16 Best Home Remedies for Gingivitis – The Best Possible Ways to Soothe Your Aching Gums!

Do you floss your teeth twice in a day? If not, you are at a higher risk of being attacked with gingivitis or what is commonly known as bleeding gums! If you are already a victim, don’t worry! Here are some best home remedies for gingivitis that will soothe your aching gums!

Any negligence towards symptoms like a toothache or swollen gums if unaddressed can worsen, leading to a condition called periodontitis which eventually leads to loss of the tooth.

Apart from a poor dental hygiene, other factors that may cause gingivitis are hormonal changes, diabetes, or malnutrition! We will discuss more causes in detail but let us gain a clear understanding of what exactly is gingivitis.

What Is Gingivitis?

An improper oral hygiene may sometimes cause the plaque to build up in your oral cavities. This plaque can be removed if you get “teeth cleaning” done by your dentist and maintain a good dental hygiene thereafter!

But, a further negligence of this condition can cause the plaque to harden up, leading to the formation of calculus which causes the real trouble. Calculus can form around the teeth and gums as well and this affects gingival tissues which will cause your gums to become sensitive, swollen and bleed, the condition which is referred to as gingivitis.

The tooth may have to be removed to prevent the further spread of infection and to relieve the patient from the painful gingivitis symptoms. Following some home remedies for gingivitis after the treatment is a stepping stone towards a complete cure.

Signs of Gingivitis

Gingivitis symptoms can often be confused with other dental conditions which may appear similar to that of a gingivitis.

If you are unclear about your symptoms, you can refer the below-mentioned signs of gingivitis that will clear your apprehension.

• Teeth that are not so firm (Loose teeth)
• Formation of plaque on teeth
• The appearance of red or purple gums
• Inflammation or swelling in the gums
• Bad breath
• Bleeding of gums (especially when you floss your teeth)
• Gums that seem tender or sensitive

What Causes Gingivitis?

Most cases of gingivitis that have been reported are said to be occurring due to a lack of proper oral health, which includes improper flossing, not replacing the toothbrush, using a toothpaste that contains high amounts of sodium lauryl sulfate that damages the gums.

However, improper dental care is not the only factor that causes gingivitis. Here are some other factors that may cause gingivitis.

• Excessive chewing of tobacco
• Excessive smoking
• Hormonal fluctuations (caused due to menopause, pregnancy or PMS)
• Diabetes
• Lack of a proper diet (Deficiency of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K and Niacin).
• Usage of braces or dentures that may cause damage to the gums.
• Chemotherapy
• Usage of birth control pills
• Low immunity (caused due to diseases such as HIV/AIDS)
• Genetic factors
• Teeth that are not in a proper alignment (crooked)

Can gingivitis be cured?

Yes! Gingivitis can be cured if you follow a stepwise procedure towards healing the problem. You cannot, however, cure your bleeding gums by simply relying on the home remedies for gingivitis because removal of plaque requires a professional treatment by your dentist.

The first step is to consult your dentist to get the plaque or the calculus removed. Once the plaque is removed, you can take the necessary measures by maintaining a good dental hygiene and following the best home remedies for gingivitis that will help you get rid of the problem.

Home Remedies for Gingivitis – Best Gingivitis Treatment at Home

The best gingivitis treatment begins with the maintenance of a proper dental hygiene and ends with following a perfect well-planned diet! A diet that fights all your vitamin deficiencies and aids in a stronger immune system.

Here are the best home remedies for gingivitis categorized into

1. How to maintain a good oral health?
2. How to apply external remedies to soothe your swollen gums?
3. Foods to eat to cure gingivitis.

Maintenance of a Good Oral Health

You must essentially remember that keeping your oral health sane is the primary step towards treating gingivitis because a negligence towards dental cleanliness is the root cause of your problem.

Here are simple hacks that will change your approach towards flossing and help you maintain a perfect dental hygiene.

1. Change Your Toothpaste

Since your gums are too sensitive at this stage, it is much necessary for you to choose a toothpaste that is much gentle on your teeth and gums.

Your dentist may recommend you the best toothpaste after examining your dental condition. If you are searching for the best toothpaste, go for the ones that are free from sodium lauryl sulfate(1).

Sodium lauryl sulfate is just added to the pastes so that a good amount of foam is generated whenever you floss your teeth, but most of us do not know that this chemical causes the reactions that are allergic and irritating.

2. Floss Twice In a Day

Since you now know that bleeding gums are caused due to improper maintenance of dental health, you cannot further complicate your situation by neglecting your oral hygiene. Flossing your teeth twice in a day will keep your teeth and gums away from bacteria and other micro-organisms that might otherwise cause the formation of plaque in and around the teeth.

Also, do not forget to rinse your mouth after each and every meal or post your snacks time so as to keep your oral cavities clean and hygiene.

3. Change Your Way of Brushing

Since you have to be extra careful about brushing, you may have to spend more time in brushing your teeth by applying gentle strokes in a circular motion in and around each of your tooth.

Use your fingers to clean your gums and apply a gentle pressure on your gums while doing so. Buy a soft bristled brush and keep changing the brush for every 3 months to prevent the accumulation of bacteria and plaque.

How to Apply External Remedies to Soothe Your Swollen Gums?

The second step of treating gingivitis(2) at home is following some best home remedies that will soothe your bleeding gums and give you a major relief from the suffering. Ensure that you do not overdo the remedies, but just follow any one of the following remedies twice in a week or follow any one of these remedies once in a day.

4. Rinse with Salt Water

Salt water rinse has gained popularity in treating gingivitis, especially as one of the best home remedies for soothing swollen gums because of salt as a chemical acts smooth and soothing on the membranes of your mouth.

Salt water acts as a disinfectant by killing the germs in your mouth and keeping your oral cavities fresh for longer periods of time. Choose Epsom salt instead of a regular table salt for better results.

How to Apply?

Heat a cup of water so as to remove the disinfectants. Add a tablespoon of salt to this and let the water become warm enough to use it for rinsing.

Take salt water into the mouth, swish it inside your mouth for 5 minutes and spit this out. Make sure that you do not swallow it by mistake.

5. Peppermint to Provide a Cooling Effect to Your Gums

The presence of menthol in peppermint capsules makes it one of the best home remedies for gingivitis because your swollen, inflamed gums need an instant cooling and soothing effect to help you get rid of the pain and inconvenience.

How to Apply?

You can simply crush the capsules or dissolve them directly into water to prepare a mouthwash. Keep this mouthwash in store to use it twice in a day (whenever you feel a need to soothe your aching gums).

You can also prepare a liquid extract by using peppermint leaves. Here is an easy way to prepare the peppermint extract.

1. Collect a handful of peppermint leaves, crush them into a smooth paste and keep it aside.
2. Heat some water in a bowl and add peppermint leaves to the water. Wait for fifteen minutes until the water absorbs the essence of peppermint leaves.
3. Collect the water into a separate glass using a sieve and discard the leaves.
4. Store this fluid in the refrigerator so that it cools down.
5. Use the peppermint extract to rinse your mouth twice in a day. The cooling effect of liquid eases your pain and comforts your red and swollen gums.

6. Tea-Tree Oil as One of the Home Remedies for Gingivitis

What more do you require other than an ingredient that helps in reducing any kind of itchiness, allergic reactions and that which kills any kind of bacteria or fungus!?

Tea tree oil is one such ingredient that has been prepared using the tea tree leaves that are said to cure a wide range of bacterial and fungal infections as they contain the best healing properties.

How to Apply?

You can either use tea tree oil by mixing it with another essential oil or by directly mixing it with water and swishing it in your mouth.

Method – 1

Take one tablespoon of any carrier oil (almond, avocado, coconut, olive, rosehip, jojoba or pecan oil) and add a few drops (3-4 drops) of tea tree oil into this.

Mix the quantities and use a cotton ball to dab this oil on the affected area of your swollen gums every once in a while. You can follow the remedy several times in a day (3- times in a day) to let the healing properties of the tea tree oil cure your problem.

Method – 2

Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a glass of water and use this mixture as a mouth rinse. You can heat the water before adding tea tree oil to it, for a better healing.

Take the liquid into your mouth, swish it for about five minutes and spit this out. Do this three times at a stretch, as soon as you floss your teeth, early in the morning and right before you go to bed.

7. How Does Clove Oil Work as One of the Best Home Remedies for Bleeding Gums?

Inflammation is the main cause of all the woes and worries because it is the swollen and inflamed gums that do not let you relish your favorite foods and drinks. The anti-inflammatory properties of clove oil make it the best ingredient for gingivitis cure.

Eugenol, which is an aromatic chemical present in clove oil is said to be anti-bacterial and also contains anesthetic properties in it that will help in alleviating your pain.

How to apply?

Using clove oil as one of the home remedies for gingivitis is easy and simple. You just have to buy a bottle of clove oil, dab some oil onto a cotton ball and rub this onto the affected area by applying a gentle pressure.

If the pressing persuades you to itch, do not get prompted to do so as this can worsen the bleeding. Apply the remedy four to five times in a day to get rid of swollen, aching gum.

8. Drink Sage Tea or Apply Sage Oil

Almost all the species of the variety Salvia are said to be containing anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that will help you fight all the major kinds of infections and inflammations.

Although there are many essential oils that contain anti-fungal properties, sage is the most commonly used herb that is used to fight a wide range of diseases and infections.

How to Use?

You can either drink sage herbal tea or apply sage essential oil to the problematic zone if you wish to make use of this herb as one of the effective home remedies for bleeding gums.

How to Prepare Sage Tea?

Savouring your favourite dishes or relishing your favourite drinks can be a big challenge especially when you suffer from gum disorders. So, here is one of the healthiest recipes that will make your suffering easy!

• Heat a cup of water in a small bowl (Quantity as per the required amount of tea).
• Add a handful of sage leaves to the boiling water and let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
• Separate the water into another cup using a sieve and discard the sage leaves.
• Add a teaspoon of lime juice and one tablespoon of honey to the tea if you desire a sweet essence.

How to Apply Sage Essential Oil?

Purchase a bottle of sage essential oil and store this for further usage. Take a few drops of the oil onto a cotton ball and press this against your gums, by applying a slight pressure.

Follow the remedy 4-5 times to witness a massive reduction in the inflammation and the pain.

9. Chamomile for Gingivitis Cure

The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile make this herb, one of the best home remedies for gingivitis. You can relish a fresh cup of chamomile tea or apply the essential oil to the affected area.

How to Prepare Chamomile Tea?

• You will require mint leaves and some fresh chamomile flowers to prepare the tea.
• Heat two cups of water in a saucepan or a bowl.
• Add mint leaves and chamomile flowers to the boiling water and let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes.
• Collect the tea separately into another cup and make use of a sieve to discard the mint leaves and chamomile flowers.
• Add 1-2 teaspoons lime juice and one tablespoon of honey to the tea, stir it well and savour it warm and sweet.

Apply Chamomile Oil to the Affected Area

The sedative properties of the essential oil provide a great relief to your swollen gums and the antiseptic properties of the oil help in a better and faster healing.

To use chamomile oil for bleeding gums, pour some oil onto a cotton ball and dab this against the affected area several times in a day.

10. Rinse with Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide in recent times has gained a huge popularity as one of the best mouth rinsing agents recommended by dentists as it helps in an effective cleansing of oral cavities and maintenance of a perfect oral hygiene.

You can prepare a mouthwash on your own if you buy 3% hydrogen peroxide at your nearby stores or from the online retail websites.

Steps to Prepare a Mouthwash Using Hydrogen Peroxide

• Choose only a dark coloured bottle to store the liquid because exposure to light may cause hydrogen peroxide to degrade much fast.
• Collect approximately 250 millilitres of distilled water in a dark coloured bottle and add the same amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide to the bottle
• Mix both the quantities well and store the bottle at cool temperatures for further use.
• Ensure that you choose only 3% hydrogen peroxide because a higher concentration would destroy your enamel and bring in other side effects.
• Swish the chemical in your mouth for 5 minutes and spit it out. Be careful while swishing and do not swallow the chemical at any cost.

11. Practice Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil

This ancient Ayurvedic practice is reported not only as the best remedies for gingivitis but is also said to heal other dental problems like decaying of the tooth, prevention of cavities, strengthening your immune system, removing the plaque and preventing bad breath.

In order to practice oil pulling, take to three tablespoons of coconut oil and swish this in your mouth for 15-20 minutes before spitting it out. Practice oil pulling every morning right before flossing your teeth.

Read More: Benefits of Coconut Oil Everyone Should Know

12. Rinse with Aloe-Vera Gel

The anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties along with immense cooling properties makes Aloe-Vera one of the best home remedies for bleeding gums.

Growing an Aloe plant at your home is the best hobby you can inculcate so that you can make use of this medicinal plant to treat various allergic and infectious diseases.

How to Use?

1. Extract the gel from Aloe-Vera and mix the gel with required amounts of water to make it a semi-liquid, viscous fluid.
2. Take the fluid into your mouth and swish it in your mouth for 15-20 minutes before you finally spit it out.
3. Practice this twice or thrice in a day so as to get rid of bleeding gums.

Which Foods to Eat for Gingivitis Cure?

What you feed your body is important when it comes to healing health disorders because most of the dental disorders are caused due to the deficiency of vitamins and they cannot be completely cured unless your body is provided with the required supplements of the deficient vitamins.

13. Eat Lots of Vitamin C Rich Foods

If you have ever heard of scurvy, you definitely know that it is caused due to deficiency of vitamin C and that it causes bleeding gums.

Including these vitamin C rich foods will soothe your bleeding gums and heal them.

1. Tomatoes
2. Sweet potatoes
3. All green leafy vegetables
4. Chilli peppers
5. Brussels sprouts
6. Broccoli
7. Kale
8. Kiwis
9. Cantaloupes
10. Oranges
11. Cherries
12. Watermelon

14. Consume More Foods Rich in Niacin

Niacin deficiency causes Pellagra that shows bleeding gums as one of the symptoms. Consuming the below-mentioned foods that are rich in Niacin is the best remedy you can follow to get rid of bleeding gums.

1. Mushrooms
2. Tuna
3. Sweet potatoes
4. Asparagus
5. Peanuts
6. Salmon
7. Avocados
8. Brown rice
9. Green peas
10. Sardines

15. Include Foods that Are Rich in Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays an important role in a healthy formation of teeth and the deficiency may cause your gums to bleed. Include the following foods rich in Vitamin A to stabilize your dental health.

1. Swiss chard
2. Turnip greens
3. Carrots
4. Cantaloupes
5. Kale
6. Egg yolks
7. Beef Liver
8. Spinach
9. Lamb Liver
10. Romaine lettuce
11. Broccoli
12. Winter squash
13. Passion fruits
14. Watermelons
15. Mangoes
16. Papayas
17. Grapes
18. Guavas

16. Say Yes to Foods Rich in Vitamin K

The most important vitamin in our body that causes a proper clotting of blood is vitamin K whose deficiency may cause bleeding in your gums. Make sure that you include these foods that are rich in vitamin K into your diet.

1. Kale
2. Green beans
3. Chicken
4. Parsley
5. Swiss chard
6. Cabbage
7. Brussels sprouts
8. Cauliflower
9. Turnip greens
10. Asparagus
11. Okra
12. Romaine lettuce
13. Fish
14. Eggs

Tips to be Followed for An Effective Gingivitis Treatment at Home

The mode of recovery depends on how precise you are in taking a proper care of your dental cleanliness. Apart from implementing the home remedies for gingivitis, following these simple self-care tips can show a huge impact on your treatment.

Do Not Neglect Your Oral Care

This involves a regular flossing of your teeth, changing your way of brushing and switching on to a new toothbrush once in every three months.

Stop Smoking & Cut Down on Alcohol

These are the most harmful and provoking substances that destroy your teeth and gums, causing a tooth decay, gum inflammation, bleeding and if the condition worsens, it may also lead to periodontitis which results in a tooth loss.

Drink More Water

Drinking plenty of water from time to time helps in flushing away the bacteria and other microbes from your oral cavities thereby preventing plaque formation and decaying of the tooth.

Keep drinking water every 1-2 hours and make sure that you reach a target of drinking at least 1.2-2 litres of water per day.

Choose Healthy Foods

Since the tooth decaying can worsen upon consuming spicy foods or sugary sweetening agents, try to stay away from these foods at any cost. Instead, choose those fruits and vegetables that are high in water content.

To Know More: Home Remedies For Mouth Ulcers

Also, include those foods mentioned in the article to fight the vitamin deficiencies and stop the bleeding of gums.