Looking for an easy way to treat your gingivitis and improve your gum health? These home remedies may be the answer! 

Gingivitis, a common, mild form of gum disease, is a huge issue among adults in the US. In fact, the CDC estimates that nearly half of all American adults suffer from some form of periodontal disease — including gingivitis. While gingivitis may not feel like a huge issue in itself, when left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease that can lead to tooth decay and loss. 

Fortunately, home remedies offer a cheap and effective way to treat gingivitis in people of all ages. The earlier you can identify gingivitis, the sooner you can begin to treat it and clear your gingivitis for good.

Home Remedies for Gingivitis 

Here are a few common home remedies you can try. With all these remedies, remember to always spit out completely when you’re done! Even with natural remedies, it’s still best not to swallow them.

• Salt water rinse: Rinsing your mouth with saltwater is the most common home remedy for gingivitis. When used 3 times a day it can help you get rid of the inflamed gums.
  
• Homemade mouthwash: You can create a homemade mouthwash from aloe vera, tea tree, or lemongrass to reduce bleeding, pain, plaque formation, bad breath, and gum inflammation. Just use the mouthwash for 30 seconds 2 to 3 times a day.
  
• Turmeric gel: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties that can help keep plaque from forming and prevent gingivitis. All you have to do is apply turmeric gel to your gums for 10 minutes and then rinse your mouth out with water twice a day.
  
• Oil pulling: This final home remedy is a great way to improve your dental health overall in addition to helping with gingivitis treatment. Oil pulling, which can be done with coconut oil or arimedadi oil, can reduce bacteria in your mouth and, in turn, reduce the buildup of plaque. Simply put two tablespoons of oil in your mouth and swish it for 20 to 30 minutes. After you spit the oil out, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and brush your teeth.

If these home remedies do not work — or if the gingivitis is too severe for home remedies — there are some professional nonsurgical and surgical treatments that a dentist may suggest. These may include scaling, root planing, bone grafting, laser treatment, and flap surgery.

When to See a Doctor 

The best way to treat your gingivitis is to prevent it from developing in the first place. Practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is a great way to do that. Eating a low sugar diet and visiting your dentist at least once or twice a year can also lead to better oral health. 

If you develop gingivitis and home treatments aren’t working (or if you are experiencing severe symptoms including serious tooth pain, substantial gum bleeding, or extremely inflamed gums), it’s important that you see a doctor right away. The sooner you treat your gingivitis, the better your chances are of making a quick and full recovery. 

What Causes Gingivitis 

The main cause of gingivitis is poor dental hygiene, which can encourage the formation of plaque on teeth. Other common causes include: 

• Dry mouth
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Genetics
• Vitamin C deficiency
• Improper dental restorations
• Crooked teeth that are difficult to clean
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medications, especially ones that cause dry mouth
• Having crooked teeth that are hard to clean
• Conditions that decrease immunity 

Symptoms of Gingivitis 

Given that gingivitis is a gum disease, unsurprisingly its most common symptoms all relate to gum health. Symptoms to watch out for include bleeding gums, dark red gums, swollen or puffy gums, tender gums, receding gums, and bad breath. 

If you see any of these symptoms, it’s time to start considering home remedies to treat your condition. 

If you’re ready to treat your gingivitis, the specialists at Espire’s Oklahoma City location are here and ready to help you feel your best. With more than 30 years of experience providing the community with quality health care, we have the expertise necessary to provide you with the best care possible. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.