Is oral malodour making you self-conscious and forcing you to shut your mouth? Or are you experiencing bleeding gums? These could be signs of gingivitis, a dental disease affecting millions worldwide. It is often overlooked, but if you don’t start gingivitis treatment on time, it can cause irreversible damage to the gum linings and lead to tooth loss. In this blog, we’ll uncover some at-home gingivitis treatment options you can start immediately. So, stay tuned to learn about gingivitis meaning, and its symptoms in detail, as well as home remedies for gingivitis that freshen your breath and give you a confident smile.
What is Gingivitis?
As per an NCBI study, gingivitis is the most early stage of gum disease (periodontal disease). It is escalated by the buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth, which can infect the gums. The most common signs of gingivitis are red, swollen gums that bleed easily when touching or brushing teeth. Untreated gingivitis can develop into severe gum disease, leading to bone loss. Let’s look at some more symptoms of gingivitis in the next section.
Gingivitis Symptoms
Gingivitis is a notorious issue whose early signs can go unnoticed. But once you have it, it can worsen with time. So, keep a tab on the following symptoms to confirm it:
- Foul smell from the mouth that does not go away after brushing, even after brushing.
- Bleeding gums, especially after brushing teeth.
- Red, swollen gum with sweet pain.
- Shooting pain in gums and teeth when eating hot or cold foods or drinks.
- Tender pain when chewing food.
Gingivitis Causes
Gingivitis can happen to anyone with bad oral hygiene. However, if you fall into the list of the following people, you’re more likely to develop it:
- People who smoke or chew tobacco.
- People with weak immunity.
- Pregnant women or those experiencing hormonal shifts in the body.
- Those with diabetes.
- Having a history of gum diseases in the family.
Other than these, people who are on specific medication that affects saliva production can also lead to poor oral health and cause gingivitis. These include:
- Cancer therapy drugs.
- Blood pressure medicine, such as calcium channel blockers, as per Cleveland Clinic.
- Contraceptives pills.
| Did You Know?
Gingivitis can also be transferred from one person to another. Exports claim that although it is not contagious, gingivitis bacteria can spread through saliva-to-saliva contact, such as during kissing. |
Although gingivitis can be bad for your oral health and self-esteem, it can be reversed with simple home remedies. In the next section, discover gingivitis treatment at home.
Gingivitis Treatment To Try at Home
1. Clove Oil
Clove oil is the star ingredient of ayurvedic remedies for tooth and gum problems. It helps reduce tooth pain and gum swelling. Dilute 3-4 drops of clove oil with coconut oil and massage it on the gums and teeth. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then spit it out and gargle with warm water. It will also tackle poor odour.
2. Salt Water Rinse
Saltwater rinse is the easiest and most effective gingivitis treatment. It helps disinfect gums and reduce inflammation. Mix one tablespoon of salt with half a glass of warm water. Swish the water for a minute, then spit it out. Repeat this process three to four times to treat gingivitis.
3. Tea Tree Oil
As a natural antiseptic, tea tree oil fights bacteria that cause gum diseases and oral odour. Prepare a tea tree oil and water mix in equal parts and massage it on the gums and teeth. You can also apply it to your toothbrush to make it reach the innermost corners of your teeth.
4. Turmeric Paste
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent and a powerhouse of antioxidants. Using turmeric paste on teeth and gums can be an effective gingivitis treatment. Mix turmeric paste with coconut oil and apply it to the gums.
5. Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is the true multitasker in your kitchen cabinets. Along with baking, it is also great for keeping your mouth clean and germ-free. Mix baking soda with water to make a thick, grainy paste. Scrub it on gums and teeth to remove plaque and kill odour-causing germs.
The Final Word
Gingivitis is a common issue that can be treated with oral hygiene practices. If gingivitis treatment is not started on time, it can lead to severe gum diseases. You can treat it at home with simple kitchen ingredients such as clove oil, baking soda, tea tree oil, salt water, and turmeric. While these remedies may work, it is also advised to consult a dentist to check for hidden damage and rotting between the teeth that may not be visible to the eye.
