Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease, which normally occurs when bacteria accumulate on the gums. It is easier to treat at an early stage, while the bone and connective tissues are not yet infected. When left untreated, gingivitis can cause severe irritation, swelling, and redness of the gums.
The truth is that if you brush your teeth regularly, you are not likely to have this disease. Symptoms accompanied with gingivitis are:
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding around the gums
- Gum thinning
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How to cure gingivitis with natural ingredients
The good news is that gingivitis can be cured with home remedies, if identified early on. Here are some home remedies for gingivitis.
Use salt to get rid of gingivitis
At the first sign of gingivitis, prepare a dilute solution of salt and swish water. Why is salt so important? The salts make it impossible for bacteria to survive by changing the pH level inside your mouth. When used in this mouthwash, salt can be very soothing. This method also helps reduce inflammation associated with gingivitis.
Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 glass of warm water or 3-5 drops of mustard oil
Addresses:
In a glass of water add 1/2 teaspoon of salt in it. Mix well and swish with it. Do this 2-3 times a day. This is not a substitute for regular tooth brushing. Alternatively, you can make a paste by adding a few drops of mustard oil in 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Apply the paste on the gum and leave for about 3 minutes. Then wash your mouth with warm water. Do this 3 times a day.
Discover how swishing oil can treat gingivitis
When many people hear about this method, they think it sounds like some kind of ritual. By contrast, swish oil is as simple as putting a teaspoon of oil in your mouth. You will be surprised to learn that this simple practice has enormous health benefits. Helps rid your mouth of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes. Ultimately, it can greatly improve your oral health.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1-2 cups of warm water
Addresses:
Put the coconut or sesame oil in your mouth, and swish (If you are using solid coconut oil, you have to chew it first to make it melt) Continue for 10 minutes and spit. Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.
Use baking soda to cure gingivitis
Sodium bicarbonate is a product that cannot be missing in the home. It is used for so many things, ranging from cleansing, face masks, and other home remedies. Baking soda helps balance the pH levels in your mouth, making it an unfavorable environment for bacteria to thrive.
Ingredients:
- ¼ tablespoon of baking soda
- Warm water
Addresses:
Make a paste with baking soda by combining a few drops of water with baking soda. Use common sense here to determine enough water to make a paste, not to add too much water. Put the paste on your toothbrush and brush them. Do this once every 2 days.
Alternatively, you can make use of the same baking soda and salt water paste – and rinse your mouth with it. This is preferably done every morning.
Lemon juice to get rid of gingivitis
There are several claims that lemon juice is used in the treatment of gingivitis. I believe this is due to its vitamin C content and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium lemon, squeezed
- 1 glass of warm water
Addresses:
Mix the lemon juice with a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth with it. Better to do it first thing in the morning, before you brush your teeth.
Clove oil to get rid of gingivitis
The use of clove oil for treating oral infections is as old as the mountains. Clove oil has antibacterial and analgesic properties, which is very suitable for bacterial infections. It also serves as an effective toothache remedy.
Ingredients:
- 3-5 drops of clove oil
- Cotton swab
Addresses:
Pour a few drops of clove oil on a cotton swab. Hold it against the affected gum for a few minutes. You can also chew a clove every day to get rid of tooth and gum disease.
Aloe vera to treat gingivitis at home
Aloe vera is used in various beauty remedies. It is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory – so it can be used to treat gingivitis.
Ingredients:
Aloe vera gel
Direction:
- Open an aloe vera leaf and scrape off the gel.
- Apply the gel on the gums.
Rubbing tea tree oil on gingivitis
Tea tree oil is a miracle oil and serves several purposes. It owes its healing ability to antiseptic and antibacterial properties. But before using tea tree on your skin or gums, make sure it is well diluted, to avoid irritation. Since you are using it on your gum, you can dilute it with your ordinary toothpaste or even better, natural.
Ingredients:
- 2 drops of tea tree oil
- Toothpaste
Addresses:
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your toothpaste and brush your teeth with it. (Be careful not to swallow the toothpaste, as tea tree oil can be very irritating if swallowed.)
Sage is an herbal remedy for gingivitis
Sage and peppermint are excellent for treating gingivitis. Both are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. They help in reducing inflammation of the gums and killing the bacteria responsible for gingivitis.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon sage or mint
- 1 cup of water
Addresses:
- Bring a cup of water to a boil, add sage herb in it.
- Turn the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 – 10 minutes.
- Strain and let it cool. Use the resulting water as a mouthwash.
Guava leaves to treat gingivitis
You will be surprised to know that guava leaves are potent in treating gingivitis. They are an excellent source of guayabera, an anti-plaque agent.
Ingredients:
- 5 guava leaves
- 2 cups of water
Addresses:
- Bring a cup of water to a boil. Add guava leaves to the water.
- Lower the heat to low and simmer until half the water evaporates.
- Strain and let cool.
- Rinse your mouth with the water 2 to 3 times a day.
- Alternatively, you can chew clean guava leaves for a few minutes. Spit them out and rinse your mouth with warm water. Or crush guava leaves and rub the resulting
- paste on the inflamed gum.
Turmeric can cure gingivitis
Turmeric contains an active component known as curcumin. Curcumin is a well-known anti-inflammatory agent and has a powerful antioxidant effect. To use turmeric for gingivitis, make an herbal tooth powder.
Ingredients:
- 4 teaspoons turmeric
- 8 teaspoon Neem powder
- ¼ teaspoon alum powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Addresses:
- In a medium bowl combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Store in an airtight container.
- When you’re ready to use it, rub a moderate amount onto the gum and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water after that. Do this 2 times a day for best results.
Here are some tips to prevent gingivitis
All these remedies do not take away from the fact that you always have to maintain your dental hygiene (prevention is better than treatment). It is easier to reverse gingivitis at an early stage. There are some common practices you can use to keep gingivitis at bay.
- Start by flossing before brushing your teeth.
- Rinse with mouthwash.
- Brush your teeth completely down to the gums.
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.
Brush your teeth daily
It is advisable to brush your teeth twice a day and after each meal. But it is often difficult to brush your teeth after every meal. At the very least, try just rinsing your mouth with lukewarm water. However, brushing your teeth before bed is a must to prevent bacteria from multiplying during the night.
Flossing every day
Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth. It cleans the areas where the brush cannot clean and also prevents cavities. Flossing should be done before brushing your teeth to loosen any food that gets stuck between your teeth.
See your dentist regularly
Seeing a dentist is of the utmost importance to maintaining good dental hygiene. The dentist’s job is to reach those nearly impossible places in the dental cavity and thoroughly clean, as well as spot any red flags of serious dental problems that need treatment. A visit is recommended once every six months.
Proper use of daily mouthwash
Choose a mouthwash that has antibacterial properties and preferably one that is not commercial. Go for homemade ones. Use natural ingredients like baking soda and apple cider vinegar.
Change your toothbrush regularly
Most people wait too long before changing their toothbrush. The toothbrushes are meant to be changed once every three months.
Give up smoking
Stop smoking. Smoking is dangerous for the teeth and gums as it affects blood flow. Inadequate blood flow leads to poor nutrition to the gums and can cause serious damage.
Good pro-dental health diet
Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables can not only improve your health, but also promote good oral health. These foods provide the body with adequate antioxidants that help fight free radical damage.
Foods rich in vitamin C are also encouraged. These foods help prevent gum disease and promote dental health.
Sugary foods are the number one enemy of your teeth They are acidic; they promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth. They are the most common factors of tooth decay.