A spot of blood on your toothbrush is no cause for alarm. But if your gums bleed after biting into a sandwich, you might have gingivitis. According to the CDC, 46 percent of American adults over the age of 30 develop gingivitis. The causes are usually poor hygiene, stress, or a weakened immune system. Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease that you can treat using items you have on hand. This article explores five proven gingivitis home remedies that you can start today.
If you are looking for simple gingivitis home remedies, salt water rinse is the start. Moms worldwide recommend using salt water to soothe sore tonsils and throbbing teeth. In dentistry, it is a simple treatment for bleeding gums. A 2017 study found that gargling with warm salt water reduced excess plaque and bacteria. This treatment had the same efficacy as the anti-gingivitis prescription mouthwash Chlorhexidine. Use this treatment for up to 30 days, though bleeding will usually subside in minutes.
To make salt water rinse:
Salt is a natural mineral, but it is dangerous when swallowed in copious quantities. To avoid this, make sure you spit the rinse out after swishing. The Mighty Mouth recommends using sea salt.
Oil pulling is an ancient holistic treatment known to remove plaque and bacteria. These bacteria could lead to gum inflammation and gingivitis. The treatment requires you to swish oil around your mouth for 20 to 30 minutes before spitting it out. Oil therapy practitioners recommend using sesame or sunflower oil for this treatment. However, coconut oil is more effective since it contains Lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory properties. According to a 2015 study, coconut oil pulling was as effective as Chlorhexidine.
To follow the coconut oil pulling technique:
Rinsing is not necessary after performing an oil pull. Do not use coconut oil if you have an allergy to coconuts.
If you've ever enjoyed a piping hot bowl of golden curry, you have tasted one of the most popular spices in Asia, turmeric. The medicinal part of turmeric is curcumin. Lots of over-the-counter supplements contain curcumin as an active ingredient.
According to the National Library of Medicine, curcumin:
Chlorhexidine mouthwash reverses gingivitis caused by plaque build-up. Yet, some people find the bitter after-taste and teeth staining intolerable. The good news is that turmeric has the same efficacy without the nasty side effects.
Create Turmeric gel by:
Although turmeric is insanely yellow, it will not stain your teeth.
Baking soda is a popular ingredient in anti-gingivitis toothpaste. Since it is mildly abrasive, it easily removes plaque build-up. When mixed with peroxide, baking soda is an excellent tooth whitening treatment. Baking soda also reduces dangerous oral pathogens. If you don't like the taste of baking soda toothpaste, try baking soda mouthwash.
To make baking soda mouthwash:
Baking soda is toxic, so avoid swallowing the mixture. Make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly after each use. You can use this solution in place of your regular mouthwash.
In a 2019 study, participants with Type 2 diabetes took 1000 milligrams of ginger twice a day for eight weeks. They gave blood before and after the study to compare changes.
The findings included:
Ginger contains a powerhouse of antioxidants and disease-fighting compounds. They work together to reverse specific forms of DNA damage, which is beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes decreases saliva production and increases glucose in the saliva. Saliva washes away excess oral bacteria and freshens your mouth. Without adequate saliva, you run the risk of tooth and gum decay. This is why Type 2 diabetics have a greater chance of developing gingivitis. Ginger supplements can slow down and even reverse this complication.
Although ginger is well-tolerated, ginger supplements can interact with prescription medication. For this reason, consult with your physician before taking ginger supplements.
It is simple to treat early-stage gum disease with gingivitis home remedies. To prevent gingivitis, you should follow a healthy lifestyle and see your dentist twice a year. If you smoke, quitting will drastically improve your oral health. In cases of advanced gum disease, deep scaling will work best. Prescription medication may interact with herbs, so consult your physician before using supplements like ginger.
Are you looking for a clear path to overall general health and wellness? Better oral hygiene care can be a powerful determinant of a healthier and happier life. Pearly is the world's first oral health management app. Download to get started today.
