Gingivitis Home Remedy

Here is a list of gingivitis home remedy and tips to prevent gingivitis. Before you try the home treatment for gingivitis, see a dentist to get a proper diagnosis. If you haven't done it yet, the information here may help you self diagnose and prepare yourself for your dental appointment.

What is gingivitis? What is the cause of gingivitis? What are the common gingivitis symptoms? How to treat gingivitis?

Gingiva or gum is the pink membrane that is attached to the alveolar bone which surrounds the teeth. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gingiva or gum. It is a common and mild form of gum disease. Though mild, if left untreated, gingivitis can lead to serious gum disease such as periodontitis and will cause pus between teeth and gums, bad breath, elongated teeth and loose teeth which will eventually result in tooth loss.

Dental plaque is the major cause of gingivitis. And the plaque which is the soft, sticky and colorless film of bacteria that forms on the gum and teeth are caused by poor oral hygiene. Other factors that can cause gingivitis include hormonal change due to pregnancy, infections, diabetes, smoking and use of tobacco and dental restoration.

Healthy gums are pink in color. One of the signs of gingivitis is when your gums are red and swollen. There is usually no pain but the gums are tender and may bleed when you brush your teeth.

Gingivitis home remedy No. 1 - Remove dental plaque daily

Everyone brushes the teeth daily. Most people brush at least twice a day. But some do it only once in the morning. But not all of us brush out teeth properly and effectively. The plaque deposits will produce toxins which will irritate the gums and cause gingivitis. Over time the plaque will form calculus or tartar. When this happens, brushing the teeth won't be able to completely remove the plaque and more plaque will form.

So, the first gingivitis home remedy is to religiously exercise good oral hygiene. This means you must brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss to remove food debris in between the teeth.

It is not only important to brush your teeth at least twice a day. You must also brush properly and spend more time. You should use the right brushing technique and thoroughly clean your teeth, gum, scrape your tongue and roof of your mouth or hard palate. Additional good oral hygienic habits include gargling or rinsing your mouth after eating.

Gingivitis home remedy No. 2 - Natural remedies

The most natural remedy is to use plain water to gargle or swish and remove food debris. If the gum irritates, rinse with saline solution which is a mixture of salt and water. Another natural remedy that you can use to rinse your mouth is diluted food grade hydrogen peroxide. Another gingivitis home remedy is to use diluted white vinegar as a mouth rinse.

If you notice gum inflammation, apply vitamin E oil on the affected area and it may reduce the soreness. Herbal extracts that you can apply and may help reduce the inflammation includes clove oil and aloe vera gel.

Baking soda is another natural product that you can use as an effective and cheap gingivitis home remedy. What you need to do is mix baking soda with water to make a paste and use it as toothpaste. Brush gently but thoroughly including at the gum line and it will remove the plaque as well as whitens your teeth.

Gingivitis home remedy No. 3 - Use dental care oral hygiene products

Buying an electric or power toothbrush is one of the best investments for your gum health. The electric toothbrush is better than the normal manual tooth brush because its shape, the bristles and its movements are more effective in removing plaque and reaching hard to reach areas. If you drink coffee daily and smoke, it will help remove the stains.

Another useful tool that you can use for gingivitis home remedy is the water flosser, power flosser or oral irrigator. This tool can help do a proper flossing and remove debris between your teeth and gum line.

When choosing toothpaste, opt for one that contains ingredients such as tea tree oil and baking soda which can provide gum protection and prevent or reverse gingivitis.

Antiseptic mouthwash such as Listerine or any other gingivitis mouthwash is helpful in removing plaque and prevent gingivitis. You can also use plaque loosening rinse such as Plax to soften the plaque before brushing your teeth.

Gingivitis home remedy No. 4 - Diet and health supplements

Watch your diet, eat foods that are nutritious and avoid foods that can lead to serious disease such as diabetes. People who suffer from diabetes have impaired blood flow and can worsen gingivitis.

To maintain gum health, eat foods that are high in vitamin C such as fruits and dark leafy green vegetables. Some herbs such as basil, cilantro and thyme also contain vitamin C. If you are not getting enough vitamin C in your diet or are losing it fast, take vitamin C supplement.

Studies indicate that vitamin D reduces the risk of getting gum disease and bleeding gums. If you are getting enough sunshine, you don't have to worry. Otherwise eat foods such as fish or drink plain soymilk. Another option is take fish oil or vitamin D supplement.

Some research found that a deficiency of coenzyme Q10 is linked to periodontal disease and diabetes. So, besides practicing good oral hygiene, include coenzyme Q10 in your diet. Since it is an antioxidant, the additional benefits include strengthening your body's defense against diseases and maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.

Chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes worsen dental plaque deposits. So, even if you try the gingivitis home remedy listed above but refuse to quit smoking or chewing tobacco, you won't see much progress. You may have to visit the dentist more regularly for professional treatment such as dental cleaning or scaling.

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