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Gingivitis Definition
Gingivitis is an oral condition when the gums become inflamed and red due to some bacterial infection.
It usually originates from plaque deposits, that is, that accumulation of food waste that, in general, occurs due to poor hygiene.
Although many cases are sporadic, it is essential to give timely treatment to avoid complications and more severe diseases. Also, as microbes continue to increase, it can become a painful condition that, among other things, leads to bad breath, bleeding, and ulcers.
What are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?
These are symptoms of gingivitis:
- Bad breath
- Redness in the gums
- Swelling in the area
- Pain when chewing
- Loose teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
Best 6 Home Remedies for Gingivitis
Before knowing the home remedies for gingivitis, it is essential to highlight the importance of going to the dentist. Although some ingredients may be beneficial against this oral problem, the professional should be in charge of giving an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
1. Lemon
The first on the list is lemon juice. Although there is no evidence linking it to gingivitis’s prevention or treatment, it believes that it may be helpful thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Also, in popular culture, it has been used against bad breath.
Ingredients
- The juice of ½ lemon.
- 1 glass of warm water (200 ml)
Preparation
- Squash the juice of half a lemon, add it to a glass of warm water, and dilute it well.
How to Use
- Use the liquid as a mouthwash, and swish for a couple of minutes.
- Spit it out and repeat the treatment twice a day.
2. Thyme Oil
Then we have thyme oil, whose antimicrobial properties can use to combat microorganisms that inflame the gums.
Ingredients
- ½ glass of warm water (100 ml).
- ½ teaspoon of thyme oil (2 g).
Preparation
- Take the thyme oil in a glass of warm water.
How to Use
- Swish the drink for a minute or two.
- Repeat the procedure after each main meal.
3. Sodium Bicarbonate
Homemade sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide mouthwash are said to relieve uncomfortable symptoms caused. However, it does not recommend to use it to erode the enamel and burn the oral cavity.
However, it is not superior to conventional treatments. Therefore, it must use very carefully and promptly. Never regularly.
Ingredients
- 1 glass of warm water (200 ml).
- 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide (20 ml)
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda (5 g)
Preparation
- Add the baking soda to a glass of warm water and mix it with the hydrogen peroxide until it is well diluted.
How to Use
- Rinse your mouth with the liquid and mouthwash for two minutes after brushing.
- Avoid using it more than twice a day, as it can be a bit abrasive.
4. Aloe Vera
Like the other ingredients on the list, the gel from the aloe vera plant is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory product that fights gum swelling while stopping microbes’ growth.
Its properties prove in an Indian Society of Periodontology that determined that aloe vera had an important anti-inflammatory property that can be used as an adjunct to mechanical therapy to treat plaque-induced gingivitis.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera (30 g).
- 3 drops of tea tree essential oil
Preparation
- Mix the aloe vera gel with the droplets of tea tree essential oil.
How to Use
- Rub the treatment on the teeth and gums, and leave it to act without rinsing.
- Repeat its use twice a day.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains a substance called acetic acids to which antimicrobial properties are attributed, which is why it often use to deal with the bacterial growth that causes gingivitis. However, the evidence in this regard is limited and more research is needed.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (20 ml).
- One glass of warm water (200 ml)
Preparation
- Add the apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and dilute it well.
How to Use
- Gargle with your drink, in the morning and at night.
6. Coconut Oil
Lastly, coconut oil is equally essential. This product has antibacterial properties that can effectively reduce plaque that forms on the teeth and around the gums.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (30 g)
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda (5 g)
Preparation
- Combine the organic coconut oil with the teaspoon of baking soda until you get a thick paste.
How to Use
- First, put the product on your toothbrush and brush as usual.
- Don’t brush more than once a day.
Risk Factors of Gingivitis
- Smoking is one of the habits that cause gum disease to develop.
- Hormonal changes cause the gums to become weaker.
- People with diabetes are more likely to grow infections.
- Cancer or AIDS treatments harm gum health.
- When consuming certain medications, some people secrete less saliva, and the mouth is susceptible to bacteria.
Conclusion
You can expect to see developments after a few days of treatment, but it may take a while for signs to go away completely.
In maximum cases, it usually clears up within 10 to 14 days. If your is more serious, it could take longer to treat.
Take charge of your dental health to stop it from recurring. If you have medical conditions that make gingivitis more likely, stay in close contact with your dentist so that they can monitor any change in symptoms.
Also Read: What is Lyme Disease? – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnoses, and More
