Your dentist likely tells you the best way to prevent gingivitis is to floss daily. While you should certainly listen to your dentist, there are several home remedies you can adopt, in addition to flossing, in order to improve gum health. According to PubMed Health, gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue. While gingivitis is not dangerous on its own, it can lead to further problems like the loosening of teeth.
If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, it is likely you are suffering from gingivitis. You can also check the color of your gums for signs of inflammation. Healthy gums are pink, while inflamed gums are red. If your teeth are more sensitive than usual or you are suffering from bad breath, you should see a dentist. Before it gets that bad however, we recommend you try adding some of these home remedies to your regular hygiene routine!
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1. Turmeric. The bright yellow spice contains potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant compounds that promote healing. Global Healing Center recommends mixing turmeric powder with water and brushing your teeth and gums with the homemade paste.
2. Oil pulling. One of the latest health trends is oil pulling. And there's good reason for this. According to a study by researchers in India, swishing coconut oil in the mornings significantly decreases both plaque and gingivitis. Though oil pulling can be done with almost almost type of oil including olive, sunflower, and sesame oils, coconut oil is recommended because it contains lauric acid, which is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.
3. Lemon juice. Vitamin C deficiency is directly linked to gum disease, says Simple Household Tips. This is why Rapid Home Remedies recommends rinsing your mouth with warm water mixed with the juice from one medium lemon. Use this home remedy every morning after brushing your teeth.
4. Aloe vera. You most likely know aloe vera as a treatment for sunburn. But just in the same way that aloe vera heals inflammation in your burnt skin, it is also a useful remedy for reducing inflammation in your gums. Rapid Home Remedies recommends applying aloe vera gel directly to your gums.
5. Sage. This savory herb is a natural anti-inflammatory. Global Health Center recommends rubbing a chopped sage leaf or a pinch of dried sage onto your gums. Leave the sage in place for 2- 3 minutes. You can also make a sage salt rinse by boiling sage leaves in salt water. Swish the rinse around your mouth to reduce inflammation.
6. Cranberry. Simple Household Tips explains cranberry is effective in treating and preventing gingivitis because the fruit prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth. Use 100% cranberry juice as a mouthwash.
7. Garlic. It may not be the tastiest solution, but Natural News recommends chewing on a clove of garlic to kill bacteria-causing gingivitis.
8. Honey. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in honey can help treat gingivitis, says Healthy and Natural World. You can use this home remedy by rubbing raw honey directly onto your gums.
Use these home remedies and treat gingivitis at home before it develops into a harmful gum disease.
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