Gingivitis home remedies have become highly searched online because of the increasing number in the incidence rate.
A very common oral health condition is gingivitis. This ailment is described to be the inflammation of the gums in which the infection destroys the tissues that supports the teeth and even the tooth sockets. This oral disease is the result of a long-term effect of plaque deposits on your teeth. Since plaque is a sticky material that consists of food debris, mucus and bacteria that forms at the exposed areas of the teeth. Gingivitis is a major form of tooth decay if the plaque isn’t removed from poor oral hygiene.
Have you ever heard of the word tartar?
I’m sure this word has been thrown around at the dental clinic. Tartar is the hard deposit that forms if the plaque isn’t removed. This forms at the base of your teeth. Both plaque and tartar can peeve and inflame your gums since the bacteria and toxins can further infect, swell and make the gums tender. This condition can start off mild and without proper treatment and good person hygiene it could lead on to more serious cases such as another gum disease called “periodontitis” and even tooth loss.
The most common cause of gingivitis is due to poor oral hygiene. That is why to prevent this oral condition you must practice good oral health habits, regular check-ups with your dentist, brushing daily and flossing.
People at risk for gingivitis are the following:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Some infections that turn into systemic diseases
- Tobacco use
- Aging
- Lack of calcium
- Misaligned teeth, mouth appliances
- Pregnancy (due to hormonal changes which may increase the sensitivity of the gums)
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Certain medications such as phenytoin, bismuth and some birth control pills
Symptoms of gingivitis:
- Bright red or red to purple appearance of the gums
- Shiny appearance of the gums
- Bad breath
- Mouth sores due to the bacteria
- Swollen and puffy gums
- Bleeding gums
When to call your dentist:
The right time to call your dentist is when your gums are very painful and they tend to bleed very easily even when brushing or flossing. Before actually trying out remedies for gingivitis, make sure to discuss this with your dentist so you have an idea if your case of this condition is mild and could be treated at home.
The most effective gingivitis home remedies are:
- Peppermint oil. This is a great gingivitis cure because it will shrink inflamed tissues caused by gingivitis. Drop in a few drops of this essential oil in warm water and you can either use it as a mouth wash. It’ll help out with shrinking tissues.
- Oil pulling. This is an ancient gingivitis treatment practiced by the Ayurvedic to cleanse impurities of the body. Oil pulling is very useful in easing mouth pain. Get a tablespoon of coconut oil in the mouth and swish it in the mouth for around 15 minutes. Remember not to swallow it. Make sure you spit it into the trash and not the sink or toilet because coconut oil tends to clog your pipes. Rinse your mouth out well with warm water. Do this 3x a day to help get rid of gingivitis.
- Salt water rinse. After the oil pulling gingivitis home treatment, try rinsing your mouth with very salty water. Combine salt with warm water (as much as you can handle in terms of salty-ness) The saltier, the better the chances of killing bacteria. Gargle for 30 seconds at least 3x a day. Also one of the effective remedies for angular cheilitis.
Tea Tree Oil - Echinacea tincture rinse. This gingivitis natural treatment is an alternative when you can’t handle using a salt rinse. You can buy Echinacea tincture at any herbal store. With a dropper full of Echinacea tincture you can add this to a half cup of warm water. Gargle it for 30 seconds at least 3x a day.
- Tea tree oil. This is believed to be a natural antiseptic that could help fight off gingivitis. Drop a little amount on your toothbrush every time you brush your teeth. One of the most effective gingivitis home remedies.
- Baking soda solution. Make a paste out of baking soda and water and rub it on the gums every day to lessen the inflammation. (Also a great natural remedy for bad breath)
- Calcium. Lack of calcium is said to contribute to gingivitis. Try getting your calcium levels checked and if they are low try eating foods high in calcium or calcium supplements.
- Bloodroot. Check out toothpaste ingredients with blood root because this herbal ingredient is said to help prevent plaque build-up.
Try out these gingivitis home remedies to help fight gingivitis, these are the top remedies that are proven effective and safe!
