Gingivitis is a gum disease which is caused due to inflammation of the gums. It is the first stage of gum disease. Plaque is the immediate cause of gingivitis. If you do not get rid of plaque through proper flossing and brushing, it turns to tartar and produces poisons or toxins that can irritate the gum tissue and causes gingivitis. It is the soft, sticky and colorless bacteria that constantly forms on the gums and the teeth.
Conventional treatment for Gingivitis includes regular dental cleanings, antibacterial mouthwash, retainers or orthodontics to align teeth properly, repair or replacement of dental appliances, treatment of other health conditions and ‘over-the-counter’ anti-inflammatory medicines.
Gingivitis can be completely treated at home as there are a number of natural remedies, essential oils, herbs and foods which are easy to lay hands on which do not cost much too.
Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids called Lauric acid, which kills harmful bacteria of the mouth which are responsible for bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. It is particularly very effective in killing a bacteria called Streptococcus mutans that is a prime cause of tooth decay(1).
How much to use: Do it regularly for better results on how to get rid of gingivitis
Benefits: When it comes to all-natural ingredients which can benefit every part of your body, coconut oil is the best of it. As an added benefit, your mouth and teeth will look and feel healthier with daily treatment of coconut oil. It has an incredible effect on ulcerative gingivitis.
[Also Read: Coconut Oil Health Benefits]
Baking Soda is a very effective remedy for treating gingivitis as it neutralizes the acids of the mouth, thus decreasing the risk of tooth decay.
Due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, Aloe Vera proves to be very effective against gingivitis as it prevents the bacteria to accumulate which leads to plaque formation.
How many times: You can do this 2 times a day.
Baking soda exerts an antibacterial effect on gingivitis and soothes gums and teeth. It helps to whiten the teeth. Baking soda restores pH balance, and salt has antimicrobial properties.
Do not add more vegetable glycerine as it can interrupt the remineralization process of your teeth. It is recommended to use fresh gel extracted from the Aloe Vera leaf for any topical application. But make sure that after plucking the leaf, use it the same day.
Guava leaves possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it one of the best remedies against gum diseases and toothaches. In addition to this, guaijaverin that is present in guava leaves acts as an antiplaque agent.
Fresh Guava Leaves, a glass of clean water
How many times: Do this 2 times daily.
Benefits: Guava leaves are packed with flavonoids. They have antibacterial properties which makes it a good option for treating gums and teeth related problems.
[Read: Health Benefits of Guava Seeds]
Lemons have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which help in treating gum related diseases. Lemons also have Vitamin C which is good to fight off infection.
How many times: Do this for at least 2 times a day.
How many times: Do this 4 to 5 times a day.
[ Read: Benefits of Lemon Water ]
This mixture provides a soothing effect to the gums as it possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lemons have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which help in treating gum related diseases. Lemons also have Vitamin C which is good to fight off infection.
How many times: Do this for at least 2 times a day.
How many times: Do this 4 to 5 times a day.
Use this mixture and brush your teeth with a toothbrush
How many times: Do this 1 time a day
This mixture prevents further gum problems. It also kills the bacteria that causes gingivitis.
[Also Read: Effective Home Remedies for Gingivitis]
Figs are rich in minerals and vital vitamins. They contain manganese, potassium, magnesium, iron, and copper. They act effectively in restoring vitamins and minerals of the teeth, thus strengthening the teeth(2).
How many times: Wondering how to get rid of gingivitis? You can eat figs every day for good results
Figs are used to strengthen the gums and cavities. They increase the secretion of saliva by stimulating salivary glands. They help to clean teeth, remove plaque and reduce the effect of gingivitis on gums.
Always make sure to use fresh figs and wash it thoroughly before use as there can be dirt over it.
Saltwater mouthwash is very effective in treating your gum inflammation caused by gingivitis. It is a natural disinfectant which helps your body heal by itself.
Salt water also helps ease pain, reduces bacteria, relieves from bad breath and removes food stuck between the teeth.
How many times: Do this 2 to 3 times a day
Because of the acidic nature of the mixture, long term use may cause damage to the tooth enamel and erode the tooth.
Turmeric has curcumin which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that treat pain, reduce plaque, bring down swelling and inflammation of the gums. It also prevents infection by reducing bacterial infection.
How many times: Repeat twice a day for good results, especially for better results on pregnancy gingivitis.
Turmeric is rich in antifungal and antibacterial properties. It has all the healing properties on reddening of gums and swollen gums. It can remove plaque caused due to gingivitis very effectively.
A recent research found that using sage as a mouthwash considerably reduces the bacteria that cause dental plaque.
Use this mixture to rinse your mouth every day.
How many times: You can do this 2 to 3 times a day.
Sage has antibacterial properties that act on the bacteria causing gingivitis and bad breath. They also relieve gum pain.
Sanguinaria or Bloodroot is a plant whose stem is used to make medications. It helps in treating varied ailments like tooth pain, skin problems, headaches, muscle and joint pain, fevers and breathing problems. It is also used in treating different types of cancers. It has chemicals that fight bacteria and treat inflammation.
How many times: Do it 2-4 times per week for good results
Sanguinaria extract (bloodroot) is a common ingredient in toothpaste. Sanguinaria toothpaste is the best toothpaste for gingivitis. You can also use it as gingivitis mouthwash by adding the bloodroots in lukewarm water and gargling. It contains an antimicrobial agent and is very safe to use and to get rid of gingivitis. It reduces gingivitis gums.
Cloves have antioxidant and antiviral properties that reduce inflammation and prevent plaque. They are also used in relieving pain.
How many times: Do it three times a week for best results.
Cloves offer many benefits to the gums and teeth. They treat swollen gums and reduce inflammation, the two main problems of gingivitis. Clove works effectively against harmful bacteria that cause plaque and gingivitis.
Lemongrass reduces plaque, which is the primary symptom of gingivitis. It is considered a natural alternative to traditional mouthwashes.
How many times: Do it twice a day for good results.
Lemongrass oil mouthwash is the best gingivitis mouthwash. It has high amounts of antioxidants and vitamin C. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is rich in anti-inflammatory properties too. It is good for desquamative gingivitis.
Tea Tree Oil is an effective remedy for treating gingivitis. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
How many times: Do this 2 times a day
Tea tree oil is an incredibly effective natural remedy for healing plaque and gingivitis by fighting off infectious microbes. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and thus good for treating gingivitis.
Always use the Tea Tree essential oil by mixing with a carrier oil like sunflower oil or coconut oil.
Clove oil has been used as a major remedy for tooth pain for centuries now. Eugenol, the compound present in clove oil has anesthetic properties.
Eugenol also possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to keep teeth healthy apart from relieving pain.
You can use another cotton ball dipped in clove oil if you have a problem in more than one place in the mouth
How many times: Do this early in the morning just after brushing your teeth and just before going to bed.
Clove oil prevents cavities, bad breath, gingivitis, and tooth decay. It also treats bleeding gums.
This is a mouthwash which is oil based and the major ingredient would be coconut oil blended with frankincense essential oil.
Use this mixture as a mouthwash. After you do the mouthwash, spit the mixture out.
How many times: You can do this 2 times a day. Once as soon as you brush your teeth early morning and after brushing your teeth before going to bed.
Frankincense essential oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that work very effectively in fighting the bacteria causing gingivitis. Coconut oil, because of its sticky consistency, cleans out any particles that might get stuck between teeth and cause tooth decay and bad breath. Using this mixture as a mouthwash has a refreshing effect on your mouth.
As discussed above, Gingivitis is curable at home. One important thing to remember is that you should also not forget the precautions discussed. Follow the above home remedies and get relief from the symptoms of gingivitis and smile more confidently. And if you experience something serious, visit the dentist immediately.
Treating gingivitis in a prompt and right way prevents it from worsening further, and helps avoid loss of teeth or any serious gum disease. It also reverses the symptoms. Gingivitis can also be stopped if you follow a regular regime of good oral care. You should also stop the usage of tobacco.
Proper dental regime and regular visits to a dentist can cure gingivitis. If you do not follow proper dental care, there is a high chance that it might come back. On the other hand, Periodontitis leads to other dental problems like loss of teeth.
Tender, painful, purple or bright red gums, bleeding gums when brushing, bad breath, swollen or soft gums are all the early signs of Gingivitis.
The dentist removes the plaque and tartar during your regular visit. Gum diseases like gingivitis can be cured by following proper dental care like regular brushing and flossing after having meals and using a mouthwash.