Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease. Common signs of gingivitis include redness, irritation, swelling, and inflammation of the gingiva, the part of the gums around the base of the teeth. Gingivitis is a common problem, and it is most often the result of poor dental hygiene. It is important to treat gingivitis right away because untreated gingivitis can lead to more serious gum disease and tooth loss. In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental cleanings, these home remedies for gingivitis will help you effectively treat the condition.
1. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling helps you get rid of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes in your mouth. Not only is oil pulling a great treatment for gingivitis, it can also whiten your teeth.
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Necessary Items
- One tablespoon of sesame or coconut oil.
- Warm water.
Directions
Put one tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil into your mouth. Swish the oil around in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. Spit the oil out, and rinse your mouth out thoroughly with warm water. Do not gargle or swallow the oil. Repeat each morning before you brush your teeth.
2. Salt
Salt contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties, making it one of the most effective home remedies for gingivitis you can use. Salt helps treat inflamed and swollen gums, inhibits the growth of bacteria in your mouth and draws infection out of any abscesses you may have.
Necessary Items
- Salt.
- Measuring spoons.
- Water.
- Drinking glass.
Directions
Put one-half teaspoon of salt into a glass of lukewarm water. Stir until the salt dissolves. Use the salt water to rinse out your mouth every morning and night. Continue using this home remedy for gingivitis twice a day until the swelling in your gums decreases.
3. Lemongrass Oil
As far as home remedies for gingivitis go, lemongrass is another effective one you can try. A 2015 study showed that lemongrass oil was more effective than traditional chlorhexidine mouthwash at decreasing gingivitis and plaque.
Necessary Items
- Two to three drops of lemongrass oil.
- Cup of water.
Directions
To make your own lemongrass oil mouthwash, add two to three drops of lemongrass oil to a cup of water. Swish the liquid in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat two to three times each day to effectively fight gingivitis.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most popular home remedies for gingivitis you can try. Baking soda neutralizes the acids in your mouth, which can reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. The antiseptic properties in baking soda also help prevent mouth infections.
Necessary Items
- One-fourth teaspoon baking soda.
- Water.
- Bowl.
Directions
Add enough water to one-fourth teaspoon of baking soda to form a paste. Apply the paste to your gums, and leave it on for two minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Use this effective home treatment for gingivitis two to three times each week.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric’s antifungal and antimicrobial properties can help heal reddened and bleeding gums. Turmeric contains curcumin. Curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce gum swelling and pain. Additionally, a 2015 study indicates that turmeric can effectively prevent plaque and gingivitis.
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Necessary Items
- One teaspoon turmeric powder.
- One-half teaspoon salt.
- One-half teaspoon mustard oil.
- Bowl.
Directions
In a bowl, mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder, one-half teaspoon of salt, and one-half teaspoon of mustard oil to form a paste. Apply the paste to your teeth and gums, and leave it on. Repeat this process twice a day to help fight gingivitis.
6. Tea Tree Oil
This list of home remedies for gingivitis wouldn’t be complete without tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is well-known for its oral health benefits. One study found that individuals who brushed twice daily with tea tree oil had a significant reduction of gingivitis and bleeding gums.
Necessary Items
- Two to three drops tea tree oil.
- Cup of warm water.
Directions
You can make a tea tree oil mouthwash at home to fight gingivitis. Add two to three drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Use this home remedy for gingivitis two or three times each day.
Caution: It’s essential that you always dilute tea tree oil when you use it because undiluted tea tree oil can cause mouth irritation. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before using tea tree oil because this essential oil interacts with many medications, dietary supplements, and herbs.
7. Cranberry Juice
Unsweetened cranberry juice contains proanthocyanidins, which prevent bacteria from forming a film on your teeth and gums. In addition, cranberry juice possesses antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help swollen and bleeding gums heal.
Necessary Items
- Unsweetened cranberry juice.
- Drinking glass.
Directions
Drink a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice two or three times each day to help effectively fight gingivitis. If the juice is too acidic for you, you can add some water to dilute it.
8. Yarrow
Many North American tribes chew yarrow leaves to help alleviate toothaches and other dental problems. Yarrow possesses anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and analgesic properties, which makes it one of the best home remedies for gingivitis.
Necessary Items
- Handful of fresh or dried yarrow flowers and leaves (or one to two tablespoons of dry yarrow herb).
- Boiling water.
- Coffee mug.
- Strainer.
Directions
You can make a yarrow tea at home to gargle with. Pour boiling water over a handful of fresh or dried yarrow flowers and leaves. If you don’t have fresh yarrow, you can use one to two tablespoons of dry yarrow herb instead. Let it steep for 15 to 20 minutes before straining. Allow the tea to cool before you gargle with it. Gargle with yarrow tea once or twice a day.
9. Guava Leaves
Guava leaves contain guaijaverin, which acts as an antiplaque agent. In addition, guava leaves possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. For these reasons, guava leaves are one of the most effective home remedies for gingivitis you can use. Guava leaves can also alleviate toothaches.
Necessary Items
- Five to six tender guava leaves.
- Mortar and pestle.
- One cup boiling water.
- Strainer.
- Salt.
Directions
You can make your own guava leaf mouthwash at home to fight gingivitis. Grind five to six tender guava leaves with a mortar and pestle. Put the crushed leaves into one cup of boiling water. Allow it to steep for 15 minutes before straining. Allow the solution to cool to lukewarm temperature. Add a pinch of salt to the liquid before you swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds. Spit it out when you’re finished. Use this effective home treatment for gingivitis two or three times each day.
10. Clove
Clove is among the best home remedies for gingivitis as well. That’s because clove contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties. Clove’s analgesic properties also make it a good choice for treating toothaches.
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Necessary Items
- Two to three drops clove oil.
- Glass of water.
Directions
Mix two to three drops of clove oil into a glass of water. Swish this solution around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat two to three times each day to fight gingivitis.
Caution: Pregnant women, individuals taking blood thinning medications, and children should not use clove oil.
11. Sage
As far as home remedies for gingivitis go, sage is another effective one. Sage contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It has been used as a remedy for dental abscesses and swollen gums for quite some time.
Necessary Items
- Two tablespoons dried sage.
- One cup boiling water.
- Strainer.
Directions
Make sage tea by adding two tablespoons of dried sage to one cup of boiling water. Allow it to steep for 15 to 20 minutes before straining. Allow the liquid to cool. Once it has cooled, gargle with the sage tea. Use this home treatment for gingivitis twice a day.
12. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil possesses anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties, making it a good home remedy for gingivitis. Peppermint is also a natural painkiller, making it a good choice for treating bad breath as well.
Necessary Items
- Two to three drops peppermint oil.
- Glass of water.
Directions
Add two to three drops of peppermint oil to a glass of water. Gargle with this solution twice a day to fight gingivitis.
Conclusion
Gingivitis is a common gum infection that can cause redness, swelling, irritation, and inflammation of the gums. If you’re suffering from gingivitis, it’s important to treat it right away so that it doesn’t get worse. If you’re suffering from gingivitis, try some of the effective home remedies for gingivitis listed here. Have you tried any other home remedies for gingivitis? Please share your experiences with us below.