Gingivitis is due to local irritants. Food particles, bacteria and plaque accumulate in the gums and the teeth suffer from gingivitis. The accumulations can be rather small, but toxic chemicals released do cause inflammation of the gums. We are going to discuss some of the top home remedies for gingivitis which could help if you are suffering from the disease. If the problem of gingivitis is severe, it is advisable to see a doctor.
Home remedies for Gingivitis
- One can make use of essential oils.
- One must gargle twice daily with homemade saline by adding a pinch of salt in some lukewarm water. It will lessen the swelling in one’s mouth.
- Rub one’s gums with clove oil or keep a clove in one’s mouth.
- One can also make use of anti-bacterial mouthwash to lessen the swelling of the gums.
- Use a mouth wash made of sage oil, menthol, peppermint, chamomile tincture. Make use of toothpaste made of peppermint oil as well as sage oil.
- One must have lots of fresh fruits as well as vegetables.
- Avoid hard food items.
- One must not take spicy as well as oily foods.
- Go in for diet that contains a lot of fiber as well as vitamin C.
- Do not take fruit juices, sugar, soft drinks, and syrups. One must take less of chocolates as well as pastries.
- One can prepare triphala decoction and gargle with it.
- Take about 2 parts of white oak herbal powder, about one part of myrrh herbal powder, 3/4th powder of peppermint leaves, 1/8th part of clove powder. Grind them together and keep them in an air tight jar. Take a tablespoonful of this powder every morning as well as night. Keep the contents in one’s mouth and rub it on the affected area.
- One can also gargle with 3% solution of Hydrogen Peroxide, which needs to be mixed with water for keeping the one’s mouth clean.
- Dip your finger in baking soda as well as water and rub it on the affected area and then brush herbal toothpaste. Baking soda neutralizes the acidity.
- Aloe Vera is also very good.
- One must have plenty of calcium.
- Smoking also worsens the condition.
- In case it does not heal then one must consult one’s dentist.
Pregnancy Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease which results in redness, swelling and inflammation of the gums. The bacterial plaque which forms on the teeth causes gingivitis. The plaque can be removed through brushing. However, if the plaque is not removed by brushing and if it is left for longer periods of time, it can produce toxins which can irritate the gum and cause gingivitis.
Pregnant woman are at high risk of developing gingivits due to the hormonal changes. Elevated levels of hormones during pregnancy, promote the growth of gingivitis-causing bacteria. Due to the horomonal changes, the gum tissue also becomes sensitive to the toxins produced by the bacteria. Gingivitis affects about 50 to 75% of women during pregnancy.
Symptoms
During pregnancy, gums are sensitive and may show the following symptoms:
- Swelling of the gums
- Redness and tenderness of the gums
- Bleeding of the gums, especially while brushing
Prevention
Gingivitis during pregnancy can be prevented by good oral hygiene habits. Here are a few tips:
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss them once a day
- Use an anti-microbial mouth rinse to get rid of the plaque
- Professional cleaning by a dentist once every 6 months is recommended i.e. two times during pregnancy
Treatment
Treatment might include thorough cleaning of the teeth to remove the plaque and tartar. Your dentist may advice you regarding proper flossing and brushing techniques. It is important to practice good dental hygiene after professional cleaning to avoid recurrence of gingivitis.
Gingivitis can also progress to periodonitis, another pregnancy gum disease which can lead to loss of gum and teeth. As gingivitis and pregnancy can go together, it is recommended to follow proper oral hygiene. If the swelling and redness persists, consult your dentist.