Gingivitis, which is manifested with an inflammation of the gum tissue, is a common health disease that can cause receding gums. Nearly 95 percent of the adults suffer from gingivitis at some period of their lives.
The gingivitis inflammation is caused by bacteria, which occupies the mouth cavity, infects the teeth and causes plaque, hardens and turns into tartar. Thus, one of the most beneficial wats to reduce inflammation is to remove the mouth bacteria.
Gingivitis is manifested with swelling and redness of the gum tissue, gum pain or tenderness, bleeding while brushing the teeth, bad breath, a bad taste, pus formation among the teeth and the gum. The gingivitis inflammation can also lead to pain in the throat.
In addition, chronic gingivitis can cause periodontitis, a severe form of gingivitis that can cause receding gums and teeth loss. In this article, we will provide you with a few examples on how you can cure and prevent gingivitis naturally.
Periodontitis – A Silent Disease
Periodontitis is a common teeth disease, which is often manifested with bleeding while brushing the teeth. If the disease is at its advanced stage, the teeth will begin to move and become mobile.
Other common symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Swelling of the gums
- Tender gums
- Purple or bright red gums
- Formation of pus between the gum and teeth
- Formation of new spaces between the teeth
- A bad mouth taste
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
Periodontitis is caused by the accumulation of bacteria plaque between the gum and the teeth, which in turn leads to inflammation. The bacteria can go into the bloodstream and promote a protective response from the liver and stimulate a release of harmful antibacterial agents from the white blood cells.
These responses make the inflammation even worse, which can cause damage to the blood vessel walls and other organs and tissues in the body. Evidence suggests that periodontitis can affect the levels of blood sugar in diabetics and aggravate kidney and heart complications.
It is also known as periodontitis, because if it is left unaddressed, it can increase the risk of certain health issues, such as:
Miscarriages or premature births
- Stroke; evidence shows that periodontitis is related to an increased risk of developing a stroke
- Cancer; periodontal disease is related to an increased risk of experiencing cancer
Heart disease and heart attack; cardiovascular disease is more likely to happen in people with periodontal disease - Diabetes; periodontitis can cause type 2 diabetes
- Atherosclerosis; periodontitis can cause inflammation, which can increase cholesterol, fat buildup and other substances in the artery walls
How to Cure Gingivitis
To promote healthy teeth and gums and to prevent gingivitis, it is of utmost importance to maintain an oral hygiene, eliminate the bacteria that lead to inflammation and treat gum issues as soon as you notice something different or some of the symptoms.
How to Naturally Treat Gingivitis
If you are suffering from it, you can treat gingivitis with some of these natural methods:
Saline Solution
Salt is a great alternative to treat gingivitis. Not only does it act as a natural disinfectant, but it can also treat swelling of the tissues.
Fill half a cup of warm water, and add a teaspoon of salt in it. Mix it will and then rinse the mouth with the solution for a minute. Repeat the remedy for a few times on a regular basis.
Sage
A study done in 2013 in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry showed that sage can treat gingivitis thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Brew a few fresh leaves of sage in a glass of boiling water for 10 minutes and then let it cool off.
Swish the solution around the mouth for about 3 to 4 minutes per day. in addition, you can rub a sage leaf on the gums to reduce the inflammation.
Raw Honey
Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, raw honey can help in treating gingivitis. All you need to do is apply raw honey directly on the inflamed area.
Manuka honey is especially beneficial for treating gingivitis. A study in 2004 in the Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology found out that Manuka honey can reduce gingival bleeding and dental plaque.
Olive Oil
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, olive oil can efficiently treat and prevent gingivitis. Take a tablespoon of olive oil and gargle it around the mouth for a few minutes and spit it out.
Do not swallow it, since it contains toxins from the mouth. You can also rub or apply olive oil on the gums. Repeat this remedy 3 times per day.
Neem Oil
Neem leaves and bark contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They are used to boost up the immune system and stimulate the resistance towards infections.
Mix a few drops of neem oil with olive oil or coconut oil and apply the mixture to the affected place
Coconut Oil and Vitamin E Oil
Both the vitamin E oil and the coconut oil contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help and prevent gingivitis. All you need to do is rub vitamin I oil or coconut oil on the gum, directly.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling, an Ayurvedic method for cleaning the mouth, is also a great alternative for maintaining a gingivitis-free and plaque-free mouth. Evidence suggests that oil pulling has numerous benefits for oral health, including teeth whitening, treating receding gums and gingivitis and preventing white marks on the teeth.
A study done in 2009 showed that oil pulling acted as an effective mouthwash in the treatment of gingivitis and plaque.
Cashew Nuts
Cashew nuts can prevent sin acne, tooth decay, pneumonia and tuberculosis.
Baking Soda
Baking soda has extremely potent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and it is used in treating all kinds of infections. As it is alkaline, baking soda neutralizes acid in the mouth and lowers the ris of receding gums and tooth decay.
It can also help to eliminate bacteria from the mouth, which can cause dental cavities and plaque. Not only is baking soda used as whitening toothpaste, but it can also be used as an antibacterial mouthwash by dissolving baking soda in water.
To prepare the mouthwash, all youneed to do is add a quarter of a teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of water. Mix it until the baking soda is dissolved.
Gargle the solution in your mouth for about 30 to 60 seconds and spit it out. Rinse the mouth with fresh water. Wash your mouth with baking soda on a regular basis for the best results.
Chamomile and Cinnamon Tea
Chamomile helps to relieve inflammation and improve gum health. On the other hand, cinnamon contains antibacterial properties that help in treating infections.
Consume plenty of cinnamon tea and chamomile tea to treat gingivitis pain and promote oral health. Prepare the tea and consume it, making sure it passes on the gums.
You can also use chamomile and cinnamon tea as a mouthwash.
Tea Tree Essential Oil and Clove
Due to their antiseptic and antibacterial properties, clove oil and tea tree oil can help in treating gingivitis and fighting off infections.
You can also prepare a mouthwash by adding a few drops of clove oil or tea tree oil in a cup of water. Don’t forget to spit out the mouthwash.
Garlic
Thanks to its powerful active component allicin, the garlic contains powerful antibiotic effects; a 2001 study in the Journal of Medicinal Food found out that allicin can fight against bacteria and alleviate dental diseases.
Crush 1 or 2 cloves of garlic and wait for several minutes, so that the allicin is formed. Then, apply the crushed garlic directly in the gums to treat gingivitis.
As garlic can cause a burning sensation, it is better to mix it with coconut oil, olive oil, honey or Aloe Vera.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has a plethora of healing properties. Not only is it used to improve the quality of the skin, but it can also be used in cleansing of the gums and teeth.
A study in 2013 in the Journal of Indian Society found out that Aloe Vera as a mouthwash can be used to treat plaque-related gingivitis. In addition, other studies showed that Aloe Vera can act as a strong mouthwash thanks to its ability in preventing dental diseases.
Moreover, it has been shown that Aloe Vera reduces gingival bleeding and plaque. All you need to do is apply Aloe Vera on your finger and rub it on the affected area.
You can either use Aloe Vera plant or a natural Aloe Vera gel.
Turmeric Paste
In the traditional and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been used in treated a number of different health ailments. It is packed with curcumin, an antioxidant, and antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory component.
Curcumin plays a vital role in keeping oral hygiene. Thus, mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric, half a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of mustard oil and apply the paste topically in order to treat swelling and pain in the mouth and prevent gingivitis and periodontitis.
You can apply the paste twice per day. Also, you can use vitamin E oil or coconut oil instead of mustard oil.
In addition, turmeric mouthwash can also treat gingivitis and plaque. You can prepare it by adding 100 mg of curcumin extract to 100 ml of water.
Supplements Can Also Treat Gingivitis
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 contains powerful antioxidant properties which can enhance the supply of oxygen directed towards the gums and help cure and prevent plaque and gingivitis.
Probiotics
Probiotic supplements which are rich in Lactobacillus reuteri can effectively treat chronic periodontitis. Probiotics have other health benefits, too.
Chlorella
Chlorella, green algae, can help soothe, cure and prevent gingivitis. Namely, chlorella has a compound that boosts the immune system and promotes tissue repair.
Proper Nutrition
Cut down or avoid consuming alcohol and refined sugars, since they can stimulate the plaque accumulation on the teeth and weaken immunity. Thus, try to include foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables and beans in your diet.
The fiber does not eliminate the bacteria in your mouth, but it helps to boost the immune system.
Brush Your Teeth on a Regular Basis
You should brush your teeth twice a day. Regular brushing lowers gum infections by 60 percent. If you have bleeding gums, you can use a soft-fiber toothbrush.
Brush your teeth in circular motions between the teeth and the gums, so the bristles can penetrate between the gums and the teeth and eliminate any food leftovers and plaque.
Except brushing your teeth, it is also recommended that you floss to clean the space between the teeth and prevent food sticking in between.