You may be able to get rid of mild, early-stagegingivitis(gum inflammation) on your own.
You could even start to see improvement within a week, but preventing gingivitis requires a commitment.
It’s also important to schedule a professional dental cleaning to get proper care.
Eva-Katalin / Getty Images
But,gingivitiscan progress togum disease, so it’s worth tackling it as quickly as possible.
Eva-Katalin / Getty Images
1.
The American Dental Association suggests the following:
2.
Getting Between Teeth
It’s a simple concept, but it takes a little effort.
Here’s how:
If you have trouble using floss, try:
3.
Saltwater Rinse
Rinsing with salt wateris a well-known way to help heal mouth wounds.
It’s inexpensive, nontoxic, and easy to do.
Be sure tofollow the directionson the product label.
Keep in mind that chlorhexidine mouthwash should only be used for a short time.
Using it for four weeks or longer can lead to:
5.
The 35% mix was the most effective.
Use caution with baking soda.
It is abrasive and can also cause chemical irritation.
Oil Pulling
Oil pullinghas been around for a long time.
Research shows it may reduce oral bacteria and plaque and improve gingivitis.However, more rigorous studies are needed.
Be careful not to swallow the oil.
Fluoride
Stannous fluoride is an antimicrobial agent.
Studies showing that brushing twice a day can help reduce the risk of gingivitis were specific to fluoride toothpastes.
Curcumin is a major component of turmeric and has been long studied for its health benefits.
Green Tea Mouthwash
10.
Studies have compared tea tree oil mouthwash to chlorhexidine for the treatment of gingivitis.
They added, however, that more research is needed.
Tea tree oil mouthwash is found online and in some natural food markets.
The study involved just 48 older adults and took place over a period of six weeks.
Sage-containing mouthwashes are found online but are not commonly found in supermarkets or pharmacies.
Guava Leaf Extract
Guava leaf extract is another plant-based remedy that has been studied for its potential dental benefits.
A 2019 study compared a guava extract mouthwash to a chlorhexidine and to a water rinse.
Sixty people were involved in the study and divided into three groups with each group getting a different rinse.
They concluded that the guava rinse could be used for dental care along with professional oral care.
But they added that more studies are needed.
Arimedadi Oil
Oral rinses and oils made fromAyurvedicmedicines are sometimes used to treat various dental conditions.
One herbal preparation that has been studied for its effect on gingivitis isarimedadioil (Irimedadi taila).
Researchers found that the herbal oil was effective in reducing gingivitis, bleeding, and plaque.
They concluded that the oil could be used along with scaling to treat gingivitis.
Arimedadi oil can be found online and in stores that sell Ayurvedic preparations.
Ginseng Gel
Ginseng gel has been compared to chlorhexidine gel for its ability to treat gingivitis.
One study involved 30 people with chronic gingivitis.
Ginseng products are widely available in Asian markets and online.
However, finding ginseng gel that is suitable for dental care may be challenging.
Check with your dental care provider before using any over-the-counter products.
Does Anything Get Rid of Gingivitis Quickly?
It may take many more weeks to get your gums back to a healthy state.
But much depends on the severity of gingivitis.
A dentist can help identify contributing factors such as uncontrolled diabetes or taking certain medications.
Treatment may include a deep cleaning procedure called debridement orscaling and root planing.
The goal is to remove bacterial plaque and tartar from the teeth and above and below the gumline.
This stops disease progression and starts the healing process, which can take several weeks.
In fact, when caught in its early stage, the condition is reversible.
With home treatment and professional cleanings, you may be able to cure your gingivitis.
In some cases, the condition gets worse, and periodontitis occurs.
In the worst cases, it can transition into a more aggressive form of periodontal disease.
But your dental care team has treatments to address symptoms at every stage.
The treatments also help you to feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of your gingivitis getting worse.
Summary
Gingivitis is reversible and there’s a lot you could do on your own.
It’s important to confirm you’re using effective brushing and flossing techniques.
it’s possible for you to 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.
Seeing a dentist can help you get things back on track faster.
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