How to Manage and Prevent Gingivitis With Natural Remedies

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that’s most common among adults and can be caused by poor oral hygiene or certain medical conditions.

Home remedies can help treat and prevent gingivitis. However, if the symptoms don’t improve or gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, it is essential that you visit your dentist.

1. Vitamin C

Many Americans suffer from gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that can be treated at home with home remedies. Unfortunately, if not addressed quickly enough, gingivitis may progress into periodontitis – an advanced stage caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth that requires professional cleanings by either dentists or dental hygienists to remove.

Gingivitis can be prevented with proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing twice daily, eating a low sugar diet, and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. If the condition becomes severe, a doctor or dentist may prescribe antibiotics to combat it.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for managing and preventing gingivitis. It has numerous benefits, such as aiding with wound healing, tissue repair, and improving nutrient absorption.

Increase your intake of citrus fruits and other foods high in vitamin C to meet the recommended daily allowance (RDA). It also has anti-inflammatory effects which may reduce gingivitis inflammation.

Another effective option is oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic medical practice. This involves swishing oil such as coconut oil into your mouth for 20 to 30 minutes and has been scientifically proven to significantly reduce plaque and signs of gingivitis.

Rinsing your mouth with salt water three times a day can help relieve gum inflammation and prevent further plaque buildup on teeth. Aloe vera juice may also reduce symptoms of gingivitis, according to a 2016 study. Make sure to purchase pure aloe vera juice without added ingredients such as sugar so it won’t irritate your throat.

2. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic oral health remedy that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil around in your mouth, can help combat bacteria and improve overall oral health. Studies have demonstrated the advantages of this practice including reduced plaque (which could prevent cavities) as well as healthier gums for a brighter smile.

Oil pulling has long been seen as a safe and effective oral health practice, though it should never replace brushing and flossing. Oil pulling should only be added to your dental care regimen as an extra step for added benefit.

Studies have demonstrated that coconut oil, which contains lauric acid, has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce plaque buildup and signs of gingivitis. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated its effectiveness at decreasing bad breath-causing bacteria in your mouth.

Another study demonstrated that swishing coconut oil for 20 minutes reduced the amount of bacteria responsible for bad breath in adolescents, even when compared to prescription mouthwash. This could be because oil pulling helps balance out the oral microbiome, which is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth.

Oil pulling does have some benefits, though these numbers are relatively small. Further research is necessary to assess its effects on different age groups and cultures where Ayurvedic practices are more prevalent and accepted.

If you’re thinking about trying oil pulling, be sure to do your research and select a high-quality product. Avoid oils that are too strong or swishing the oil too forcefully which could cause facial muscle pain. Instead, gently swish the oil for 15-20 minutes each day without swallowing it; once completed, spit it out into a trash can and rinse your mouth with water.

3. Salt Water Rinse

Salt Water Rinse for Gingivitis

Gargling with a saltwater solution can reduce inflammation and swelling that lead to gingivitis, as well as kill bacteria responsible for gum disease. It’s an effective treatment option to help combat this common dental health issue.

Make a mouth rinse at home by mixing one teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water. You may also add baking soda if desired, but be mindful that cold water may jarringly affect sensitive teeth.

In addition to relieving pain, a saltwater rinse can aid in the healing of oral cavity after dental procedures such as tooth extractions or canker sores. This is because saline solution does not irritate mucous membranes like many mouthwashes do.

Salt water rinses can also help balance out the pH level in your mouth, which helps prevent cavities and deterioration of tooth enamel. Furthermore, they reduce bad breath and keep you smelling fresh.

Rinses should be performed three to four times a week. After consuming acidic foods and beverages, performing the rinse can be especially beneficial as these can erode your teeth’s enamel, increasing the likelihood of cavities and other dental issues.

Salt water rinses can be particularly beneficial after a minor dental procedure, as they are often prescribed by dentists as a way to keep your mouth healthy and free from infections. Not only that, but the rinse may also relieve sore throats as it soothes the lining of your mouth and tissues surrounding your teeth without irritating them. Furthermore, performing such a rinse after your dentist appointment is often advised because of how much plaque buildup may have occurred during that time.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric is a staple in Indian cooking, but it also boasts an anti-inflammatory reputation. Studies have demonstrated the power of curcumin in turmeric – helping combat inflammation across numerous medical conditions. Whether you take turmeric as a supplement or add it to your dishes, giving turmeric a try could be worth the effort!

A study conducted on patients with gum disease revealed that those who used a mouth rinse made with turmeric experienced reduced symptoms. The solution contained turmeric, water and chlorhexidine (a type of mouthwash), an antiseptic and antibiotic.

Another way to use turmeric is to mix it with olive oil to form a paste that can be brushed on your teeth two times daily. Doing so may help reduce plaque and the signs of gingivitis.

This is an effective alternative to chemical mouthwash. It’s also easy, inexpensive, and secure.

You can also try using a saltwater rinse to reduce pain and swelling caused by gingivitis. Simply add one teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water, swish it around in your mouth for 20-30 seconds before spitting it out and rinsing with fresh water.

For optimal results, use a saltwater rinse twice daily. Be sure to brush your teeth after using this method as this will help eliminate any residue left by the rinse. If your gingivitis isn’t improving after treatment, consult with a dentist or other health professional for further evaluation. Additionally, visiting your Top Rated Local(r) dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups can help prevent future infections and keep your smile looking bright!

5. Cloves

Cloves are an often-used spice in Asian and Middle Eastern dishes, but did you know they also offer numerous health benefits? From helping regulate blood sugar levels to aiding digestion, cloves can do wonders for your body.

Studies have demonstrated that cloves are an excellent source of antioxidants, which can shield your body from oxidative stress and the damage it causes. Furthermore, studies suggest antioxidants may lower your risk for developing chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.

In addition to its antioxidant and immune-boosting benefits, cloves may help inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for gingivitis. A study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine revealed that adults who took a supplement containing clove extract experienced significant improvements in their oral hygiene practices.

Another way to reap the rewards of cloves is by including them in your diet. Not only are they an excellent source of manganese, which supports bone and heart health, but they are also high in vitamin C which may help prevent colds and flues.

If you are suffering from toothaches, try using cloves and cayenne pepper. Mix the clove powder with cayenne pepper to create a paste that can be applied directly on the painful tooth and gum area for quick relief. This combination of ingredients has been known to be highly effective at relieving toothache discomfort.

Before using it, it’s wise to consult a dentist or other health professional to make sure it’s safe for your teeth and mouth. Furthermore, limit how often you apply it as too much can damage gums, skin, and tooth pulp if applied too frequently or even inhaling clove cigarettes which could lead to lung infections.