13 Jan Home Remedies for Gingivitis and Gum Disease
Did you know that more than 40% of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease? It’s a very common problem, so if you’re searching for remedies for gingivitis, you’re not alone. But if you’re hoping to avoid a dentist appointment, then you’re out of luck. There are no home remedies that can cure gum disease. However, there are quite a few that can help FIGHT gum disease. Here’s what you can do to prevent gingivitis naturally.
Four Home Remedies That Fight Plaque and Gingivitis
1: Oil Pulling
Because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action, oil pulling can help you prevent cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath. Swish one tablespoon of coconut oil around your mouth and through your teeth for ten minutes, then spit and rinse with water. (Make sure to spit into the trash, and not into the sink, as the oil could clog your drain.) Add two or three drops of clove oil for pain relief and extra antibiotic action.
2: Himalayan Salt Rinse
Using a saltwater rinse once a day is another great way to fight plaque and gingivitis. Not only will it kill bacteria, the minerals in the salt will also help you build stronger tooth enamel. To make it even better for your gums, add some sage to the the salt rinse. Sage has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits that help reverse gingivitis. Brew some sage tea by infusing 1 teaspoon of dried sage leaves in 1 cup of hot water. Then dissolve 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt in the warm tea. Swish, spit, and repeat.
3: Vitamin C
Sometimes gingivitis can be caused by a vitamin deficiency, so taking a multivitamin is another natural way to prevent gum disease. Vitamin C helps your body fight infections as well as inflammation, and since gum disease is a chronic infection that inflames your gums, you need to make sure you’re getting plenty of Vitamin C.
4: Probiotics
What’s the most natural way to fight the bad bacteria that cause plaque and gingivitis? With good bacteria, of course! Probiotics balance the pH of your saliva, which helps prevent acid attacks and plaque buildup. They even produce beneficial antioxidants that reduce inflammation and fight gum disease.
Home Remedies Are Not Enough on Their Own
You must remember that although these home remedies will help reduce plaque buildup, they are not a cure for gum disease. You can’t maintain good oral health with home remedies alone—you also need regular dental cleanings and preventive treatments to keep gum disease from getting worse.
In fact, the longer it’s been since your last dental cleaning, the more your risk of gum disease increases. Other risk factors include age, smoking or vaping, diabetes, and pregnancy.
If you have symptoms of gingivitis, you should make a dentist appointment as soon as possible. Gingivitis is the only stage of gum disease that can be reversed. If you go without treatment, you run the risk of receding gums, tooth loss, and other permanent damage.
Holistic Treatments for Gum Disease in Prescott, Arizona
At Prescott Dentistry, our focus is on prevention. If you’re interested in preventing cavities and gum disease at home, we’re here to offer expert advice. And if you already have gum disease, we offer natural, non-invasive treatments like ozone therapy to halt its progression and prevent permanent damage.
As a holistic practice, you can count on us for dental care that uses only the safest, most natural methods available. To make an appointment, call 928-445-1660 or send us a message online.
Photo by Katherine Hanlon on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 12/12/24.