Top 10 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Gingivitis Fast

How to get rid of gingivitis fast? Gingivitis is a common form of periodontal disease (gum disease). This condition causes inflammation, redness, and irritation of the gingiva or part of the gum near the base of your teeth. Without proper treatment, gingivitis can lead to more serious gum disease and tooth loss. Fortunately, this condition is curable, and there are many solutions to get rid of gingivitis effectively.

Causes of Gingivitis

Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of gingivitis as it allows plaque to build up between teeth. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily can prevent and treat this condition. Here’s how gingivitis develops:

1. Plaque build-up. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on and between teeth when sugars and starches in food are combined with the bacteria present in the mouth. Composed mainly of bacteria, the plaque should be removed daily.
2. Plaque hardens and turns into tartar. When plaque stays on teeth, it hardens and becomes tartar. In this phase, tartar collects bacteria, and plaque becomes harder to remove. This creates inflammation under the gumline.
3. Inflammation of gingiva. If both plaque and tartar stay on your teeth, these will irritate your gum and cause inflammation. Your gums will become swollen and may result in bleeding. If not treated immediately, it can lead to tooth decay.

Other factors that can contribute to the development of gingivitis include smoking, dry mouth, broken fillings, ill-fitting dental restorations, vitamin C deficiency, older age, fungal or viral infections, and certain drugs.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

The common signs and symptoms of gingivitis are:

• Gums bleed easily when brushing or flossing
• Puffy or swollen gums
• Receding gums
• Bad breath
• Dark red or dusky red gums

How to Get Rid of Gingivitis with Home Remedies

Follow these simple treatments to get rid of and prevent gingivitis.

1. Good Oral Hygiene

Brushing two times a day and flossing at least once a day can prevent plaque buildup. Gargling with an antimicrobial mouthwash also helps in reducing the risk of gingivitis.

• Use a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles.
• Consider using an electric toothbrush to remove plaque and tartar more effectively.
• Floss at least once a day.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
• Visit your dentist regularly for dental cleanings.
• Refrain from chewing tobacco or smoking.

2. Salt Water

Salt contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties, making it an effective natural remedy to treat inflamed and swollen gums. Saline water also helps in stopping the growth of bacteria and draws the infection out. Here’s how to get rid of gingivitis with saltwater.

• In a glass of lukewarm water, add one-half teaspoon of salt. Mix it well and use this solution to rinse your mouth at least two times a day to alleviate the inflammation and swelling of your gums.
• Another option is to mix some mustard oil with one-half teaspoon of salt to create a paste. Apply this to the affected area and massage in gentle strokes for a minute or two. Then, rinse your mouth with warm water.

Repeat any of these methods two or three times a day.

3. Oil Pulling

Another popular method to treat infection and reduce bacteria in the mouth is oil pulling. This Ayurvedic practice helps in maintaining good oral health by reducing plaque.

1. Swish one tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil in your mouth.
2. Continue swishing through your teeth for at least 15 minutes.
3. Spit the oil out and gargle with warm water. Do not swallow the oil as it contains bacteria.
4. Follow this treatment every morning for a month.

The lauric acid in coconut oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This treatment can also whiten teeth, clear sinuses, freshen breath, and relieve tension and headaches.

4. Peppermint

Peppermint is also used for treating gingivitis due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. This herb is also effective in reducing swelling and bacteria in the mouth.

1. Crush a handful of peppermint leaves.
2. Soak them in water and leave them for about 30 minutes.
3. Use the solution to rinse your mouth three times per day.

You can also use toothpaste with peppermint to brush your teeth at least two times a day.

5. Guava Leaves

Guava leaves have been used for maintaining good oral hygiene. Many studies have found that antimicrobial and antibacterial properties found in guava leaf mouthwash can control plaque formation on teeth. It also relieves pain, alleviates gum inflammation, and treats bad breath. This makes guava leaves one of the best natural solutions on how to get rid of gingivitis.

1. Grind a handful of fresh guava leaves using a mortar and pestle.
2. Add crushed guava leaves to one cup of boiling water and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Let the solution cool down and add a pinch of salt.
4. Gargle using this solution for up to 30 seconds.
5. Follow this treatment two to three times a day.

Another option is to chew a few guava leaves after cleaning them and spit them out. Do this method two or three times daily.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric is a very effective way to get rid of gingivitis. It contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thanks to its curcumin content. Curcumin can inhibit bacterial activity, alleviate inflammation, swelling, and bleeding of the gums, relieve pain, and reduce plaque formation to prevent further infection.

• Combine one teaspoon of turmeric powder with a one-half teaspoon each of mustard oil and salt. Apply this mixture to your gums and teeth for five to ten minutes. Repeat the application twice a day.
• Alternatively, you can make a paste by combining some turmeric powder with enough water. Brush your teeth with this paste twice a day.

You can also use Curcuma or turmeric gel and apply it to your gums. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and rinse off with water. Follow this treatment two times daily.

7. Sage Leaf

An old folk remedy for gum disease and gingivitis, a sage leaf has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help in reducing the number of bacteria present in the mouth and healing swollen gums.

1. Bring two cups of water to boil.
2. Add two tablespoons of sage leaves or one teaspoon of dried sage.
3. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Strain and wait for the solution to cool down.
5. Rinse your mouth with the solution three times per day.

8. Clove

Several studies have found that cloves can reduce inflammation and prevent plaque due to their antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiviral properties. Here are some ways to get rid of gingivitis with cloves.

• Mince one teaspoon of cloves. Apply it onto your gums using a damp cotton ball. Let it sit on the area for a minute before gargling with water.
• Alternatively, you can apply clove oil to your gums and let it sit for a few minutes—swish water to collect the oil and spit it out.
• Another option is to chew three cloves. Repeat this method three times daily to treat gingivitis.
• You can also add a few drops of clove oil to a glass of water. Gargle using the mixture. Repeat this treatment two to three times a day.

Note: This treatment is not suitable for small children, pregnant women, and those taking blood-thinning medications.

9. Aloe Vera

Another popular natural remedy for gingivitis is aloe vera. This herb contains antifungal and antibacterial properties that are powerful against this condition. Aloe vera also contains soothing properties that can relieve the pain and inflammation of your gums.

1. Extract the pulp from a fresh aloe vera leaf.
2. Apply the pump to your gums.
3. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
4. Follow this treatment several times a day.

You can also make an aloe vera juice and use the solution to rinse your mouth. Make sure that you spit out the solution. Another option is to purchase an aloe vera mouthwash from a reputable source and read the instructions carefully.

10. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has potent anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. It is one of the recommended treatments for chronic cases of gingivitis as it provides quick relief from inflammation and irritation.

• You can purchase toothpaste that contains tea tree oil. If not available, you can include a drop of tea tree oil in your antibacterial toothpaste. Brush your teeth with the mixture twice a day.
• Another option is to add three drops of tea tree oil to a cup of water. Use the solution to rinse your mouth for at least 30 seconds before spitting out. Repeat this three times a day.

Note: Do not swallow tea tree oil as it can result in diarrhea and other stomach problems.

Final Word

When it comes to oral health, it is important to see a dentist for regular checkups. Your dentist can help you prevent the condition from progressing to periodontitis or severe gum disease by removing plaques, tartar, and all traces of bacterial products. In some cases, a dental restoration may be required for misaligned teeth or other dental restorations that irritate your gum tissues.

Consistency is the key to achieve healthy gums and teeth. Practice good oral hygiene, and your gums should heal within a few days or weeks.