About gingivitis, its causes and consequences
When discussing proper oral hygiene and gingivitis treatments, we must understand what gingivitis is all about. The term ‘gingivitis’ is closely connected to the word ‘periodontium’, which is the tissues surrounding the gum and the teeth. Gingivitis is a periodontal disease causing infection, bleeding and inflammation of the gums and the destruction of the bones.
The inflammation is caused by bacterial growth in the infected gums. This disease takes root when your defense system fails to withstand the rapid growth of bacteria in the oral cavity and an infection starts. The rapidly reproducing bacteria can cause problems ranging from mild to severe gingivitis.
If gingivitis is not treated in its earlier stages, it can develop into severe periodontitis. This can further degenerate into acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis – a life-threatening dental condition.
What are the symptoms of gingivitis?
If you are suffering from painful gums along with redness, bleeding and inflammation of the surrounding areas, chances are that you are affected with gingivitis. To be more certain, you may also look for signs like the roots of the teeth exposed with the gums pulled away.
Gingivitis also affects your gums by forming pockets in between the gum and the teeth, where food particles can accumulate easily and give rise to other dental problems like plaque and foul breath.
Prevent gingivitis before it occurs
Be regular with brushing and flossing and change your toothbrush in every three months. It is better if you give up smoking, cut off heavy alcohol intake, sweets, pops and too much coffee as these can aggravate dental and gum problems. Always use branded dental care kit like toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and mouthwashes to get optimal protection against gingivitis.
Try to add an extra brushing session to your daily routine just to make sure your mouth stays clean after every meal. At the same time, visit clinics and undertake proper checkup to get already hardened plaques and tartars professionally removed. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, I would suggest you to go for prescribed medicines dentists suggest specifically for healing gum disease.
Proper brushing techniques is a part of gingivitis treatments
If you prefer gingivitis treatment at home, there are some basic things you can do. It is very important to practice proper brushing techniques at home. All you need is a toothbrush, tooth-paste and floss. In order to prevent the occurrence of gum diseases like gingivitis, you can use straight floss that helps to keep the gums in place.
I would recommend brushing, flossing and using mouth-washes on a regular basis. A good mouthwash generally does not taste good and causes a burning sensation in your mouth. You will get used to it with repeated use. Mouth-wash can help to disinfect and soothe the gums by flushing out the acids and toxins that accumulate underneath the gums.
Working on your dental home care is extremely crucial along with visiting your dentist at regular intervals. If you have been complaining of gum problems for a time now, use a soft brush. Do not apply too much pressure while brushing since this damages the gums and makes them recede.
Tips for gingivitis treatment at home
I can share a few easy tips to cure the first symptoms of gingivitis at home.
Home treatment option 1: You need 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 glass of warm water. Mix the tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in the warm water and use this solution to wash your mouth. Rinse your mouth for a minute and then spit out the water.
Home treatment option 2: You need a glass of warm water along with 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda. Just mix these two things and use it as a home-made mouth-wash. Swish it in your mouth for a minute and then spit out the water. It helps to neutralize acid in your mouth and helps to control bacterial growth.
Home treatment option 3: Another easy recipe for gingivitis treatment at home is to make a solution of warm water and 1-2 tablespoons of common salt. Stir this mouthwash for a minute everyday to keep gingivitis at bay.
Home treatment option 4: You can make a solution of warm water and hydrogen peroxide and use it for gurgling. This should be a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.
Home treatment option 5: Another herbal home-made mouthwash could consist of triphala powder solution in warm water.
Home treatment option 6: Rubbing aloe vera pulp on your infected gums is one of the best gingivitis treatments. Follow this by gargling and repeat the process several times for relief.
Home treatment option 7: You can make yet another herbal dental powder by mixing 2 teaspoon of white oak bark powder, ¾ teaspoon of powdered peppermint leaves, 1 teaspoon of myrrh powder and 1/8 teaspoon of clove powder. Use one teaspoonful of this herbal mixture everyday and massage the problem areas with it.
Home treatment option 8: Using a home-made herbal mouthwash enriched with peppermint oil, chamomile tincture, sage oil and tincture is also beneficial against early symptoms of gingivitis.
Home treatment option 9: You can also consume cranberry juice without sugar for fighting off gingivitis symptoms. In fact, I would recommend regular intake of various vegetables and fresh fruits rich in Vitamin C, fiber and low saturated fats to keep away all sorts of tooth and gum problems.
Benefits of gingivitis treatment at home
Following any one or a combination of the above-mentioned gingivitis home remedies can switch you to the good habit of a daily dental care regimen. At the same time, it takes little or almost no cost to practice such a home care routine.
Many of us feel rather scared of visiting the dentist and undergoing painful and extensive dental fix-ups. Gingivitis treatments at home are the best way out for such people. Also, dental care at home helps you avoid other periodontal diseases in the long run. Just be regular with your routine and you will never again complain of gingivitis.