7 Home Remedies for Gingivitis

Gingivitis, an inflammation of gums, is the initial stage of gum disease and the easiest to treat. Yes it is the easiest! The direct cause of gingivitis is plaque. Plaque is the soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms constantly on teeth and gums.

Some of the classic signs and symptoms of gingivitis includes red, swollen, tender gums that may bleed when you brush. Other sign is that gums have receded or pulled away from your teeth, giving your teeth an elongated appearance. Gum disease can cause pockets to from between the teeth and gums, where plaque and food debris collect. Hopefully we’ll not need any gum treatment in the future.
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Here are seven home remedies you can try to treat gingivitis.

SALT
Salt can be found on every home, right? I will bet that you have it! Slat is very effective remedy for gingivitis. Why? Due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties! Salt can help treat swollen and inflamed gums. Also, it draws infection out of any abscesses and inhibits the growth of bacteria in the mouth. How to do it?

Add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water. Use this homemade saline solution to rinse your mouth once each morning and once each evening until the swelling of your gums is reduced. 

OIL PULLING
A very Ayurdic practice, oil pulling is a popular practice that can help reduce bacteria which cause gingivitis. It can reduce plaque, strengthen gums and help maintain good oral health. How to do?

• Put a tablespoon of coconut oil or a sesame oil I your mouth
• Swish it in your mouth and through your teeth for 15 to 20 minutes
• Spit it out and then rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water
• Do this every morning before brushing your teeth for about 4 weeks

NOTE: Please do not swallow the oil

BAKING SODA
Baking soda is our teeth and gums friend. It is a popular gingivitis remedy. What it does is to neutralize the acids in the mouth, thereby, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. It also works as a natural antiseptic to help prevent infections. How to do it?

• Mix a quarter of baking soda with a bit of warm water to make a paste
• Then apply this to your gums and leave for 1 to 2 minutes
• Use this treatment 2 to 3 times a week

ALOE VERA
Aloe vera has antibacterial and antifungal properties that are very effective against gingivitis. It helps in preventing bacteria accumulation that cause plaque leading to gingivitis, and relieve pain and soothe inflamed teeth and gums. How to use it?

• Break open an aloe vera lead and extract the pulp
• Rub the pulp directly on the gums
• Leave it for 10 minutes
• Gargle with water

GUAVA LEAVES
These leaves are considered effective for providing relief from toothaches and gum disease due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Guava leaves contains guaijaverin acts as an antiplaque agent. How to use it?

• Rinse and clean a few guava leaves
• Chew them and then spit out
• You can also grind some tender guava leaves and use it as a tooth paste
• There are also available mouth rinse containing guava extract

PEPPERMINT
Peppermint has its unique antibacterial and antiseptic properties that are used in gingivitis treatment. It can also reduce inflammation and bacteria that cause bad breath. How to do?

• Soak crushed peppermint leaves in water for 30 minutes. Use this solution to rinse your mouth 2 to 3 times daily
• There are also peppermint-flavored toothpastes available in the market; you can use them as an alternative

TEA TREE OIL
Tea tree oil has these antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties that are recommended for treating chronic gingivitis. Tea tree oil gives quick relief from irritated and inflamed gums.  Use tea tree oil toothpaste to brush your teeth. If there is no available tea tree toothpaste in your area, just add a drop of tea tree oil to your regular toothpaste.

Never swallow tea tee oil, it may cause stomach irritation and diarrhea.