Many of us don’t floss or even brush regularly until it’s too late. Inadequate oral hygiene can lead to gingivitis, or periodontal disease, a condition that causes gum tissue decay, painfully inflamed and bleeding gums, and eventually, gum disease.
However, luckily, you can undo some of the damage to your gums with the following effective gingivitis remedies, in addition to regularly brushing, flossing, and yearly dental check-ups.
Here are ten effective treatments for gingivitis…
1. Vitamin C
Studies show that vitamin C deficiency damages more than your immune system. In fact, reduced levels of the C vitamin have been linked to a higher risk of gingivitis development, which aids in gum tissue strength and healing. Boosting your intake of foods high in vitamin C or taking a vitamin C supplement will actually boost the antioxidants required for gum tissue repair.
2. Sea Salt
Gargling with a solution of sea salt in a cup of lukewarm water for 35-seconds can also help reduce painfully inflamed and bleeding gums. You can banish mouth infection of any kind (including canker sores) by swishing with this sea salt solution, just be sure to spit it all out and rinse your mouth well before brushing.
3. Peppermint Oil
Natural peppermint oil has also been shown to harbor the healing properties to eliminate oral infection and bacteria. You can make your own homemade mouthwash with a few drops of peppermint oil and lukewarm water. Use the solution to gargle before brushing to soothe painfully swollen gums and to banish halitosis simultaneously!
4. Tea Bags
I bet you didn’t know that steeped tea contains tannic acid, a natural anti-bacterial agent. And tea steeped in individual bags just so happens to make an ideal compress. Just steep the bag, let it cool slightly, and press it gently against your swollen or infected gums for 30-seconds at a time.
5. Pure Cranberry Juice
Cranberries also impart natural anti-bacterial properties, which is why unsweetened cranberry juice regularly can banish bacteria from your mouth and stop the damaging effects of gingivitis. Just be sure that your morning glass of cranberry juice has no sugar added.
6. Natural Honey
Pure honey, not the fake stuff you buy in the teddy bear, also contains its share of natural antibacterial properties, which makes it a perfectly sweet way to treat bleeding and infected gums. Follow your morning brushing with a dab on honey across your upper teeth on the infected gum line to soothe irritated tissues.
7. Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a popular ingredient in anti-aging skin care because it contains antioxidants to help repair damaged tissues. Well, when applied to the inside of your mouth, in a toothpaste or supplement, this ingredient can also repair damaged gum tissues and stall further damage gum tissue due to gingivitis.
8. Baking Soda
Baking soda is often used as a way to neutralize stomach acids. However, it can also work its balancing wonders on your mouth by leveling out the acids responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. Just add a few pinches to your toothbrush, run under water and brush using this homemade paste. Just be sure to limit this treatment to once a week as it can wear away protective tooth enamel due to its abrasiveness.
9. Fresh Lemon
Lemon is not only high in antioxidants and vitamin C; it also contains natural anti-bacterial properties that make it a powerful bacteria fighter. Simply squeeze out the juice of one lemon into a cup of warm water and add a pinch of salt. Gargle the mixture for a few seconds to soothe inflamed and infected gums.
10. Reduce your Stress Load
Medical studies have long linked stress to various damaging health issues. Well it seems that your oral health is no different—stress leaves us prone to lowered immunity and bacteria infestation. Do your mouth a favor and actively pursue a diet and activities (i.e., like yoga, work-life balance, and adequate sleep) that reduce stress and promote good gum health.
