Gum inflammation and pain are common issues that can disrupt everyday life.
Especially in cases of advanced gingivitis, people often search for natural remedies to accelerate treatment. But what really helps, and how can we successfully combat gingivitis and its individual symptoms?
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a mild oral disease characterized by gum inflammation and symptoms such as swollen, sensitive gums that bleed easily. It is usually a fully reversible condition.
Gingivitis affects a large percentage of adults, with the majority having encountered it at least once. It is more common in men and pregnant women, and is mainly caused by plaque buildup on the teeth.
Causes
Many factors can lead to gingivitis, with the most common being poor oral hygiene (e.g., irregular brushing and flossing).
Other risk factors include:
• Poor diet (e.g., high sugar intake)
• Smoking or vaping
• Family history of gingivitis
• Gum injuries
• Cavities
• Tooth extractions
• Chronic stress
• Old age
• Health conditions (e.g., type II diabetes, heart disease, HIV)
• Medications that reduce saliva production (dry mouth)
• Hormonal changes (puberty, menopause, menstruation)
• Obesity
• Mouth breathing during sleep
• Genetic disorders
Poor oral hygiene and unhealthy dietary habits contribute to the buildup of bacteria and plaque below the gumline, eventually leading to tartar formation, which is very difficult to remove. Plaque and tartar cause gum inflammation, leading to swelling and bleeding.
Symptoms
The main signs of gingivitis include:
• Swollen or red gums
• Gums that bleed easily (e.g., during brushing/flossing)
• Painful gums when touched
• Gum recession, soft gums
• Change in gum color
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Metallic taste in the mouth
In some cases, a person may not experience significant discomfort or typical symptoms of the disease, but gingivitis is usually accompanied by sensitivity and gum bleeding. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to periodontitis.
How does gingivitis go away?
The treatment of gingivitis is based on daily oral hygiene and regular dental checkups for professional cleaning and examination of the teeth and gums.
For daily oral hygiene, the following are recommended:
• Brushing at least twice a day or shortly after each meal/snack, for 2 minutes.
• Daily use of floss and interdental brushes.
• Mouthwash for gingivitis: Your dentist will guide you on how long to use it.
• Toothbrush: Opt for soft-bristle toothbrushes to avoid irritation, or electric ones for better cleaning (replace every 3 months).
• Toothpaste for gingivitis or gum bleeding (e.g., Frezyderm Gingivital Toothpaste).
• Gel for gingivitis: Usually contains chlorhexidine and is applied topically for a specific period (days or weeks) as directed by your dentist.
Dental visits should be made at least once a year for healthy individuals and more often if there is oral disease or a condition affecting oral health.
Early diagnosis and treatment of gingivitis are crucial! Otherwise, complications, including tooth loss, may occur.
Lifestyle recommendations include:
• Avoid smoking: Smokers or vapers are more likely to develop gingivitis, and this habit can make the condition harder to treat.
• Diet: Adopt a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant foods, and probiotics. It is recommended to consume vegetables, fruits, fermented dairy (e.g., yogurt), and sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid sugar, simple carbohydrates, alcohol, and junk food. Eating firmer foods like carrots, apples, and nuts can also help strengthen the gums.
Natural remedies
There are also some home remedies for gingivitis with milder effects than specialized oral care products. The most common ones used as mouthwashes include:
• Saltwater rinses
• Coconut oil (Oil Pulling) – Hold 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10-15 minutes, then spit it out.
• Baking soda – Dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water.
• Aloe Vera – Pure aloe vera juice can be used up to 3 times daily.
It is important to ensure that the ingredients used for these remedies are safe and edible.
Herbs that help combat gingivitis and are often found in toothpastes and mouthwashes include:
• Lemongrass oil
• Tea tree oil
• Turmeric
• Sage
• Thyme
• Chamomile
• Guava
• Green tea
Gingivitis during pregnancy
During pregnancy, starting from the second month, it is common for expectant mothers to experience gingivitis, with rates ranging from 60% to 75%.
This condition is called pregnancy gingivitis and is largely due to hormonal changes, as well as changes in:
• Saliva acidity
• Immune system function
• Dietary habits (e.g., increased sugar consumption)
As previously mentioned, it is crucial to treat this problem early to prevent it from developing into periodontitis and causing irreversible damage to the teeth and gums.
Preventative measures include:
• Regular dental checkups
• Professional teeth cleaning
• Frequent and proper brushing
• Cleaning between the teeth
• Healthy diet
Treatment for gingivitis during pregnancy
To manage pregnancy-related gingivitis, the following guidelines are recommended:
• Good oral hygiene: Focus on using pregnancy-safe products (mouthwash and toothpaste for pregnancy).
• Balanced diet: Avoid sweets, sodas, and junk food, and opt for vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
• Avoid smoking (which is recommended anyway).
Regarding morning sickness:
It is essential for pregnant women to rinse their mouth with water after morning sickness or vomiting to protect the teeth from stomach acids. It is recommended to avoid brushing for the next hour, only rinsing with water.
Gingivitis or periodontitis?
Neglecting to treat gingivitis can gradually lead to periodontitis, a more serious condition affecting the teeth and gums, resulting in unwanted complications.
The time it takes for gingivitis to progress to periodontitis varies, sometimes taking years or months, while in other cases, it can happen within a few weeks.
The symptoms of periodontitis are similar to those of gingivitis, such as bad breath and gum bleeding, which can cause confusion.
It is important to visit the dentist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Periodontitis symptoms include:
• Persistent bad breath – even after brushing
• Gum swelling
• Bleeding gums
• Severe gum and tooth sensitivity (e.g., pain when chewing)
• Gum color changes (deep red or purple)
• Abscesses (pus in the gums)
• Gaps forming between the teeth
• General tooth shifting (visible differences from before)
• Loose teeth
• Severe gum recession (exposed bone)
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Changes in the fit of dental appliances (e.g., bridges)
Recognize the symptoms early to address the issue as soon as possible!