You may be able to get rid of the mild, early stage gingivitis (gingivitis) yourself. You could even start to see improvement within a week, but preventing gingivitis requires commitment. It is also important to schedule a professional dental cleaning to receive proper care.
Symptoms that become severe may take longer to resolve and may require medical treatment. Gingivitis can develop into gum disease, so it pays to treat it as soon as possible. This article covers what you can do to reverse gingivitis, signs it’s progressing, and when it’s time to see a dentist.
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Gingivitis Home Care: How to Intervene in the Early Stages
If your gums are sensitive or slightly red or inflamed, you may be in the early stages of gingivitis. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible. A combination of good oral hygiene, home remedies and regular dental care may be needed.
Effective brushing technique
You probably already know that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, but technique matters and most people could use a refresher. The American Dental Association recommends:
- Use a brush with soft bristles.
- Place it at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
- Brush back and forth in short strokes.
- Be sure to brush the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- It is important to be gentle when cleaning near the gums, as excessive force can lead to damage to both the gums and the teeth.
- Take about two minutes to clean your entire mouth.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed, or use an electric toothbrush.
Going between the teeth
It’s a simple idea, but it takes a little effort. The bristles of your brush can’t always reach the food and bacteria hiding between your teeth and below the gum line, so it’s important to clean between your teeth once a day. Here’s how:
- Gently floss between the teeth and up to the gum line.
- Curve the floss around a tooth until you reach the space between the gum and the tooth, moving it up and down.
- Do this for both sides of each tooth.
- Rinse well.
If you’re having trouble threading, try:
- A thread holder, which holds the thread for you
- A thread that can help you get into the tightest of spaces
- A water thread, which is soft and may be easier to use
Rinse with sea water
Gargling with sea water is a well-known way to help heal mouth sores. It is cheap, non-toxic and easy to make. Try mixing 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water. Swish it around your mouth for about two minutes three times a day.
Chlorhexidine oral solution
Studies show that rinsing with chlorhexidine mouthwash, along with brushing and flossing between teeth, can help reduce bacteria, plaque, and gum inflammation.
Make sure you follow the directions on the product label. Keep in mind that chlorhexidine mouthwash should only be used for a short time. Using it for four weeks or more can lead to:
Baking soda
Research shows that baking soda can help reduce plaque and inflammation caused by gingivitis. One study found that brushing with fluoride toothpaste with 20% to 35% baking soda reduced plaque, inflammation, and bleeding better than regular fluoride toothpaste. The 35% mixture was the most effective.
Oil pulling
Oil pulling has been around for a long time. It includes the use of oils such as:
You swish the oil around your mouth, similar to how you would use a mouthwash or other mouthwash. Research shows it can reduce oral bacteria and plaque and improve gingivitis. However, more rigorous studies are needed.
Using 1 tablespoon of oil, drink and swish the oil between your teeth for 15 to 20 minutes. You can expect changes in oil consistency as you rotate. Be careful not to swallow the oil. Spit it out when you’re done swishing. Follow up with rinsing, brushing and flossing. Do this three times a day.
Fluoride
Stannous fluoride is an antimicrobial agent. When used daily, fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash has been shown to help control plaque and gingivitis and reduce the number of bleeding spots.
Studies showing that brushing twice a day can help reduce the risk of gingivitis were specific to fluoride toothpastes.
Turmeric gel
Studies show that turmeric mouthwash is as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing plaque and inflammation due to gingivitis. Other research shows that turmeric may smell nicer and taste sweeter than chlorhexidine, and that it doesn’t stain teeth. Follow the instructions on the package.
Green tea mouthwash
Green tea mouthwash has been shown to reduce microbial pathogens and improve mild gingivitis. In the case of chronic gingivitis that requires professional treatment, green tea mouthwash is an effective adjunctive treatment. Follow the directions on the product label.
Optimize your diet
Research shows that a diet low in carbohydrates and high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and D, antioxidants and fiber can reduce the inflammation caused by gingivitis.
Green tea consumption is associated with overall good oral health due to its antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and cancer preventive properties.
Does anything help get rid of gingivitis fast?
For mild gingivitis, you may start to see improvement within a few days of stepping up your oral care routine. It may take several more weeks for your gums to return to a healthy state.
But a lot depends on the severity of the gingivitis. In early-stage gingivitis, a professional dental cleaning, along with good oral care, may be all you need. In other cases, it is more persistent and may take much longer to resolve.
When to visit a dentist
See a dentist if gingivitis symptoms do not begin to improve within a few weeks. Your dentist can help identify contributing factors, such as uncontrolled diabetes or taking certain medications.
Untreated gingivitis can lead to permanent damage to the gums, teeth and bones. A dentist can assess the level of gingivitis and make personalized recommendations for home care.
Treatment may include a deep cleaning procedure called a cleaning or scaling and root planing. The goal is to remove bacterial plaque and tartar from the teeth and above and below the gums. This stops the progression of the disease and starts the healing process, which can take several weeks.
Signs and symptoms of gingivitis
Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include bad breath (halitosis), redness, swelling and tenderness of the gums, and bleeding when brushing or flossing. Signs that you may be progressing to periodontitis are:
- Your gums are receding.
- Teeth move or become loose.
- The teeth don’t fit together the same way they have.
- You have bad breath or a bad taste that won’t go away.
Summary
Gingivitis is reversible and there is a lot you can do on your own. It is important to make sure you are using effective brushing and flossing techniques. You can also try mouthwashes and rinses that can help reduce gingivitis. Without proper care, gingivitis can progress and cause permanent damage to your gums and teeth.
Visiting a dentist can help you get things back on track faster. It is also important to keep up with your improved oral care and regular dental appointments to prevent gingivitis and gingivitis.
