Gingivitis Home Remedies

Peppermint, Echinacea, Neem, Alum, Fennel, Ajowan and Myrrh are some of the natural ingredients that can help treat Gingivits. Gingivitis is a gum disease that is caused by the presence of bacterial plaque in the spaces between gums and teeth and also from the tartar formation on the mouth. In severe cases, it can lead to the formation of deep pockets and the loss of the bone around the teeth. When the bones weaken, the teeth will loosen and fall out.

Gingivitis occurs because of poor oral hygiene - incorrect brushing, lack of flossing and sticky, sugary foods. Gingivitis is also caused by drugs, hormonal changes during pregnancy and puberty, poor nutrition, viral and fungal infections and smoking.

Gingivitis Symptoms

A receding gum line, bleeding gums, mouth sores, itching gums, swollen gums, gums that are too sensitive or that cannot feel sensation - they are all signs of gingivitis.

Gingivitis Lifestyle Choices

• Use soft to medium bristled toothbrush. Harsh tooth brushes can damage the enamel in the teeth. Brush at least twice a day, once on waking up and again at night. And floss everyday to remove the debris collected between teeth.
• Gargle with a good mouthwash for at least 30 seconds everyday. Gargle your mouth every time you eat something. Don't buy any mouthwash, check if one of the active ingredients is cetylpridinium chloride or domiphen bromide. They are the most effective against dental plaque.
• Smoking is not only injurious to your lungs, but your teeth as well. It facilitates the growth of bacteria that causes gingivitis.
• Massage your gum regularly. Hold your gums between your thumb and index finger and rub them gently. This can be a good T. V viewing activity! Massaging your gums helps increase the blood circulation in that area.
• The dental aisle carry a specially designed brush called the proxa-brush. It is shaped like a tiny bottle brush and slides between the teeth, or under a crown or bridge to reach those hard to reach places. The debris there is highly annoying and can cause gingivitis. Be sure to stock up on those proxa brushes if your teeth have spaces between them.

Gingivitis Diet

• Chewing on hard, fibrous raw vegetables or fruits help clean and stimulate the teeth and gums.
• Avoid sugar, fruit juices, white flour, white rice, soft drinks, syrups. The residual sugar left between your teeth is a fertile ground for bacteria.
• Canned soda contains excess phosphorus, a mineral that could lead to the leaching of calcium from your bones, a potential cause of osteoporosis. Calcium is not first robbed from your hips or spine, but from your jaw leading to tooth loss.
• A healthy immune system can fight better with the gingivitis causing bacteria than a body with a compromised immune system. Eat plenty of fiber. Vegetables, beans, whole grains and fruits are some of the best sources of fiber and help build your immune system.

Gingivitis Herbal Remedies

• Treat Gingivits With Peppermint

  Conventional mouth rinses can actually make bad breath worse. They contain alcohol and it can dry out the mucous membranes in your mouth. Try making a mouth rinse with one part witch hazel extract, half part vegetable glycerine, a few drops of peppermint oil and some water. Rinse with this solution instead.

• Neem Keeps Gum Healthy

  Dilute some neem oil in water and use this as an herbal gargle. Neem oil comes from a tropical evergreen tree and is known for its anti-bacterial properties. For gingivitis, gargling with a solution of neem leaf extract and water is recommended. Read other Neem Home Remedies.

• Mouth Fresheners

  Gingivitis can sometimes be associated with a foul smelling mouth. Fennel, cardamon and anise seeds act as instant mouth fresheners. Chew on them after a meal and freshen your breath. Parsley is rich in chlorophyll, nature's own deodorizer. Chew on a few springs to get a fresh breath.

• Golden seal and Myrrh Heal Gums

  Golden seal and Myrrh provides healing for sore gums. Make a poultice with goldenseal powder and a few drops of myrrh extract, wrap it in a gauze and apply it on the soreness. Repeat it twice a day.

• Ajowan Gingivitis Remedy

  Roasted and coarsely ground Ajowan (Bishop's weed) seeds can be mixed with some mustard oil and applied on the gum inflammation. It will reduce the swelling and the pain in a couple of hours. Read other Ajowan Home Remedies.

• Alum For Gingivitis

  Dissolve some alum in water and use this to gargle the mouth. It makes a good mouthwash and reduces any swelling in the gum.

• Echinacea Boosts Immunity

  Echinacea is among the most popular herbs for boosting immune function. It increases levels of interferon, a protein released by immune cells to fight pathogens. Echinacea can be taken internally or used as a mouth rinse for treating periodontal disease. To make a rinse, add half a tsp. liquid echinacea extract to half a cup of warm water, rinse and swallow. This can be done up to three times a day to help fight gum disease and to boost immunity.

Gingivitis, Healing With Supplements

• Vitamin C

  Vitamin C is vital for the production of collagen, the basic building block for the fibrous framework of all tissues, including the gums. This vitamin is known to strengthen weak gum tissue and make the gum lining more resistant to penetration by the bacteria. More on Vitamin C

• Calcium

  As we get older, our teeth tend to recede and shrink. Calcium strengthens teeth and thus prevent gingivitis. More on Calcium