6 Home Remedies To Treat Gingivitis Naturally

Gingivitis is an oral health condition that arises when the gums become inflamed and reddened by the infection of some bacteria. It usually originates from plaque deposits, that is, from the accumulation of food residues that, in general, occurs due to poor hygiene.

Although many cases are sporadic, it is essential to provide timely treatment to avoid complications and more serious illnesses. Also, as microbes continue to proliferate, this condition can cause pain and, among other things, bad breath, bleeding, and ulcers.

6 Home Remedies to Treat Gingivitis

Before knowing the home remedies to treat gingivitis, it is important to highlight the importance of going to the dentist. Although some ingredients can be beneficial against this oral problem, the provider must be responsible for providing an adequate diagnosis and treatment.

Gingivitis is a disease that can lead to more serious problems such as periodontitis and tooth loss. Hence the importance of professional service and specialized treatments. According to information from the Mayo Clinic, it may be necessary to:

• Perform a dental cleaning with a professional.
• Dental restoration if necessary.
• Enhanced oral hygiene.
• Regular dental follow-up.

Knowing this, it should be clear that home remedies are just a supplement against this problem. They can be used during professional care or as a complement to treatment, as long as the dentist agrees. Do you dare to try them?

1. Lemon to treat gingivitis

First on the list is lemon juice. Although there is no evidence regarding the prevention or treatment of gingivitis,  it is believed to be beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Also, in popular culture, it has been used against bad breath.

Ingredients

• ½ lemon juice.
• 1 cup of warm water (200 ml).

Preparation

• Squeeze the juice of half a lemon, add it to a glass of warm water and dilute well.

mode of use

• Use the liquid as a mouthwash and rinse for two minutes.
• Spit and repeat treatment twice a day.

2. Thyme oil

Then there is thyme oil, whose antimicrobial properties  can be used to fight microorganisms that inflame gums,  as suggested by a study published in the  European Journal of Dentistry . 

Ingredients

• ½ cup of warm water (100 ml).
• ½ teaspoon of thyme oil (2 g).

Preparation

• Dilute thyme oil in half a glass of warm water.

mode of use

• Mouth the drink for a minute or two.
• Repeat the procedure after each main meal.

3. Sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide

A homemade mouthwash of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can effectively reduce the uncomfortable symptoms caused by gingivitis. However, its use is not recommended as it can corrode the enamel and burn the oral cavity.

According to research published in Compendium of continuing education in dentistry , bicarbonate  is bactericidal against most periodontal pathogens. However, it is not superior to conventional treatments. Therefore, it must be used very carefully and in a timely manner. Never regularly.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of warm water (200 ml).
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda (5 g).
• 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide (20 ml).

Preparation

• Mix the baking soda in a glass of warm water and add the hydrogen peroxide until diluted well.

mode of use

• Rinse your mouth with the liquid and rinse for two minutes after brushing.
• Avoid using more than twice a day as it can be a little abrasive.

4. Aloe vera for gingivitis

Like the other ingredients on our list, aloe vera gel  is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory product that fights gum swelling while slowing down the growth of microbes. 

In fact, its properties were proven in a study published in the  Journal of the Indian Society of Periodontology,  which determined that aloe vera had an important anti-inflammatory property that  can be used as an adjunct to mechanical therapy to treat plaque-induced gingivitis.

Ingredients

• 3 drops of tea tree essential oil.
• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel (30 g).

Preparation

• Mix the aloe vera gel with the essential oil drops.

mode of use

• Apply the treatment over teeth and gums and let it work without rinsing.
• Repeat its use twice a day.

5. Apple vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains a substance called acetic acid that has been attributed antimicrobial properties. Therefore, it is often used to fight bacterial growth that causes gingivitis. However, evidence in this regard is limited and further research is needed.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of warm water (200 ml).
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (20 ml).

Preparation

• Mix apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water and dilute well.

mode of use

• Mouthwash the drink in the morning and evening.

6. Coconut oil for gingivitis

Lastly, coconut oil is equally important. This product has antibacterial properties  that can effectively reduce plaque that forms on teeth and around the gums.

In fact, this was concluded by a study published in 2015 in the Nigerian Medical Journal  which further  noted that this oil lowers the risk of plaque-induced gingivitis.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (30 g).
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda (5 g).

Preparation

• Mix the organic coconut oil with the teaspoon of baking soda until you get a thick paste.

mode of use

• Place the product over your toothbrush and brush as usual.
• Use once a day, without overdoing it.

Do you have gingivitis symptoms? Remember that the main thing is to look for a professional before you have a complication. Use these remedies only as an adjunct to prescribed treatment.