Gingivitis is a type of gum disease caused by bacterial infection. The disease is mostly caused by poor oral hygiene. When you don’t clean your mouth properly, it leads to the build up of plaque. Plaque is a sticky, invisible film of mucus, food particles, and bacteria which cover the teeth and gums. The common symptoms of gingivitis are redness, inflammation, and irritation of the gums. Some other symptoms include persistent bad breath, loose teeth, pain while chewing, receding gums, and tender gums that bleed easily. Excessive use of tobacco, smoking, hormonal changes during pregnancy, diabetes, menopause, and puberty can increase the risk of gingivitis. There are natural home remedies that can treat and prevent this gum disease.
1. Brush Twice A Day
Keeping your teeth clean is the best way to treat and prevent gingivitis. You should make it a point to brush after every meal to get rid of food particles stuck between your teeth. If brushing after every meal is not always possible, make it a point to brush twice a day. Brushing before going to bed is extremely important as your mouth will remain closed for a long time, and bacteria can easily breed in the moist, dark environment. Don’t forget to floss while you are at it.
2. Rinse With Salt Water
Salt has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It inhibits the growth on bacteria by changing the pH level of your mouth. It also reduces swelling and inflammation of your gums. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth with the solution 2 to 3 times a day. You even make a paste for your teeth by adding a few drops of mustard oil to a tablespoon of salt. Massage your teeth and gums with the paste every morning to treat gingivitis.
3. Pull Oil
Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic practice that not only cures gingivitis but whitens teeth as well. Doing it on a regular basis can help improve the health of your gums. Put a tablespoon of sesame oil or coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for 15 to 20 minutes. Initially, you might only be able to do this only for 2 or 3 minutes, but you can slowly increase the duration. Spit out the oil after swishing it around and rinse with warm water. Do not swallow the oil as it contains the germs from your mouth.
4. Massage With Turmeric Paste
Curcumin, which is an active component of turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Using turmeric on your teeth can effectively get rid of plaque that causes gingivitis. Take a teaspoon of turmeric, half a teaspoon of salt, and a few drops or mustard oil and make a paste. Massage your teeth and gums with it twice a day.
5. Use Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda can prevent infections by lowering the acidity of the mouth. Take half a teaspoon of baking soda, a few drops of olive oil, and make a paste. Apply the paste on your gums, leave it on for 2 to 3 minutes, and rinse it off with warm water. Since baking soda can be erosive, do not brush your teeth harshly with the paste.
6. Apply Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a very simple cure to gingivitis. It has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that can fight bacteria. It can also help relieve irritation and inflammation of the gums. Take an aloe vera leaf, scoop out its gel, apply it on your gums, and rinse it off after 10 minutes. You can do this 2 to 3 times a day until the condition of your gums improves.
7. Rinse With Lemon Juice
Lemon has anti-inflammatory properties and the vitamin C content helps fight infections. You can squeeze the juice of one lemon into a glass of warm water and rinse with it every morning after brushing your teeth.
8. Use Clove Oil
Clove oil has analgesic properties; it will help relieve toothache or gum pain. Its antibacterial properties can help fight a variety of gum infections. Take a cotton swab and put a few drops of clove oil on it. Place this swab on the infected area for a few minutes and then remove it.
9. Use Dried Sage
Sage has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as a natural cleanser. Take a pinch of dried, ground sage and put it on the infected area of your gum. Rinse it out after 2 to 3 minutes.
Always practice good oral hygiene to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Change your toothbrush every 3 months and have foods rich in vitamin C to prevent gum diseases. Since sugary foods can cause tooth decay and infection, avoid them whenever you can.
