Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and may result in periodontal disease and tooth loss. Gingivitis may be readily treated at home, but which home treatments are the most effective?
Gingivitis symptoms include red, swollen, inflamed gums that bleed when a person brushes their teeth. Gingivitis is frequently characterized by inflamed gums, even though it may be avoided.
This article looks at the many ways to treat gingivitis by keeping gums healthy and the evidence that backs up the remedies. It also discusses how to prevent gingivitis, recommended dental hygiene practices, overall oral health, and when to contact a doctor.
WHAT IS GINGIVITIS?
Plaque, a soft, sticky, white film, is formed when bacteria accumulate around your gumline and on tooth enamel. Untreated plaque can harden and turn into tartar. Both plaque formation and tartar cause gum disease.
Gingivitis is the term used to describe gum disease in its early stages. According to the Journal of Dental Research, over half of all persons over 30 in the United States (47.1%) have some form of gum disease.
Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis if left untreated, but treating periodontal disease is more complicated than gingivitis. This more severe form of gum disease can lead to severe symptoms such as tooth loosening or even tooth loss. That is why it is critical to prevent gingivitis symptoms as soon as possible.
THE MAIN CAUSE OF GINGIVITIS IS DENTAL PLAQUE
Over 700 bacteria, generally known as "oral microflora," live in the mouth. Many are innocuous, while others stimulate saliva production for appropriate digestion. Proper saliva levels also aid in the prevention of plaque buildup on the teeth's surfaces, helping prevent plaque-related gingivitis and maintaining periodontal health.
On the other hand, the remainder of these bacteria is responsible for the formation of dental plaque. This is the sticky, slimy, transparent film that accumulates on the surfaces of the teeth, between the teeth, and behind the gum line.
Millions of germs in dental plaque assault the teeth and may produce tooth decay. These microorganisms also irritate the gum, causing redness and swelling.
OTHER CAUSES OF GINGIVITIS
Gingivitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Poor dental hygiene promotes plaque buildup on the teeth.
- Mouth dryness
- Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing
- Teeth that are crooked and difficult to clean
- Inadequate dental restorations
- A lack of vitamin C
- Advanced age
- Certain drugs, notably when the flow of saliva is decreased
- Changes in hormones
- Genetics
GINGIVITIS SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS INCLUDE:
- Gum bleeding
- Gums that are puffy or swollen
- Gums that are dark red
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
- Tender gums
GOOD ORAL HYGIENE FOR GINGIVITIS PREVENTION
The best strategy to avoid gingivitis is to maintain regular dental hygiene. Some suggestions for oral hygiene:
BRUSH TWICE A DAY
If you currently brush your teeth daily, double-check that you are using the proper method as part of your oral hygiene routine to prevent plaque formation. Your healing gums may demand a gentler touch first, so use a soft-bristled brush and apply the appropriate amount of pressure.
ONCE A DAY, FLOSS YOUR TEETH
To eliminate irritants like germs and food debris and to help decrease inflammation, use a water flosser or interdental brush to penetrate between your teeth and beneath your gum line.
FOR FURTHER PROTECTION, USE A MOUTHWASH
An over-the-counter medicated mouthwash such as cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwash will also aid in treating illness and managing harmful bacteria growth and bad breath in your mouth, according to a randomized clinical trial. Tea tree oil mouthwash is a favorite for many people.
And be sure to see your dentist regularly, not just to maintain your teeth gleaming white but also to check on the condition of your gums. In more severe circumstances, your dental professional may prescribe medicated mouthwash.
HOME TREATMENTS FOR GINGIVITIS
While home treatments are beneficial against gingivitis, they should only be taken under the supervision of your dentist. Dentists will advise you on the best home cure to treat your gingivitis symptoms.
The following are some home cures for gingivitis:
Saltwater rinse: Rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution will help eliminate swollen gums caused by gingivitis. Repeat three times each day.
Make your mouthwash Pain, bleeding, plaque buildup, poor breath, and gum inflammation are all reduced by homemade mouthwashes to prevent gingivitis from lemongrass oil, aloe vera, or tea tree oil. Swish the mouthwash for 30 seconds and then spit it out. Do this at least twice a day.
Other homemade mouthwash you can make include:
- aloe vera mouthwash
- lemongrass oil mouthwash
- guava leaf mouthwash
- lemongrass mouthwash
- saltwater rinse
- sage mouthwash
- tea tree oil mouthwash
Turmeric cream Turmeric's anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory qualities can aid in the prevention of plaque buildup and gingivitis. Apply turmeric gel to your gums for 10 minutes before rinsing with water. Do this twice a day.
Oil extraction Coconut oil pulling may help decrease bacteria and prevent plaque formation, which can cause gingivitis. Start by swishing oil of about two teaspoons in your mouth for 20 to 30 minutes. After spitting out the oil, clean your teeth and rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Many oils used for oil pulling have anti-inflammatory and microbial properties that can help early-stage gingivitis.
PROFESSIONAL GINGIVITIS ORAL HEALTH TREATMENTS
You should see your dental professional if home remedies do not eliminate bleeding; healthy gums don’t bleed. Depending on the severity of your medical conditions, your dentist will recommend an appropriate procedure to reduce gingivitis.
NONSURGICAL THERAPIES:
Scaling: Plaque above and below the gum line is scraped away, and problematic areas on the tooth surface are smoothed.
Root planing: Having a dental professional smooth the rough regions below the gums removes microorganisms and offers a clean surface for the gingiva to reattach to the teeth.
Laser therapy: lowers the irritation and germs that cause plaque development and gingivitis. It also aids in the quicker healing of gum tissue, helps treat gingivitis, and prevents active periodontal disease.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics are administered locally or orally through mouth rinses or gel to kill infection-causing germs, reduce inflammation, and improve oral hygiene.
SURGICAL PROCEDURES:
Flap surgery: Used to clean the roots of teeth and heal bone deterioration caused by gingivitis.
Soft tissue grafts: This procedure helps to avoid gum recession and improves the look of your gum line.
Bone grafting: This procedure promotes natural bone repair and reduces tooth loss.
Guided tissue regeneration: This technique is used to regenerate bone that bacteria have destroyed.
HOW LONG DOES GINGIVITIS TAKE TO HEAL?
You might expect to observe improvements after a few days of therapy, although symptoms may not go gone completely. You can usually cure gingivitis within 10 to 14 days in most situations. If your gingivitis is severe, treatment may take longer.
Take responsibility for your oral health to keep it from happening again. If you have a medical condition that makes gingivitis more likely, keep in frequent touch with your dentist so that any changes in symptoms may be monitored.
HOW TO AVOID RECURRENCE OF GINGIVITIS
It would help if you visited the dentist at least once a year to maintain proper dental hygiene. If you have health concerns that put you at risk for gingivitis, you should see your dentist more frequently.
Make it a point to do the following every day:
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, preferably with an electric toothbrush.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day.
- Once or twice a day, use a natural mouthwash.
- A vitamin and mineral-rich diet can help prevent gum disease and other oral disorders.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP FOR GINGIVITIS?
See your dentist immediately if the aforementioned home remedies do not help treat gingivitis. You should consult a periodontist if you experience severe tooth pain or your gums bleed. Also, if you notice receding gums or other early signs of gum or tooth damage, make an appointment.
These symptoms frequently suggest moderate to severe gum disease. However, it is still conceivable that you have a mild form of gingivitis. In any case, timely periodontics therapy can keep the condition from progressing.
The sooner your dentist addresses your gum disease, the better your chances of recovering completely. Furthermore, you don't want your gingivitis to worsen and cause you to lose your permanent tooth.
GET RID OF GINGIVITIS
That concludes your comprehensive guide on what causes gum disease. Now that you know what they are, it's time to follow treatment guidelines. The sooner you eradicate the disease's remnants, the sooner you may say good-by to sore and swollen gums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is periodontal disease or gum disease?
A severe gum infection causes gum damage and can dissolve the bone around your teeth.
Periodontitis is fairly common, yet it is mostly avoidable and controllable. The most common cause is inadequate dental hygiene. Periodontitis may result in tooth loss and raise the risk of heart and lung problems.
Can turmeric gel treat gingivitis?
Turmeric and chlorhexidine gel have anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effects and may be helpful as an overall management strategy to reduce plaque-induced gingivitis.
What is the fastest way to cure gingivitis?
To help eliminate plaque between your teeth, use a mouth rinse. Brushing and flossing should be supplemented with an interdental cleaner, such as a dental pick, interdental brush, or dental stick developed specifically to clean between your teeth. Schedule frequent professional dental cleanings according to your dentist's recommendations.
Can you get rid of gingivitis on your own?
Home treatments may frequently eliminate gingivitis if used early in the therapy process. It is critical to treat the plaque before it hardens into tartar. Increase the frequency and length of brushing and flossing as well. Even though home remedies like mouthwash include natural components, they should not be swallowed.
How long does gingivitis take to reverse?
Eliminating gingivitis takes about two weeks if you take proper measures and keep your mouth in optimal condition with brushing, flossing, and cleaning.
