Inflammation of the gums, also known as gingivitis, is one of the most common oral diseases found in North America. The following is a list of the most effective home treatments and preventative measures for puffy gums....
In the United States, adults aged 30 and older who are nearly half (47.2% of all adults) suffer from some form of gum disease. This condition worsens with age, makes daily life unpleasant, and has a significant negative impact on quality of life. There are a lot of people who struggle with gum diseases like gingivitis, and we have a tendency to believe that there is no effective solution to this unpleasant problem. Is there a treatment for gingivitis? Is there anything that we can do at home to treat the gingivitis that we have? Let's discuss.
Inflammation of the gums, also known as gingiva, is referred to as gingivitis. Gingivitis represents the first stage of gum disease. It is a form of periodontal disease that can be reversed, and it is characterized by inflammation that is confined to the gingiva rather than spreading to the tooth's other supporting structures. After cavities, gingivitis is the oral condition that is seen the most frequently and is considered to be the second most significant oral ailment. About three-quarters of the world's population suffers from this relatively mild form of gum disease.
Gingivitis is almost always caused by neglecting one's oral hygiene, which is the primary offender in this crime. Inadequate dental hygiene promotes the growth of plaque on the teeth and causes inflammation of the gum tissues, both of which can lead to periodontal disease. Plaque, when left untreated, can harden and turn into tartar or calculus, both of which are bacteria magnets. The gums become inflamed as a result of the accumulation of more and more bacteria, as well as the irritation caused by plaque and tartar.
How can you tell if you have gingivitis? The following is a list of the most common signs and symptoms:
Is there any treatment for gingivitis?
It is necessary to diagnose gum disease at an early stage and begin treatment for it as soon as possible in order to reverse or even cure gingivitis. Because of this, it is extremely important to visit the dentist on a consistent basis, maintain good oral hygiene, carefully examine your gums, and pay attention to any changes that you notice. Your gums will be thoroughly examined, and the dentist will make recommendations regarding the treatment that will benefit you the most.
Remember that gingivitis can be cured or reversed if it is discovered and treated early on. Do not disregard any changes in the appearance of your gums, as well as any tenderness or other symptoms. And most importantly, make sure you maintain good oral hygiene and schedule regular appointments with your dentist.
What home remedies can I use to treat gingivitis?
In spite of the fact that professional dental care is necessary for the effective treatment of gingivitis, there are still many home treatment options available to choose from. In the following paragraphs, we are going to look at how to treat gum disease without going to the dentist and discuss some helpful things you can do at home. Bear in mind that the use of these remedies is in no way intended to serve as an alternative to regular visits to the dentist. Let's get the fundamentals out of the way first.
1) Step up your dental hygiene routine
Dental hygiene is absolutely necessary for both the treatment and prevention of gingivitis, and this point cannot be emphasized enough. Brushing your teeth at least twice per day and ideally after each meal or snack is the best way to ward off gingivitis and even reverse its effects. Because gums are particularly sensitive and tender at this time, it is prudent to use a gentle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush, which are both more effective at removing tartar and plaque than a standard toothbrush. You should also floss your teeth every day and rinse your mouth out with mouthwash, in addition to brushing your teeth regularly. Without maintaining good oral hygiene, none of the other home remedies or strategies will be effective.
You could also use a toothpaste formulated specifically for gingivitis or one that contains a lot of fluoride (almost all drug stores will provide options for this).
2) Oil pulling
Oil pulling is an age-old dental hygiene practice that has its origins in India and has been practiced there for centuries. The practice of using oil to pull on one's teeth in order to whiten them, freshen one's breath, and treat conditions such as gum disease has been utilized by a great number of cultures throughout history and continues to be used today. To perform oil pulling, simply swish some oil around in your mouth for twenty to thirty minutes. This method reduces the number of bacteria that are harmful and gets rid of toxins. One study, for instance, found that rinsing the mouth with coconut oil for ten minutes per day significantly reduced the amount of Streptococcus mutans, one of the most common types of bacteria found in the mouth and a significant factor in the formation of plaque.
Both coconut oil and arimedadi oil have been shown to be effective treatments for gingivitis. Lauric acid, which can be found in coconut oil, has been shown to have beneficial effects against both microbes and inflammation. Oil pulling with arimedadi has been shown to reduce gingivitis symptoms and slow the growth of plaque on teeth. It is necessary to place one to two teaspoons of oil in the mouth, swish it around, then spit it out. Next, the mouth should be rinsed with water, and then the water should be spit out. Finally, the teeth should be brushed, and a full glass of water should be consumed.
3) Saltwater rinse
One of the most straightforward treatments for gingivitis is to gargle with a solution that consists of salt water. It has been shown that drinking saltwater can help speed up the healing process. Rinsing the mouth with salt water appears to soothe irritated gums brought on by gingivitis, according to the available evidence. This straightforward home treatment can be administered by mixing three-quarters of a teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water, gargling with the mixture, and then spitting it out.
4) Turmeric paste
People have been using turmeric as a home remedy for a variety of illnesses for many centuries. Because of its ability to reduce inflammation and fight fungal infections, this spice can also play a role in the treatment of gingivitis. Gingivitis can be treated with turmeric gels that can be found in health food stores, but it is also possible to make a paste out of turmeric that can be used instead. It is necessary to combine about one-half of a teaspoon of turmeric with an equal amount of mustard oil and salt in order to heal gums that are inflamed. After directly applying the paste to the gums and waiting ten minutes, rinse the mouth thoroughly.
5) Aloe vera
Plants of the genus Aloe are commonly used for their medicinal qualities. This wonderful plant can also assist in the treatment of gingivitis and in lowering plaque levels. Just swish some pure aloe vera juice around in your mouth for about a minute and a half before spitting it out. Aloe vera should be applied twice or three times per day for optimal results.
6) Baking soda
Baking soda and water can be combined to make a paste that can be used to brush teeth and gums. This paste has the ability to neutralize acids that contribute to gum disease. One study compared the effectiveness of plaque-removing toothpaste containing baking soda to that of toothpaste without baking soda. They discovered that toothpaste with baking soda was significantly more effective.
7) Clove paste
When it comes to the management of gingivitis, topical treatments can be of tremendous assistance. Some examples include clove paste. Clove has anti-inflammatory properties and can help prevent plaque buildup. The procedure is straightforward: either finely mince one teaspoon of cloves or soak a cotton ball in clove oil and apply it to the surface of the cotton ball. After that, rub a cotton ball that has been covered in cloves onto the gums in a gentle circular motion, and then rinse with water after one minute.
8) A mouthrinse made at home
Gingivitis can be treated with a mouthwash that you make yourself, which is something that many people are unaware of. The following are some examples:
• Mouthwash made with lemongrass oil: Dilute two to three drops of lemongrass essential oil in water, swirl it around your mouth, and then spit it out. You should do this thrice a day.
• For a mouthwash containing tea tree oil, mix three drops of tea tree oil with one cup of warm water (since tea tree oil can interact with some medications, consult your doctor first).
• To make a mouthwash with sage, combine boiling water with either one tablespoon of dried sage or two tablespoons of fresh sage. Keep on low heat for ten minutes, then strain the liquid and set it aside to cool.
• To make a mouthwash out of guava leaves, crush six guava leaves and add them to one cup of water that has been brought to a boil. Keep the mixture at a simmer for fifteen minutes, then set it aside to cool.
9) Green tea
Green tea contains a high concentration of anti-inflammatory antioxidants, which reduce swelling and may inhibit the inflammatory response of the body to bacteria found in the oral cavity. Gingivitis is characterized by inflammation and bleeding, both of which may be alleviated by drinking green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria that can cause gingivitis.
10) Abstain from sugar and cigarettes.
Cigarettes can cause irritation to your gums and make the buildup of bacteria in your mouth worse. Sugar is another factor that works against maintaining healthy gums and teeth. Gingivitis treatment also involves making changes to one's lifestyle, such as decreasing the amount of sugar one consumes and giving up tobacco products.
What are some products that can be purchased without a prescription that can treat gum infections?
Since you now know how to treat gingivitis at home, it would be helpful to mention some over-the-counter products that will be of assistance to you in your efforts to eliminate the condition. You may want to:
Make an effort to avoid medicating yourself. Find a dentist who is conveniently located near you and ask them for recommendations on an appropriate toothbrush, gel, or mouthwash that you can use.
What kind of treatment do dentists use for gingivitis?
It is essential to take preventative measures and begin treatment as soon as possible in order to stop the progression of this gum disease. If you or a member of your family struggle with gingivitis, you should probably think about making an appointment at the dentist's office. Professional dental cleaning, also known as "scale and polish" or "scale and root planing," plays an important part in the treatment of gingivitis and is typically performed by dentists. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to tooth loss. At the beginning of the cleaning process, the dentist will use various instruments, such as a laser or an ultrasonic device, to eradicate any and all traces of plaque, tartar, and bacterial residue.
The removal of tartar and bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth and from underneath the gums is the objective of scaling. On the other hand, the goal of root planning is to remove bacterial products that have been produced as a result of inflammation. In addition to this, it polishes the surfaces of the roots and prevents further tartar and bacterial accumulation, both of which are obstacles to the healing process.
Because misaligned teeth or crowns and bridges that do not fit properly can aggravate gum disease in some patients, dental restoration may be necessary for those patients. This makes it more difficult to eliminate plaque during a daily dental hygiene routine. Because of this, a dentist might suggest dental restoration to their patient. Gingivitis management might become less of a challenge if these issues were resolved.
Even though gingivitis is likely to clear up after a thorough professional cleaning, we still need to make a point of practicing good dental hygiene on a daily basis. A patient may also ask their dentist for assistance in developing a routine to perform at home in order to maintain healthy gums. Gingivitis can be avoided and the quality of one's dental health significantly improved by maintaining regular checkups. Be sure to keep your regular dental appointments.
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Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted The Best Dentist/ Dental Office and Best Cosmetic Dentist from The Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2020 and 2021. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.
With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning. Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens. She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.
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