Gingivitis, which is manifested in an inflammation of the gum tissue, is a common health disease that can cause receding gums. Nearly 95 % of adults suffer from gingivitis at some period of their life.

The gingivitis inflammation is caused by bacteria, which occupy the mouth cavity, infect the teeth, cause plague, harden, and turn into tartar. Therefore, one of the most beneficial ways to reduce inflammation is to remove mouth bacteria.

Gingivitis is manifested with swelling and redness of the gum tissue, gum pain or tenderness, bleeding while brushing the teeth, bad breath, a bad taste, and pus formation among the teeth and the gum. Gingivitis inflammation can also lead to pain in the throat.

In addition, chronic gingivitis can cause periodontitis, a severe form of gingivitis that can cause receding gums and teeth loss. In this article, we are going to show you how to cure and prevent gingivitis naturally.

Periodontitis – A Silent Disease

Periodontitis is a common teeth disease, which is often manifested with bleeding while brushing the teeth. If the disease is at its advanced stage, the teeth begin to move and become mobile. Other common symptoms of periodontitis include:

  • Swelling of the gums
  • Purple or bright red gums
  • Tender gums
  • Formation of pus between the gum and the teeth
  • Formation of new spaces between the teeth
  • Bad breath
  • A mouth-bad taste
  • Loose teeth

Periodontitis is caused by the accumulation of bacteria plaque between the gum and the teeth, which in turn leads to inflammation. The bacteria can go into the bloodstream, promote a protective response from the liver, and stimulate a release of harmful antibacterial agents from the white blood cells. These responses make the inflammation worse, which can damage the blood vessel walls and other tissues and organs in the body.

Evidence suggests that periodontitis can affect the levels of blood sugar in diabetics and aggravate kidney and heart complications.

It is also known as periodontitis because if it is left unaddressed, it can increase the risk of certain health issues, including:

  • Miscarriages and premature births
  • Stroke: Evidence shows that periodontitis is related to an increased risk of developing a stroke.
  • Cancer: Periodontal disease is related to an increased risk of experiencing cancer, too.
  • Heart disease and heart attack: Cardiovascular disease is more likely in people with periodontal disease than in healthy people.
  • Diabetes: Periodontitis can cause diabetes type 2.
  • Atherosclerosis: Periodontitis can cause inflammation, which can increase cholesterol, fat buildup, and other substances in the artery walls.

How to Cure Gingivitis?

To promote gum and teeth health and to treat and prevent gingivitis, it is of utter importance to maintain oral hygiene, eliminate the bacteria that lead to inflammation, and treat gum issues as soon as you notice some of the symptoms.

How to Treat Gingivitis Naturally?

If you suffer from gingivitis, you can treat it with some of these natural methods:

Saline solution

Salt is a great alternative to treat gingivitis. Not only does it act as a natural disinfectant, but it can also treat swelling of the tissues. In ½ a cup of warm water, add a teaspoon of salt. Mix it well and then rinse the mouth with the solution for 1 minute. Repeat the remedy a few times regularly.

Sage

A 2013 study in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry showed that sage can treat gingivitis thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Brew a few fresh leaves of sage in a glass of boiling water for 10 minutes, and then let it cool. Swish the solution around the mouth for 3 – 4 minutes a day. In addition, you can rub a sage leaf on the gums to reduce inflammation.

Raw honey

Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, honey can help treat gingivitis. All you need to do is to apply raw honey directly to the inflamed area.

Manuka honey is especially beneficial for treating gingivitis. A 2004 study in the Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology found that Manuka honey can reduce gingival bleeding and dental plaque.

Olive oil

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, olive oil can efficiently treat and prevent gingivitis. Take a tablespoon of olive oil gargle it around the mouth for a few minutes, and then spit it out. Do not swallow it because it contains toxins from the mouth. You can also rub or apply olive oil on the gums. Repeat the remedy three times a day.

Neem oil

Neem leaves and bark contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They are used to boost the immune system and stimulate resistance to infections. Mix a few drops of Neem oil with olive oil or coconut oil and apply the mixture to the affected place.

Coconut oil and vitamin E oil

Both Vitamin E oil and coconut oil contain anti-inflammatory properties that help treat and prevent gingivitis. All you need to do is to rub vitamin E oil or coconut oil on the gum directly.

Oil pulling

Oil pulling, an Ayurvedic method for cleaning the mouth, is also a great alternative for maintaining a gingivitis-free and plague-free mouth. Evidence suggests that oil pulling has numerous benefits for oral health, including teeth whitening, treating receding gums and gingivitis, and preventing white marks on the teeth.
A 2009 study showed that oil pulling acted as an effective mouthwash in the treatment of gingivitis and plague.

Cashew nuts

Cashew nuts can prevent skin acne, tooth decay, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.

Baking soda

Thanks to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, baking soda can help treat infections. As it is alkaline, baking soda neutralizes acid in the mouth and lowers the risk of receding gums and tooth decay. It can also help eliminate bacteria from the mouth, which can cause dental cavities and plaque.

Not only is baking soda used as a whitening toothpaste, but it can also be used as an antibacterial mouthwash by dissolving baking soda in water. To prepare a mouthwash, all you need to do is add ¼ a teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of water. Mix it until the baking soda is dissolved. Gargle the solution in the mouth for 30 – 60 seconds and then spit it out. Rinse the mouth with fresh water. Wash your mouth with baking soda regularly.

Chamomile and cinnamon tea

Chamomile helps relieve inflammation and improve gum health. On the other hand, cinnamon contains antibacterial properties that help treat infections.

Consume plenty of cinnamon tea and chamomile tea to treat gingivitis pain and promote oral health. Prepare the tea and consume it, making sure it passes on the gums. You can also use chamomile and cinnamon tea as a mouthwash.

Tea tree essential oil and clove

Due to their antiseptic and antibacterial properties, clove oil and tea tree oil can help treat gingivitis and fight infections.

You can also prepare a mouthwash by adding a few drops of clove oil or tea tree oil to a cup of water. Do not swallow the mouthwash.

Garlic

Due to its active component allicin, garlic contains powerful antibiotic effects. A 2001 study in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that allicin can fight against bacteria and alleviate dental diseases.

Crush 1 – 2 cloves of garlic and wait for several minutes so that the allicin is formed. Then, apply the crushed garlic directly to the gums to treat gingivitis. As garlic can cause a burning sensation, it is better to mix it with coconut oil, olive oil, Aloe Vera, or honey.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has numerous healing properties. Not only is Aloe Vera used to improve skin health, but it can be also used to cleanse gums and teeth. A 2013 study in the Journal of Indian Society found out that Aloe Vera as a mouthwash can be used to treat plague-related gingivitis.

In addition, other studies showed that Aloe Vera acts as a strong mouthwash thanks to its ability to prevent dental diseases. Moreover, it has been shown that Aloe Vera reduces gingival bleeding and plaque. All you need to do is apply Aloe Vera on your finger and rub the affected area. You can either use the Aloe Vera plant or a natural Aloe Vera gel.

Turmeric paste

In traditional and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been used to treat numerous health ailments. It is rich in curcumin, an antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory-high component.

Curcumin plays a vital role in maintaining oral hygiene. Therefore, mix one teaspoon of turmeric, ½ a teaspoon of salt, and ½ a teaspoon of mustard oil and apply the paste topically to treat swelling and pain in the mouth and prevent gingivitis and periodontitis. You can apply the paste twice a day. Also, you can use vitamin E oil or coconut oil instead of mustard oil.

In addition, turmeric mouthwash can also treat gingivitis and plague. You can prepare it by adding 100 mg of curcumin extract to 100 ml of water.

Supplements Can Also Treat Gingivitis

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 contains powerful antioxidant properties, which enhance the supply of oxygen to the gums and help cure and prevent plaque and gingivitis.

Probiotics

Probiotic supplements rich in Lactobacillus reuteri can efficiently treat chronic periodontitis. Probiotics have other health benefits, too.

Chlorella

Chlorella, green algae, can help soothe, cure, and prevent gingivitis. Namely, chlorella has a compound that boosts the immune system and promotes tissue repair.

Proper Nutrition

Cut down or avoid consuming alcohol and refined sugar because they can stimulate plaque accumulation on the teeth and weaken immunity. Therefore, try to include foods rich in fiber, like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans in your diet.

The fiber does not eliminate the bacteria in the mouth, but it helps boost the immune system.

Brush Your Teeth Regularly

You should brush your teeth twice a day. Regular brushing lowers gum infections by 60 %. If you have bleeding gums, you can use a soft-fiber toothbrush. Brush your teeth in a circular motion between the teeth and the gums so the bristles can penetrate between the gums and the teeth and eliminate food leftovers and plaque.

Except for brushing your teeth, it is also recommended to use a floss to clean the space between the teeth and prevent food from sticking in between.