How to Get Rid of Gingivitis

Noticing a bit of blood when you brush your teeth? Do your gums appear to be red as opposed to their natural pink hue? Chances are, you’re suffering from gingivitis.

Mild cases of gingivitis can be reversed with at home care while more serious cases may require help from a professional. With diligent oral hygiene practices paired with the following home remedies, you should be able to restore your gums back to a healthy, pink state.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a disease caused by bacteria infection that affects the gums. When plaque builds up in the gums, gingivitis often occurs. Plaque is a bacterium made up of mucus and food particles, which can easily build up if you don’t brush your teeth at least twice a day.

However, taking care to brush your teeth in the morning, before bed, and following each meal can save your teeth and gums from the buildup of this bacterial laden white substance.

Neglecting to take proper care of your teeth and gums can lead to gingivitis. When you don’t brush your teeth regularly, bacteria can start to accumulate and develop a barrier between your gum tissue and teeth.

This barrier is called tarter. When your gums are inflicted with gingivitis, they will start to bleed and turn reddish around the teeth and gums. These are not the only symptoms that may appear if you are suffering from gingivitis.

What are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a mild problem that can turn serious if the symptoms aren’t addressed. The first sign of gingivitis is red, inflamed gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing your teeth.

Some people may not experience any discomfort, however, if you suffer from gingivitis for an extended period of time, you may start to notice some sensitivity. Here is a list of some other symptoms you may experience while suffering from gingivitis:

• Red gums– healthy gums are typically a pink hue
• Puffy, inflamed gums
• Bleeding gums– this may be especially noticeable when you floss or brush your teeth
• Soft gums– healthy gums are typically tighter
• Receding gums– this occurs with the gums of your bottom teeth.
• Bad breath– bacteria is responsible for breath that’s not so fresh
• Sore gums– although this is not a typical sign of gingivitis, some people may experience some discomfort in their gums when suffering from gingivitis

Treating Gingivitis

If you suspect you are suffering from gingivitis, the first step is to consult your dentist. The next step would be to step up your dental hygiene game.

Gingivitis is the result of tarter and plaque buildup, so brushing and flossing more frequently is your next line of defense. The following home remedies are ways you can help treat the symptoms and discomfort associated with gingivitis.

Salt

Salt is a great remedy for gingivitis because it is an antiseptic treatment that fights bacteria. If you have any abscesses in your mouth, salt will inhibit the growth of bacteria and draw out any impurities.

Salt also helps to treat inflammation and discomfort in the gums. To use salt as a home remedy:

1. Add 1/2 a teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water. Swish this mixture around your mouth every morning and every evening.
2. Practice this home remedy twice daily until inflammation recedes.

Other options

• Another way to use salt as a home remedy for gingivitis is to make a paste. Mix 1/2 a teaspoon of salt with a couple drops of mustard oil. Mix together until a paste forms.
• Rub this mixture onto your gums in a circular motion for a couple minutes.
• Rinse with lukewarm water.
• Use this home remedy 2-3 times a day until the symptoms of gingivitis start to diminish.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an effective home remedy for gingivitis because its antiseptic properties help to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth, thereby preventing the development of infections.

Baking soda is also a great remedy because it helps to reduce the amount of acid in the mouth, therefore preventing tooth decay and gingivitis. To use baking soda as a home remedy:

1. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with a dash of lukewarm water.
2. Mix until a paste forms.
3. Gently rub the paste into the gums.
4. Let sit for a couple minutes.
5. Rinse with warm water.
6. Apply this treatment 2-3 times a week until your gingivitis subsides.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a great home remedy for gingivitis because it actively reduces the amount of bacteria living in the mouth.

Rich in the antioxidant, Curcumin, turmeric reduces pain, inflammation, and plaque. To use turmeric as a home remedy, follow these guidelines:

1. Mix together 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1/2 a teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 a teaspoon of mustard oil.
2. Mix these three ingredients together until a paste forms.
3. Apply this mixture to your teeth and gums twice a day, massaging in a circular motion.
4. Leave this mixture on your teeth and gums for a couple minutes and then rinse with warm water.
5. Use this remedy twice a day.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an old Ayurvedic technique designed to keep gums and teeth healthy. Oil pulling is used to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth.

By getting rid of harmful bacteria, you can improve the overall health of your teeth and gums. Make sure not to swallow the oil during this process. To practice oil pulling, do the following:

1. Place a tablespoon of coconut oil or sesame oil in your mouth.
2. Swish the oil around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
3. Spit the oil out and then rinse your mouth out with warm water.
4. Do this home remedy every morning before you brush your teeth.

Aloe Vera

Did you know that aloe vera helps reduce discomfort associated with gingivitis? The healing gel of gingivitis reduces inflammation and also helps to reduce plaque. To use aloe vera as a treatment for gingivitis, do the following:

1. Apply aloe vera gel to your gums.
2. Leave the gel on for 10 minutes.
3. Gargle with cool water, swishing it around.
4. Spit out.
5. Use this home remedy a couple times a day until your gingivitis subsides.

Lemon Juice

The disinfecting qualities of lemon paired with its high content of vitamin C help to fight off infection. Lemon is also loaded with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help reduce the symptoms of gum disease. To use lemon as a home remedy, do the following:

1. Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with enough salt to form a paste.
2. Apply this salt to your gums and let sit for a couple minutes.
3. Rinse with warm water.
4. Apply this paste 4-5 times a day until the symptoms of gingivitis start to subside.

Guava Leaves

Guava leaves are loaded with healing and soothing properties that help alleviate toothaches and gum disease.

Loaded with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, and pain relieving properties make this treatment an ideal home remedy for treating gingivitis. To use guava leaves as a home remedy, follow these guidelines:

1. Rinse off a couple guava leaves, making sure they are clean enough to chew.
2.  Chew them up and then spit it out.
3. Use this home remedy twice daily until your gingivitis clears up.

Gingivitis Another option is to use a daily mouthwash that contains guava in the ingredients.