Have you ever experienced swollen gums? If so, then you know how painful it is. It is actually a common condition. Your gum tissues are fibrous, thick and full of blood vessels, so when they swell they bulge out and change from pink to red. This is called gingivitus. The good news is there are many home remedies to treat it.
Gingivitis can cause a lot of discomfort and pain, making it hard to focus on our daily activities and even harder to eat our food or drink cold water. If you want to heal the swelling but are too scared to go to the dentist, try some home remedies. This article will give you several suggestions, as well as outline the causes and symptoms of gingivitis.
Causes of Gingivitis
The condition is usually caused by:
- Injury to the gums
- Sensitivity and allergy to dental products or foods
- Irritation from dental fixtures
- Pregnancy
- Plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth, which may lead to the swelling
- Fungal and viral infections.
All of these causes are uncomfortable and painful, so it’s best to avoid them.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should treat them immediately.
- Painful gums.
- Swollen or red gums.
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Increased gaps in the teeth
How to Prevent Gingivitis
The best way to prevent gingivitis is to visit your dentist. A comprehensive checkup and cleaning can help reverse the condition. In terms of home care, professionals advise brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once.
Be sure to use an antimicrobial toothpaste, and don’t forget to clean your tongue. Your mouth should be at its cleanest just before you go to sleep, so that no bacteria grows overnight.
If you start to experience any symptoms of gingivitis, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your dentist. This will prevent any complications from arising.
Treatments for Gingivitis
Before moving onto home remedies, you need to make sure you’re practicing good oral hygiene. If you’re not taking proper care of your teeth and gums, the home remedies will be a moot point. Here are some things you can do to maintain good oral health:
- Abstain from smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Ensure your toothbrush has soft bristles.
- Visit your dentist no less than once a year.
- Choose an electric toothbrush to maximize cleaning.
- Brush teeth at least twice a day.
- Limit your sugar intake.
- Use a natural mouthwash, rather than the chemical one.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months.
- Floss daily.
Home Remedies to Treat Gingivitis
Salt Water. This is one of the most common remedies for any oral problems. It neutralize the mouth’s pH level and soothes any inflammation. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps alleviate swelling.
Turmeric Powder. Turmeric is a strong antimicrobial agent which helps reduce inflammation and speed up the healing of swollen gums.
Baking Soda. Since this treatment is a naturally antiseptic and anti-bacterial, it helps treat the infection at the root, reducing inflammation and soothing tender skin.
Lemon Juice. The antimicrobial properties of lemon juice help kill the microbes that cause the infection.
Aloe Vera Gel. The antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera help heal the swelling and kill any bacteria.
Epsom Salt. When you mix Epsom salt into warm water, it alleviates and soothes swelling, treats pain and reduces inflammation.
Ginger. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help relieve the swelling.
Conclusion
Natural, home remedies are the best ways to relieve gingivitis. They’re also very convenient since you should have most ingredients at home already. Not only will you treat the pain and inflammation, you’ll prevent the condition from returning.
