5 effective ways to treat gingivitis at home: Gingivitis is a fairly common dental disease in everyone, although it is not serious enough to threaten life, it will create extremely dangerous health complications. So what is gingivitis? How to treat gingivitis at home? Let’s see the information below with BeamDental!
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What is gingivitis?
What is gingivitis? Gingivitis is a fairly serious oral problem, most adults suffer from it, and it is not uncommon for this disease to occur if not cared for and treated promptly. Depending on the number of bacteria and plaque, the longer it lives, the greater the severity of the disease. Although it is not serious, the disease has a significant impact on oral health and also causes a loss of sympathy when in contact.
Healthy gums are not infected when they are light pink, not red and swollen, and do not bleed when brushing, chewing or touching. People with good gums always have fresh and pleasant breath, and plaque usually does not form between the teeth.
See more: Causes of children’s molar cavities & 5 things to know!
Symptoms of gingivitis
When you have gingivitis, you will often experience the following symptoms:
- The gums are bright red or dark red because the more severe the redness, the more inflammation.
- Red and swollen gums and hypertrophy are more serious inflammation.
- There is a large concentration of dental plaque and tartar in the red and swollen gums.
- Gingivitis causes the gums to recede below the tooth roots and the tooth root tissue is loose.
- The mouth has a characteristic fishy smell because the inflammation is combined with saliva.
- Spontaneous bleeding when chewing or brushing teeth.
Many patients with gingivitis are subjective and do not treat the disease, so the disease progresses quickly or they buy antibiotics on their own, making it difficult to completely treat. Especially in infants, if gingivitis is not treated promptly, it can become a chronic disease that is harmful to health and future tooth development.
Although rare, gingivitis can also lead to other health problems including:
- Gum ulcers or gingivitis due to loss of resistance and lack of Vitamin C
- Jawbone deformation, slow tooth development and poor tooth structure
- Necrosis of the gingival mucosa due to thinning or peeling of the mucosal layer
Causes of gingivitis
Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene, allowing plaque to accumulate on the teeth and trigger inflammation in the gum tissues. Below are some common contributors to gingivitis:
Dental plaque
Dental plaque is a sticky, nearly invisible film of bacteria that forms on the teeth when food particles, especially starches and sugars, interact with the bacteria naturally present in saliva. Plaque constantly builds up and requires regular removal, as it can reform quickly and lead to gum issues if left unchecked. Brushing and flossing daily are essential for keeping plaque at bay.
Tartar
When plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, a calcified deposit of bacteria that forms both above and below the gum line. Tartar not only traps bacteria but also makes it more difficult to reach and remove plaque from the teeth. Because tartar adheres firmly to teeth surfaces, it requires professional dental cleaning to be fully removed. Left untreated, tartar buildup can irritate the gums and lead to further complications.
Inflamed gums
As plaque and tartar accumulate on the teeth, they irritate the gums and the surrounding tissues, which can cause inflammation, swelling, and increased sensitivity. This inflammation marks the early stage of gingivitis. Over time, if the irritation persists, it can lead to more severe gum problems, including receding gums and infection. The presence of prolonged inflammation can also increase the risk of tooth decay, ultimately leading to periodontitis—a serious gum disease that can result in tooth loss if left untreated.
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Dangerous complications of gingivitis
Untreated gingivitis can progress to other infections that affect the underlying tissue and bone (pulpitis), a more serious condition that can lead to tooth loss.
Chronic gingivitis is known to be linked to other diseases including respiratory disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis. Some studies have shown that the bacteria that cause gingivitis enter the bloodstream through the pulp of the tooth, potentially affecting the heart, lungs and other parts of the body.
Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG), is a severe form of gingivitis characterized by pain, infection, bleeding gums and ulcers.
See more: Is tooth decay contagious? – 5 FAQs
How to prevent gingivitis at home
Preventing gingivitis starts with consistent oral hygiene and routine dental visits. Here’s a comprehensive approach to keeping your gums healthy:
Maintain a strong oral hygiene routine
- Brush twice daily: Brush your teeth thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush for at least two minutes, morning and night. Use fluoride toothpaste to help remove plaque, which is a primary cause of gingivitis.
- Floss daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline, areas a toothbrush can’t reach. Consistent flossing reduces plaque buildup that leads to inflammation.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash: Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash helps kill bacteria that brushing and flossing may miss, reducing the risk of gum infections.
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings
- Schedule cleanings every 6 to 12 months: Regular professional cleanings remove tartar, which cannot be eliminated through brushing alone. Tartar buildup can contribute significantly to gingivitis.
- See your dentist for preventative care: If you have risk factors such as a history of gum disease, chronic bad breath, smoking, or certain medications, visiting your dentist more frequently (every three to four months) may be beneficial.
- Consider annual dental X-rays: X-rays help detect problems below the gumline and monitor any progression in gum health. They’re valuable for spotting early signs of bone loss or deep-seated plaque that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Eat a gum-healthy diet
- Incorporate nutrient-rich foods: Foods high in vitamins C and D, calcium, and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, dairy, and fruits, support healthy gums by strengthening your immune response and tissue repair.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks: High sugar intake can increase bacterial growth and plaque accumulation, contributing to inflammation and gum disease.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, maintaining a cleaner mouth and reducing the risk of plaque buildup.
- Manage blood sugar levels: For those with diabetes, controlling blood sugar is crucial, as elevated levels can weaken gum tissue, increasing susceptibility to gum infections and slowing down the healing process.
How to treat gingivitis at home
How to treat gingivitis at home? Gingivitis that has just been diagnosed early can be treated at home through proper oral hygiene, more severe cases require the use of mouthwash or medication. If you are experiencing the above condition, you can refer to some effective ways to treat gingivitis at home below.
Salt water is a simple yet effective remedy for gingivitis. Research shows that natural sea salt contains essential minerals that help strengthen tooth enamel, whiten teeth, and provide antibacterial benefits. This helps protect gums from bacterial infection, reducing inflammation, swelling, and promoting faster healing. For those struggling with gingivitis and bad breath, a homemade saltwater rinse can be highly beneficial. The recommended concentration is 0.9%, which means dissolving 9 grams of salt in 1 liter of drinking water. Rinse your mouth with this solution 2-3 times daily, and with regular use, you should notice significant improvement in gum health.
Another natural remedy for gingivitis involves using fresh betel leaves. These leaves contain approximately 2.4% essential oil, primarily composed of compounds like peta-phenol and chavicol, known for their strong antibacterial properties that inhibit the growth of various oral bacteria. This makes betel leaves effective for treating gingivitis and related oral issues.
Honey is a popular ingredient for cooking, treating ailments, and beauty care. For gum inflammation, especially in infants, honey can be used as a home remedy. With its antibacterial properties, honey helps inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promoting the recovery of inflamed gums.
Though gingivitis is generally mild, it can negatively impact overall health if left untreated. With these insights from BeamDental, you now have additional tools to treat gingivitis at home for better oral health.
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