8 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a gum disease that is more common than you think. Anyone can get it. Bacteria that sit in your mouth can lead to plaque formation, which is a sticky film that irritates the gums and teeth. It’s a mild disease and is characterized by redness, swelling, irritation and puffy gums. In the early stages most people don’t know that they even have it. It can lead to gum recession along with loose teeth and bad breath. Here are some natural home remedies that can help you get rid of this annoying disease.

1. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is well known for oral health benefits and is a natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. Studies have found those with chronic gingivitis who brushed their teeth using tea tree oil toothpaste, had their inflammation reduced by half. It’s important not to apply tea tree oil directly to the gums or swallow it in its pure form. it can irritate the gums and can cause diarrhea.

The best way to use this essential oil for your gums is by buying a special tea tree oil toothpaste, or adding a drop of tea tree oil to your regular toothpaste every time you brush your teeth.

2. Peppermint

A natural way to treat your gums for gingivitis is with peppermint due to it being antibacterial and antiseptic. Applying peppermint to your teeth and gums also reduces any inflammation and removes bacteria that cause bad breath.

You can crush peppermint leaves and soak them in water for thirty minutes. Use this solution as a mouthwash and rinse your mouth with it three times daily. Another way to apply peppermint is by drinking a strong cup of peppermint tea between meals. Alternatively brush your teeth and gums with a peppermint-flavored toothpaste.

3. Salt

This mineral with its antiseptic and antibacterial properties is effective in treating gum disease. The salt can treat any swollen or inflamed gums, draw infections out of abscesses and stop the growth of bacteria. The best way to apply salt is by rinsing your mouth with a saline salt mix twice daily. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water and rinse in the mornings and evenings.

Another way to apply it is by making a paste with mustard oil. Add half a teaspoon of salt to mustard oil. Use as much oil needed until a paste forms. Massage this treatment into the gums using circular strokes for two minutes. Then gargle with warm water. Repeat this treatment twice daily until you notice results, which should be within a few days.

4. Guava leaves

Dental studies have found that those with low vitamin C levels experience more gum disease. Traditionally 18^th century sailors used to eat limes, a fruit high in vitamin C, to prevent bleeding gums. Although limes and oranges are high in vitamin C, an antioxidant which accelerates bone regeneration and helps repair connective tissues, guavas have higher amounts of the vitamin. Guava leaves are also anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and have analgesic properties. Guaijaverin, a plant flavonoid found in the leaves, is an effective antiplaque agent.

You can rinse your mouth with the leaves by chewing them and spitting them out. If this sounds unpleasant, you can grind the leaves and add it to your toothpaste, or buy mouthwash with guava leaf extract.

5. Lemon juice

Although guavas have higher dosages of vitamin C, lemon juice is easier to locate all year round. Lemons also contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with gum disease. You can mix lemon juice with a glass of warm water and use this as a mouthwash. Rinse your mouth with this solution after brushing your teeth.

Alternatively you can make a paste with one tablespoon lemon juice and salt, and apply it to your gums, leaving it on for five minutes. Rinse off the paste with warm water and repeat four times a day until you notice an improvement.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric contains lots of curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. This effectively lessens plaque, pain, swelling and gum inflammation. Curcumin also reduces bacterial activity, which prevents infection. Periodontists have found turmeric to be as effective as a traditional chlorhexidine mouthwash in fighting plaque, inflammation, and bacteria.

You can apply turmeric as a paste: Mix one teaspoon turmeric powder with half a teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of mustard oil. Apply and massage on your teeth and gums twice a day.

Another way to apply it is by making a gum pack. Mix half a teaspoon turmeric powder to a little water or vitamin E oil and apply this on your gums for ten minutes. Rinse with warm water, once a day for several weeks.

Alternatively you can make a paste of turmeric powder and a bit of water and brush it on your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush. This can be done twice a day for a few weeks.  

7. Cranberry

Cranberries are fruit that can help with gingivitis because they are able to prevent bacteria from sticking to the teeth. Since bacteria leads to gingivitis, this is a natural and tasty way to get rid of the disease. For this method to work the juice can’t have any added sugar. You need to buy 100% cranberry juice. A supplement won’t work either because the juice needs to be directly applied to your teeth.

Please note that cranberry juice as a treatment for gum disease is not recommended if you have kidney stones or take a blood thinning medication like warfarin. Please consult with your doctor in those cases.

8. Aloe Vera

This plant has both antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes it a choice way to fight gingivitis. Applying this plant’s pulp to the gums can prevent the accumulation of bacteria that cause plaque, a key cause of gingivitis. The soothing qualities of the plant can also relieve pain and inflamed gums.

The best way to extract the pulp is by opening the leaf with a knife. Rub the pulp on your gums and leave it there for ten minutes. Gargle with cold water and repeat this ritual several times a day until the gingivitis subsides.