permanent?
Gingivitis isn’t considered to be a severe disease, and it is very treatable. Most people who suffer from gingivitis can treat the condition successfully, either at home or with their dentist’s help. However, if gingivitis isn’t treated correctly in the initial stage, it can worsen and lead to a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis. In the most severe cases, these conditions can cause bone damage to the jaw and tooth loss. Bacteria from gum infections may also penetrate the bloodstream and cause severe health problems, including lung infections and even heart disease. If you notice any issues with your gums or teeth, it’s essential to treat the problem before things become worse.
Does gingivitis cause bad breath?
As gingivitis is caused by bacteria on the teeth, it can cause bad breath in the long run. In the initial stages, bad breath may not be a problem, but if the condition isn’t treated, it’s likely to cause foul smelling breath. To keep this problem in check, you can brush your teeth more often and floss daily. Good dental hygiene can help get rid of the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Getting rid of gingivitis
Let’s look at some natural remedies for gingivitis, which you can try at home. You may have to try a couple of treatments before you find one that works for you. You’ll also need to persist with the treatment over a few days to a week, as you may not notice results straight away.
One of the most popular gingivitis home remedies is turmeric, which may help combat gingivitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Try making a paste using turmeric powder and applying it to your gums. You may also try making natural toothpaste using salt or baking soda and turmeric. Use this to clean your teeth at least once a day between regular brushing.
You can also try making your own mouthwash to treat gingivitis. One 2020 study found that Tea Tree oil mouthwash was just as effective as chlorhexidine, but without the unpleasant side effects. Add a few drops of either lemongrass essential oil or Tea Tree oil to some warm water and use this to gargle.
You can also try using aloe vera juice, which has also been found to be as effective as chlorhexidine. When buying aloe vera juice, make sure that it’s 100% aloe vera and doesn’t contain any added sugar. You can use these types of mouthwash two or three times a day to help reduce bad breath and get rid of bacteria.
Can baking soda cure gingivitis?
Another popular natural remedy for gingivitis is baking soda, which is commonly used in dental products due to its natural antibacterial properties. Baking soda can be easily diluted in water. You can make a solution using baking soda and water, and use this to brush your teeth, concentrating on your inflamed gums.For best results, brush your teeth using a baking soda solution twice daily.
Does vinegar kill gingivitis?
Another popular method of treating gingivitis is gargling with apple cider vinegar. Don’t use regular vinegar or white wine vinegar as these are too acidic. Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a remedy to help treat a variety of conditions due to its antioxidant properties. Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic, however, which can damage the enamel on your teeth. If you want to use it as a mouthwash or for gargling, dilute it with water first. For the best results, mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water, and use it as you would any mouthwash.
What is the best toothpaste for gingivitis?
Many toothpastes on the market have been designed to treat gingivitis. Try looking for a toothpaste that contains baking soda rather than making a baking soda solution yourself.
Many of the major toothpaste brands, such as Colgate, make toothpaste specifically designed to improve gum health. Look for a toothpaste with words such as “gum health,” “pro gum,” or “advanced gum protection” on the box.
It’s a good idea to use a specially developed toothpaste to help conquer gingivitis and then keep bacteria at bay. Choose a good quality toothpaste that contains fluoride, as these will help strengthen teeth and reduce plaque build-up.
Natural remedies are easy to try at home and can often be effective. If used consistently and correctly, you may find that one of these natural remedies for gingivitis helps clear up the condition. Once you get rid of the gingivitis, continue taking good care of your dental health to prevent the issue from arising again.
If you have gingivitis symptoms and you’ve tried natural remedies without success, it’s best to make a dentist appointment. Interested in visiting a certified pain-free dentist? Visit our directory of DentalVibe dentists and make dental anxiety a thing of the past!
