How Can You Treat Gingivitis at Home?

Gingivitis is a common dental problem. The symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and inflamed gums which cause you discomfort. If you bleed while you brush your teeth, then it can be a sign of gingivitis.

According to David Kenny, past president of the International Association for Oral Medicine and Toxicology

• Over 90% of adults have some active form of gum disease at the age of 30

• A whopping 65% of 15-year-olds already show signs of active gum disease

Gum disease is the #1 cause of adult tooth loss. You can treat gingivitis with home remedies and proper oral hygiene. College plaza dental has outlined some home remedies to help you deal with gingivitis.

Brush Twice a Day

Some people avoid brushing the infected area due to discomfort around the swollen gums. This allows the infection to continue unhindered. Proper tooth brushing technique is fundamental to maintain oral health. Opt for brass brushing technique to remove the bacteria that accumulate along and under the gums.

A brush with fewer bristles allows the brush to disrupt the colonizing efforts of the bacteria. The bristle tips are round, smooth, and polished. Here are some tips to help you create an efficient brass brushing technique.

• Hold the toothbrush gently. Press it gently and apply small movements.

• Hold the brush at 45-degree angle to the tooth and the gum line.

• Focus on the movements and gently wiggle it slightly with subtle back-and-forth motions.

• Count till five and move your brush to a different location on your teeth and repeat the process. This technique helps your gum to feel much healthier.

Floss Everyday

Dental floss cleans the plaque from the areas where a toothbrush can’t reach. This is why flossing is the key to prevent gingivitis and cure it at the same. Make sure you do not force the floss over the gum tissues. College Plaza Dental suggests you ask your dentist for recommendations on flossing technique for gingivitis.

Rinse with Saltwater

A 2016 study showed that using a salt-water rinse is very beneficial for healing inflamed gums caused by gingivitis. Salt is a natural disinfectant that helps you heal your gum infection by itself.

• Add ½ to ¾ teaspoon of salt to one glass of lukewarm water and mix well.

• Swish the solution in your mouth for up to 30 seconds and spit it out.

• Repeat the above activities two or three times a day.

Using salt water rinse too often or too long can affect your tooth enamel due to the acidic properties of the mixture. So, ensure that you use it for a limited period. Use natural mouthwash as much as possible. If salt water rinse does not relieve your symptoms, try a more advanced mouthwash.

Opt for Professional Cleanings

Prevention is always the key. When plaque is not cleaned thoroughly by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. The tartar builds up as more plaque adheres to it. This leads to bacterial toxins and can worsen the gingivitis to progress into more serious forms of gum disease, like periodontics. Professional cleanings are the best way to get rid of tartar build up.

Though there are many home remedies to treat gingivitis, we recommend you to consult your dentist to prevent it at an early stage. College Plaza Dental believes that sooner you get started with the treatment, the better. You can try home remedies, but it is recommended that you visit a dentist for dental cleaning and examination if you are suffering from gingivitis.