How to Treat Gingivitis Using Home Remedies
Gingivitis is an infection of the gums. Symptoms include bleeding of the gums during and after brushing your teeth and red, swollen gums. Gingivitis occurs when teeth are not properly taken care of through oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth and seeing a dentist regularly are important in preventing gingivitis. If your teeth are not properly brushed and flossed every day to remove the thin film of bacteria known as plaque, gingivitis will occur and you can lose your teeth. Besides proper oral hygiene and regular dentist check-ups, there are things one can do at home to treat and/or prevent gingivitis.
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Things You'll Need
- Salt Water
- Mouthwash
- Vitamin C
- Canola, Sunflower, or Sesame Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Myrrh Essential Oil
- Lemon Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Lemon jJuice
- Chamomile
- Hot and Cold Compresses
Instructions
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Using Home Remedies to Treat Gingivitis
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1
Take a pinch of salt and add it to a glass of lukewarm water to make a homemade saline solution. Rinse your mouth with this solution once in the morning and once in the evening to increase blood circulation and ease the swelling of the gums.
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2
Choose either canola oil, sunflower oil, or sesame oil and combine one ounce of your chosen oil with 10 drops or tea tree oil, 6 drops of myrrh oil, 3 drops of lemon oil, and 1 drop of peppermint oil. Blend these oils together well and massage into your gums after brushing your teeth. You can also use this oil mixture as a mouthwash after massaging into your gums. Be careful not to swallow.
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3
Combine oils in step two with your choice of either 1 drop of myrrh oil and 1 drop of peppermint oil or 2 drops of clove oil and 1 drop of thyme oil with 1 cup of boiling water to make a refreshing mouthwash. This oil mouthwash will soothe your gums and reduce inflammation of your gums from the gingivitis.
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4
Rub your gums with sesame or coconut oil or drink diluted lemon juice to soothe bleeding and receding gums caused by gingivitis. Also by eating raw apples, pears and melons you can soothe bleeding and receding gums caused by gingivitis.
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5
Prepare strong chamomile tea or look for chamomile in toothpaste. If drinking chamomile in tea form, drink a cup in between meals or use it as a mouthwash. Chamomile can reduce inflammation and bacteria caused by gingivitis.
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6
Alternate and apply hot and cold compresses to your face to reduce inflammation of the gums caused by gingivitis. Do this several times a day for the best results.
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Tips & Warnings
Brush and floss your teeth correctly everyday to prevent gingivitis in the first place. Take your time brushing your teeth instead of brushing in a hurry.
Floss properly and carefully, making sure to get in between the teeth and removing leftover food and plaque that causes gingivitis.
Gingivitis starts at the gum line so make sure to brush the gum line as well as the rest of your teeth. Also brush your tongue when brushing your teeth.
Use an electric toothbrush. Studies show that electric toothbrushes remove 98.2 percent of plaque whereas a regular toothbrush only removes 48.6 percent of plaque.
Use Vitamin C regularly. Vitamin C will not cure gingivitis but it can help keep your gums from bleeding.
Eat a raw vegetable everyday. Raw vegetables are hard and will help keep gingivitis away by cleaning and stimulating teeth and gums.
Keep those check-ups with the dentist to get your teeth cleaned regularly.
Do not ignore your dentist's warnings about gingivitis. If you ignore the warnings and do not properly care for your teeth and gums by regular brushing and flossing and keeping your check-ups, you can lose your teeth.
Resources
- Photo Credit Stephen Davies from stock.xchnge-http://www.sxc.hu/profile/steved_np3
