6 Effective Home Remedies for Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and it will eventually morph into a significantly more serious issue if left untreated. It often leads to swollen, reddish gums that bleed easily. The good news is that gum disease can be completely reversed during the early stages. At times, it can even be reversed without getting treatments for it.

Symptoms of gingivitis

The symptoms of gingivitis can include:

• Gums that bleed while brushing teeth
• Receding gums that make teeth appear longer
• Bad breath that refuses to go away
• A strange unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Pus coming out of a tooth or the gums
• Loose teeth

Treating gingivitis with home remedies

We all love home remedies since they are typically easy and inexpensive. Patients should ensure they do not use any home remedies that contain ingredients they are allergic to. Home remedies are not meant to substitute the need for oral care performed by a dentist. These are only meant to supplement a patient's oral care routine. Here are some simple ways to reverse the early stage of gum disease:

1. Improved oral hygiene

The first thing a person who suspects they have gingivitis should do is establish a strict oral care routine. Bacteria leads to gum disease. Making a commitment to keep the mouth cleaner reduces the bacteria population.

2. Sea salt rinse

Sea salt is a natural disinfectant that helps to heal the body. This makes it an effective way to target the inflammation that occurs when a person has gingivitis. Other benefits of rinsing the mouth with salt water include:

• It soothes the gums
• It reduces pain
• It neutralizes bad breath
• It eliminates oral bacteria and the food particles they feed on

To make a salt rinse, add half a teaspoon of sea salt into a cup of warm water. The solution should be vigorously swished around the mouth for 30 seconds and spat out. It should be used to rinse the mouth about three times each day.

Excessive use of salt water can damage teeth enamel, so patients should avoid rinsing with salt water more than three times a day.

3. Turmeric

This is a yellow spice that has a peppery taste. It is what gives curry its distinctive flavor. This spice has medicinal properties, and it helps to heal inflamed gums. For best results, mix about half a teaspoon of turmeric with an equal amount of mustard oil and table salt to make a paste and apply it directly to the gums.

4. Aloe vera

This plant has properties that help to fight gum disease and reduce plaque. There is no need to make a paste or solution when using these. Patients simply need to swish pure aloe vera juice for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. This should be done two to three time daily for best results.

A dentist can help even more

While the early stages of gum disease can be fought off with these home remedies, a dentist can perform treatments that increase your odds of successfully reversing the condition. Contact our dental office for a consultation.

Request an appointment here: or call Gilroy Dental Associates at (408) 842-2818 for an appointment in our Gilroy office.

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