Gingivitis is a very common and mild form of gum disease. It is generally a moderate infection of the gums. Anybody can establish gingivitis and many individuals are not even aware that they have it.
Its typical symptoms include inflammation, redness, swelling and puffiness of the gums. Other symptoms consist of bad breath, loose teeth, declining gums, and gums that become tender and bleed, specifically while brushing or flossing.
The most common cause of gingivitis is bad oral hygiene, which permits plaque to form on the teeth. Plaque is an invisible, sticky film made up of bacteria that can aggravate the gums along with the teeth.
Some aspects that can increase the risk of gingivitis are excessive cigarette smoking, use of tobacco, age, diabetes, particular medications, jagged teeth, uncomfortable dental restorations, broken fillings, pregnancy, genes, jeopardized immunity, dry mouth and a bad diet.
If left without treatment, gingivitis can end up being severe and lead to severe infection referred to as periodontitis and even tooth loss.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, gingivitis is also connected with an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and lung disease. It also increases the risk of premature delivery in pregnant women.
Good oral health routines– brushing at least two times a day, flossing day-to-day and getting regular dental checkups – can help avoid gingivitis. Your dentist might suggest extra oral health practices specific to your requirements.
In addition to good oral hygiene, you can use some basic natural home remedy to treat and prevent gingivitis.
How to Cure Gingivitis at Home
1. Salt
Salt is an extremely effective remedy for gingivitis due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It can assist treat swollen and irritated gums. Plus, it draws infection from any abscesses and hinders the development of bacteria in the mouth.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water. Use this homemade saline solution to rinse your mouth once each early morning and when each night up until the swelling of your gums is decreased.
- Alternatively, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt with adequate mustard oil to make a paste. Use this paste to massage the gums using circular strokes for 1 or 2 minutes. Gargle with warm water. Repeat this treatment 2 or 3 times daily for a few days.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric consists of curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin can efficiently reduce plaque, pain, swelling and inflammation in the gums. Plus, it can minimize bacterial activity to prevent infection.
A study released in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology also discovered turmeric mouthwash to be effective as an accessory to mechanical plaque control to prevent plaque and gingivitis, thanks to its anti-plaque, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties comparable to that of a standard chlorexidine mouthwash.
- Make a paste of 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and mustard oil. Apply it on your teeth and gums and massage two times daily.
- Alternatively, mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little water or vitamin E oil to make a gum pack. Apply it to your gums and leave it on for 10 minutes prior to washing with warm water. Follow this treatment a minimum of once daily for a couple of weeks.
- Another option is make a paste of some turmeric powder and a little water, scoop it up with a soft-bristle toothbrush and brush your teeth with it. Do this twice daily for at least a few weeks.
3. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a popular Ayurvedic practice that can help reduce bacteria that cause gingivitis. It can reduce plaque, enhance gums and assist keep good oral health.
- Put 1 tablespoon of sesame oil or coconut oil in your mouth.
- Swish it in your mouth and through your teeth for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Spit it out and then wash your mouth completely with warm water.
Do this each early morning prior to brushing your teeth for about a month.
Note: Do not rinse or swallow the oil.
4. Sodium bicarbonate
Baking soda is a popular gingivitis home remedy. It reduces the effects of the acids in the mouth, consequently reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, it works as a natural antibacterial to help prevent infections.
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with a bit of warm water to make a paste.
Apply this paste to the gums.
Leave it on for 1 or 2 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.
Use this treatment 2 or 3 times a week.
5. Lemon Juice
Lemons include anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat gum disease. Plus, they include vitamin C, which can help combat infection.
- Mix the juice of a lemon in a glass of warm water. Use this solution as a mouthwash after brushing your teeth. Do this twice day-to-day to soothe bleeding and receding gums triggered by gingivitis.
- Another alternative is to mix a little salt with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to make a paste. Apply this paste on your gums and leave it on for a few minutes before washing it off with warm water. Repeat the process 4 or 5 times a day till you see enhancement.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-bacterial and antifungal properties that are very reliable against gingivitis. It can avoid the build-up of bacteria that cause plaque resulting in gingivitis. Plus, it can ease pain and soothe swollen teeth and gums.
- Burst an aloe vera leaf and extract the pulp.
- Rub the pulp straight on the impacted gums.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes and then swish with cold water.
Repeat a few times daily till the condition subsides.
7. Guava Leaves
Guava leaves are thought about reliable for offering remedy for toothaches and gum disease due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. Plus, the guaijaverin in guava leaves acts as an antiplaque representative.
Wash and clean a few guava leaves thoroughly. Chew them and then spit out. Do this twice daily for at least a few weeks.
Another alternative is to grind some tender guava leaves and use it as a tooth paste.
You can also use a mouthrinse including guava leaf extract.
8. Clove
You can also use clove to treat gingivitis due to its strong antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic properties.
- Just chew 2 or 3 cloves, 3 times day-to-day to treat gingivitis.
- You can likewise rub clove oil on your gums, leave it on for a couple of minutes and after that rinse it off with warm water. Do this twice everyday.
Another choice is to include a few drops of clove oil to a glass of warm water. Use this mix to rinse your mouth 2 or 3 times daily.
Follow any of these solutions daily up until you are pleased with the outcomes.
Note: Pregnant women, kids and people taking blood thinning medications must prevent using clove or clove oil.
How long Does It Take to Treat Gingivitis?
Classic gingivitis symptoms take approximately 10 to 14 days to recover. Even with proper treatment the conditions will continue to exist for several days. Be patient and wait at least two weeks prior to expecting total reversal of symptoms. If your gums do not seem to be healing, you might have periodontal (gum) disease and need expert care to cleanse the area.