Although the dental condition of gingivitis tends to affect a majority of people, its early symptoms are so mild that it becomes tough to realize that the ailment exists. Gingivitis is usually characterized by swollen, tender, and bleeding gums that have started to recede from the teeth.
In case of acute gingivitis, a patient can experience loss of teeth, stinking breath, and a foul taste. If the condition is not controlled or treated, it can lead to a more critical condition called periodontitis that is a severe gum disease. Therefore, it becomes essential to treat the condition as soon as possible. Luckily, you can try some effective home remedies for treating the condition apart from taking medications.
Home Remedies For Treatment Of Gingivitis
Use Clove Oil (Eugenia Aromaticum)
Clove oil is regarded as an alternative dental remedy for treating sore and painful teeth since centuries. It is an affordable as well as reliable natural remedy for several dental ailments that are the outcome of bacterial infections. According to several studies, the oil is rich in antibacterial as well as analgesic properties due to which it is effective in relieving pain. You can use clove oil in herbal or raw form to treat the condition.
In order to use this oil, you just need to put a few drops of it on a cotton ball and rub it against the affected area quite gently. Doing so numbs the pain and alleviates the bacterial growth that can add to plague, which is the cause of gingivitis. Alternatively, you can put a clove in your tea or can chew it to relieve pain and keep the mouth fresh. However, you may not prefer chewing due to its strong taste.
Warning: Clove oil should not be consumed excessively because it may trigger risky side effects such as respiratory problems and liver inflammation. Further, it is not safe for pregnant women or toddlers who are below the age of two. Clove should also not be taken by patients who have blood thinners because it is a strong blood thinner as well.
Try Aloe Vera
This home-grown plant has a long medical history of 5000 years due to its varied healing properties for treating several conditions, right from skin to kidney infections. Interestingly, it has also been utilized several times to alleviate gum infections as well as to cleanse the teeth. Experts explain that Aloe Vera works by reducing the accrual of bacteria, which is the root cause of plaque and gingivitis.
The plant is rich in tested antibacterial compounds and chemicals that relieve dental inflammation and pain by using its abrasive properties. For treating gingivitis, all you need to do is extract the gel from a fresh plant and apply it on the affected region without ingesting. Alternatively, you can also add this gel to a glass of warm water and gargle it after every meal.
Gargle Regularly
You can choose to gargle with salt that is the most common as well as effective remedy for treating a variety of dental ailments. Salt acts as a natural disinfectant to slay down the bacteria and trigger freshness in mouth. All you have to do is dissolve one tablespoon of salt in warm water and gargle it after taking a meal.
Another concoction to consider for gargling includes salt and triphala. Triphala is an Ayurvedic formula that consists of three dried fruits namely, Bibhitaki, Haritaki, and Amalaki. By adding just one tablespoonful of this powder to the salty water for gargling, you can experience quick relief because this formula is highly effective in combating the causal bacteria by using its strong bacterium repellent properties. Triphala has proved its effectiveness in boosting the immune system and in healing the infected areas.
Warning: If you have decided to use Triphala, it is advisable to use it in small quantities because excess consumption can lead to diarrhea, gas, and acid reflux.
Massage your Gums
It has been proven clinically that massaging your gums on a daily basis can help fortify them so that they themselves can combat gingivitis. Massaging improves the flow of blood to your gums due to which they get stronger to oppose gingivitis as well as any other gum disease.
After brushing your teeth in the morning, hold your gums with the help of your index finger remaining outside (in front of the tooth) while the thumb goes behind the tooth and massage the gums smoothly. Continue to do this until you cover all your bottom and top gums. And at last, ensure that you wash your hands properly for preventing the spread of bacteria.
Rub with Baking Soda
Due to lucrative medical properties, baking soda is one of the widely used home remedies. Its ability to act as an oral hygiene aid was first known in the 1970s. Thereafter, a program known as the Keyes technique suggested patients to utilize a concoction of baking soda, salt, and Hydrogen Peroxide for treating gum infections because of its ability to slay down the causal bacteria.
Alternatively, you can try rubbing your affected gums and teeth with a little baking soda whenever you brush so that inflammation can be reduced. Baking soda is totally safe to use because it is a mild abrasive ingredient that helps in alleviating plaque.
Increase the Intake of Vitamin C
It is a well known fact that Vitamin C is very effective in healing the affected teeth and gums. In case of gingivitis, this nutrient can deal with bleeding gums a bit faster than other remedies so that the gums become healthy to fight against the condition.Therefore, it is vital to take enough of this nutrient in your diet. Vitamin C is present in adequate amounts in citrus fruits and vegetables such as broccoli. If you are unable to obtain enough vitamin C naturally, you can always consider consuming a supplement.
Flossing
Gingivitis usually begins between the teeth, the place where the brush lacks to show its effectiveness in removing the bacteria. But if you chose to floss, it can reach between your teeth and under the line of your gums to discard plaque. It is vital to eliminate plaque on a daily basis, or else, tartar can be formed whose removal will then make professional dental cleaning indispensable.
Note: It is better to talk to your doctor before trying these home remedies to be on the safe side.
