Natural remedies for gingivitis are what most tooth and gum sufferers across the globe have been searching for.
When you have constant pain in your gum and tooth, you would go to any extent in order to cure your aches and pains.
Did you know that ignoring your gingivitis can lead to tooth loss? It can also lead to decaying of your gums. Hence, getting this tooth and gum disease treated in time is the best option for you.
People are scared of opting for traditional dental treatments. This is because the very thought of getting injected on the gum and the roof of the mouth is not everyone’s cup of tea. So, the solution is in the form of a natural and painless treatment.
This is what we shall discuss in this article. So, let’s get started!
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Natural Remedies for Gingivitis Article Contents:
1) What is Gingivitis?
2) What are the Different Types of Gingivitis Infection?
3) What are the Most Common Symptoms of Gingivitis?
4) What are the Main Causes behind Gingivitis?
5) What are the Traditional Treatments for Gingivitis?
6) What are the Complications associated with Gingivitis?
7) Gingivitis Treatment at Home – How to Cure Gingivitis in a Week?
8) How to Avoid Getting Periodontal Diseases by Taking Precautions at Home?
9) FAQ on Natural Remedies for Gingivitis
10) Natural Remedies for Gingivitis – Is it a Hit or Miss?
What is Gingivitis?
The word gingivitis implies pain in the gums. The word gum is also known as gingiva. This is a disease that tends to infect the gums and teeth. It is not deadly as it is often thought to be.
Nonetheless, gingivitis is referred to as the initial stage of gum/tooth infection that needs to be looked into. When this stage develops, you need to get active and show yourself to a dentist.
If not then, you need to start using medications that help take control of your infection. There are primarily two types of gingivitis infections. The first is caused by plaque while the other is not caused by plaque.
What are the Different Types of Gingivitis Infection?
There are 2 types of gingivitis infections. Let me walk you through both of these in brief:
Plaque Induced Gingivitis:
>>> This is a gum infection wherein the gingivitis tissue is inflamed owing to plaque development. The plaque usually develops at gingival margin.
>>> It does not lead to tooth loss (at least not in the initial stages).
>>> This is the most common type of gum infection. It affects all ages and categories of people in the world.
>>> The gingival margin is the area wherein plaque induced gingivitis initiates. If unchecked, it spreads to other areas of the oral cavity.
>>> You might experience bleeding from gums while brushing your tooth.
>>> Some people may suffer from redness or swelling of the gum area.
>>> In some cases, blood may emit from the saliva when you suffer from plaque based gingivitis infection.
How does Plaque Induced Gingivitis Trouble You?
>>> Your gums shall become tender and at times, they shall start to bleed.
>>> Gums may become enlarged and edma may also occur.
>>> Experiencing Erythema as well as blood in the saliva is also possible.
>>> The rete ridges tend to extend and merge with the connective tissues of the gingival area.
>>> The collagen fibers may start to disintegrate.
>>> Blood vessels located in the junctional epithelium area may become vascular.
>>> Overall inflammation in the gums and teeth is also common.
>>> Adolescents tend to suffer from plaque related gingivitis more than any other age group. Bad breath, caries and eruption of tooth is common in this age group.
>>> During menstrual cycle, women may experience inflammation in their gingival area.
What Factors Increase the Risk of Plaque Related Gingivitis in Human Beings?
I have listed the main reasons below:
Diabetes:
If you suffer from Type 1 diabetes then, gingivitis is fairly common. Young children often suffer from this gum and tooth disease if they are hyperglycaemic.
Unhealthy Diet:
Lack of healthy food (especially one that is missing in Vitamin C) can lead to gingivitis. While too much of junk food is not to be blamed, lack of nutritional intake is.
Blood Cancer:
Those that suffer from blood cancer tend to develop spongy gums and unhealthy teeth. So, bleeding of the gums and tooth decay is common in such individuals.
Lack of Saliva Production:
This is a condition wherein the saliva production in the mouth is vastly compromised. So, when you produce little or no saliva, your gum and teeth tend to get infected by plaque.
Cigarettes:
The harsh chemicals present in cigarettes tend to damage the periodontal tissue. This in turn leads to the development of gingivitis.
Medications:
Certain medications such as the ones used to control hypertension, diabetes, cancer etc. cause issues with the oral cavity. Drugs that inhibit calcium development also cause gum damage. Oral contraceptives are also a leading cause behind this ailment.
Non Plaque Induced Gingivitis:
>>> Bacterial infections (such as streptococci) may cause gingivitis.
>>> Gonorrhea and syphilis may cause liaisons in the mouth. This may lead to red and inflamed ulcers requiring medical attention.
>>> Viral infections such as herpes can lead to gum and teeth diseases.
>>> Candidosis is yet another cause for gum and teeth ailments. The C.albicans organism is to blame here.
>>> Gingivitis may also be a resultant of hereditary (autosomal dominance).
>>> Autoimmune diseases such as pemphigus valgaris or pemphigoid may cause infections of the gum and teeth.
>>> Poor oral hygiene and allergic reactions to food/chemicals can also cause gingivitis. Zinc, gold, nickel, mercury and acrylics are the most common chemicals that cause reactions in humans.
How does Non – Plaque Induced Gingivitis Trouble You?
>>> They can cause lesions and painful eruptions in the mouth. Redness and fiery pain is a common side effect.
>>> You may find it difficult to eat food or drink water. Fever and shivering may also be a side effect.
>>> Candida infection in the mouth can cause redness and bleeding of gums.
>>> Allergic reactions in the mouth are common.
What are the Most Common Symptoms of Gingivitis?
Popularly known as periodontal disease, gingivitis is an indication to an underlying ailment. While it is an initial stage of an oral infection, if left untreated, this may lead to a traumatic ending. So, nipping the evil in the bud is a wise option indeed.
Here are some of the common symptoms:
>>> You might experience pain in the gums while brushing your teeth. This pain may persist even though you have opted for a soft bristle tooth brush to cleanse your teeth with.
>>> When you roll your tongue on the roof of the mouth and the gum area, it feels spongy. This is a clear indicator that your gums are infected.
>>> The gum tissue that encapsulates your teeth may slip backwards or recede. This way, your tooth starts to get exposed from the root itself.
>>> A film of yellowish color may encapsulate your gum lining. This color may change to red. In some cases, you may suffer from inflammation in the gum area. All these are clear indicators that you suffer from gingivitis.
>>> Sometimes, your breath may smell really awful. This is a clear indicator that your gum and teeth have been infected. It could also be owing to eating onions or maintaining poor oral hygiene. Regardless, bad breath should never be taken lightly.
What are the Main Causes behind Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a preliminary stage of periodontal infection that causes tooth and gum decay. If left untreated, your oral health and hygiene may suffer dramatically.
Here are the main reasons why you may suffer from this infection:
>>> Gingivitis is caused when you witness certain hormonal imbalances. This is quite common to expecting mothers and often happens during menopause.
>>> In some cases, exposure to heavy metals such as mercury and nickel can cause infections in the mouth.
>>> In case you are deficient in vitamins (especially Vitamin C) then, you may suffer from gum related ailments.
>>> People suffering from blood cancer also get infected by bacterial infections of the mouth.
>>> If you take pills that inhibit births or ones that block calcium absorption in the body then, you may suffer from gingivitis infections. For example phenytoin causes gum tissue to overgrow thereby hindering the natural removal of plaque.
>>> Teeth that do not develop completely may attract dirt that causes infections of the gum and teeth.
>>> Diabetics and people suffering from candida may also develop gingivitis.
>>> Autoimmune diseases and family history is also to blame.
>>> If your tooth filling is tampered with or your dental implants are crooked, gingivitis is possible.
>>> Medications to treat cancer (such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy) also causes gum and tooth ailments.
What are the Traditional Treatments for Gingivitis?
The best treatment method for gingivitis includes taking an X-Ray of the gum area. The dentist also checks the gum pockets for any sign of recession or infection. Gum diseases also lead to inflammation. Hence, the dentist does a double check on that front as well.
Here are the basic (most common) traditional treatment methods used by dentists to treat gingivitis:
Flushing the Gum and Teeth:
>>> In this process, the dentist shall scrape away the plaque and tartar deposits from the surface of the gum and teeth. A scaling instrument shall be rubbed on to your gums to smoothen the gums and teeth.
>>> The second method is cleaning the teeth via laser. The laser generates heat which in turn cuts into the soft tissue of the gum. It also slices through the hard gum tissue. The process helps cleanse plaque and tarter from the tooth and gum surface.
>>> In the last and final procedure, your gums are evened. This is via the removal of all the damaged tissues that had earlier encapsulated your gum and teeth.
Administering Apt Medications:
>>> The Root Planning procedure is conducted. Thereafter, minute balls containing antiseptic solutions are inserted into the gum cavities. This is done so as to avoid further infection.
>>> Antibiotic medications are also administered to help you produce enzymes that keep gums and teeth healthy.
>>> Minocycline based chips are placed into the gum pockets to avoid further infection. This is to be done only after your gum and teeth have been cleaned.
>>> If you suffer from swelling in the gum area then, the dentist shall administer anti-inflammatory medications.
Under the Surgeon’s Knife:
>>> The gum tissue sometimes grows excessively. This is when you need to snip it via the use of surgical instruments. In this surgical procedure, the length of the crown is increased. The bone and soft tissue is removed to allow the crown to become visible to the naked eye.
>>> Periodontal flap surgery is the second such procedure wherein the surgeon uses a knife. The bacterial deposits from the gum pockets are removed via this surgical procedure. Thereafter, the soft tissue around the gum is restructured.
>>> The Grafting procedure is the last and final surgical option used by dentists. The root tooth that is over-exposed is covered via grafting. The tissue for the same is extracted from the roof of your mouth.
What are the Complications associated with Gingivitis?
Tooth and gum diseases have the uncanny ability to intensify with regards to the infection levels. If you allow your gum ailment to progress unabated, it can cause serious illnesses.
Here is a crux of how your seemingly minor gum disease can become a major hassle in your life:
The First Stage of Dental Infection:
In the very initial stage of gum infection, you shall experience redness in the area. In certain cases, you shall also experience bleeding of the gums.
Basically, this onset of bad tooth and gum infection is owing to poor eating habits. It is also attributed to you not brushing your teeth twice daily.
Also termed as gingivitis, this infection is reversible as it remains on the surface of the gum. If left untreated, the infection tends to seep further down leading to the second stage.
The Second Stage of Dental Infection:
When you have failed to overcome the initial stage of gum and teeth infection, it tends to reach into the second stage. Here, the bacteria/fungus seeps into the bones of the mouth.
Soon, your jaw bones start to witness damage. So, you need to rush to the dentist and opt for root planning. In some cases, the dentist also recommends scaling.
Once the gum pockets have been ridden of the bacteria and debris, they are sealed by the dentist. You need to understand that your gums and teeth can never become normal again.
Nonetheless, by maintain optimal oral hygiene, you can overcome further infection. If you fail to do so, you reach the third stage of dental infection.
The Third Stage of Dental Infection:
In this particular stage of the infection, the bacteria have passed down to your bloodstream. So, it has seeped into the bones and is now making its way into the bloodstream.
This is a serious case as once the bacteria seeps into your blood, it can cause a myriad of ailments. These shall not be limited to your oral cavity.
The Fourth & Final Stage of Dental Infection:
In the last and final stage, the bacteria tend to eat into your gums. In simpler words, the gum pockets are eaten and the tooth starts to become loose.
It is possible that your gums shall swell and pus shall start to develop. In such a scenario, you shall have a tough time eating food as chewing shall become a rather painful task. The bones in your jaw shall also start to decay.
Gingivitis Treatment at Home – How to Cure Gingivitis in a Week?
Nip the evil in the bud if you want to avoid complications. This statement is true in the case of gingivitis. If you can avoid plaque development, complications linked to tarter shall never arise.
Here is how you can cure gingivitis at home:
Saline Water Gargles:
Mix a teaspoon full of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle using this water, allowing the salty solution to slosh your gums for 45 seconds.
This helps maintain optimal gum and teeth health. It also removes debris and minimizes inflammation. When you do not have bacteria or debris, your breath smells like a lily.
You should ideally use salt water gargles twice daily for 3 to 4 days. After that, you need to rest your gums for a month before repeating the task. Excess salt intake is not good for the enamel.
Gargle Using Herbs:
You can remove gingivitis completely by gargling using herbs. Some of the most common ones include lemongrass, tee tree oil, sage, guava leaf and aloe vera.
These herbs have the natural ability to flush out any bacterial infection in the oral cavity. They also inhibit the development of debris thereby keeping your gum pockets clean.
The method is the same. Allow the herbs to be mixed in warm water and slosh it for 45 seconds. Alternatively, you can buy these herbs separately in their form of a mouthwash. Rinse your mouth like you would using a mouthwash.
Oil Pulling Using Coconut & Arimedadi Oils:
Oils such as the ones derived from coconut contain lauric acid. This helps maintain optimal health of your gum and teeth by removing plaque and debris.
Coconut oil can leave your teeth fresh, white and smelling fresh. It shall also reduce inflammation of the gum and teeth. Arimedadi oil also does the same. Just a 30 second swirl in the mouth does the trick.
Turmeric Paste Application:
Turmeric is a natural anti-bacterial and anti-viral herb that maintains healthy teeth and gums. Turmeric also reduces gum inflammation and fights bacterial infection.
Simply clean your teeth and apply the gel to your gums. After about 15 minutes, rinse it off by swirling warm water in your mouth. Once or twice a day should be sufficient to get the job done. I (LeanAndFit reviewer) strongly feel to not make this a daily affair though.
Clove Oil Application:
Clove oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Simply dab clove oil using Johnson buds along your gums. Allow the oil to sit there for about two minutes. Thereafter, simply spit it out. If you want, you can gargle with warm water to remove the excess oil.
How to Avoid Getting Periodontal Diseases by Taking Precautions at Home?
By now, we all have understood that gingivitis is the first stage of gum and teeth infection. It is also termed as the initial stage of periodontal disease. So, it is completely reversible in nature.
All you need to do is to take good care of your oral hygiene.
Well, here are a few ways to achieve this aim with complete peace of mind:
>>> Brush your teeth thrice daily with medicated toothpaste. The bristles of the brush need to be soft so as to avoid damaging the gums. Brush twice using a toothpaste and once without a paste.
>>> You should avoid eating foods that are high in sugar content. Sugar tends to attract bacteria that can damage your tooth enamel and gums.
>>> Make it a habit to consume healthy meals that are devoid of preservatives. Vitamins, minerals and macronutrients are good for your teeth and gums.
>>> Avoid smoking cigarettes as they have chemicals that can seep into your gum tissue and cause damage.
>>> Chewing tobacco is no less harmful for your teeth. You should avoid doing so.
>>> If possible, you should floss at least once every week. If possible, floss every three days.
>>> Munch on fruits as they make your gums work hard. This way you can easily hope to massage your gums naturally. Consuming raw fruits also helps the gums get their required dosage of vitamins and minerals.
>>> If possible, you should make use of a medicated mouthwash. It helps keep the germs away.
>>> Opt for home remedies (such as oil pulls and salt water gargles). Nonetheless, you should avoid overdoing it. Using mouthwash made from natural ingredients is considered wise if performed once every week. Excessive usage is to be avoided.
FAQS on Natural Remedies for Gingivitis
Q-1: Can Salt Water Gargles Cure Gingivitis?
A-1: This is a natural remedy to remove bacterial infection from the mouth area. It does stop any gum infection from seeping in. Nonetheless, it cannot be termed as a sure-shot cure for gingivitis.
Q-2: Is Turmeric Paste Application good for Curing Gingivitis Infection?
A-2: Yes, application of turmeric paste on clean teeth and gums is considered good for your oral health. Apply the paste for about 8 to 10 minutes onto the gums. Rinse with warm water.
Q-3: Can I Use Coconut Oil Rinse to Cure Gum and Teeth Infections?
A-3: Yes, you can rinse your mouth with coconut oil mouthwash. Simply hold the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. It removes debris and food particles buried in your gum cavity.
Q-4: How to Use Cloves to Cure Gingivitis?
A-4: Gingivitis infection is curable as it is the first stage of tooth and gum infection. Clove is a good natural remedy. Using clove oil with the aid of cotton buds dipped in this oil, is a good practice.
Simply place a few cotton balls dipped in clove oil onto your gums. Leave them for 15 minutes and then spit out the excess oil. Avoid gargling for half an hour, after which, rinse off excel clove oil using warm water.
Q-5: How to Remain Free from Dental Diseases Naturally?
A-5: Simply brush your teeth twice daily and avoid sugar rich foods. Floss your teeth once every week and ensure that you consume foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Q-6: How to Cure Gingivitis at Home in 7 Days?
A-6: Brush your teeth with medicated toothpaste. Gargle with salt water after every major meal. Apply clove oil to your gums and gargle using coconut oil.
Q-7: How can Gingivitis Prove Harmful for My Health?
A-7: If left unchecked, gingivitis can lead to permanent loss of gum and tooth. The bacterial infection may seep into your blood stream thereby causing irreparable damage. Periodontal diseases are a common occurrence.
Q-8: What is the Best Natural Cure for Gingivitis?
A-8: Clove oil and salt water gargles are considered to be the best cure for gingivitis infection. If you maintain good oral hygiene then, everything else shall fall in place.
Natural Remedies for Gingivitis – Is it a Hit or Miss?
Gingivitis is the onset of gum and tooth infection. While it is the initial stage of bacterial infection, if left untreated, it may result in loss of gum and tooth. So, it is best to stop the infection to allow it from spreading.
Instead of opting for procedures that require the use of medicines, surgery and injections, natural (at home) treatment methods work best. So, oil pulls, aloe vera gargles, salt water sloshes and using medicated toothpaste works wonders to cure gingivitis.
Not only are natural methods painless, they are also relatively cheaper alternatives to the traditional remedies devised by dentists. By maintaining sound oral hygiene and adopting natural methods, you can keep gingivitis at bay forever.