Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal (gum) disease that makes the gums turn red, become swollen, and more prone to bleeding.
Usually, there is little or no discomfort and the condition can be reversed with proper oral hygiene and dental treatment.
Though the disease is curable and mild, you cannot overlook it.
Untreated, gingivitis can turn into more destructive forms of periodontal disease and leads to illnesses such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cardiovascular disorders.
It is vital to consult the dentist when you first experience symptoms.
Most Effective Method for Gingivitis Treatment: Consult Your Dentist!
See your dentist immediately if you suspect that you have gingivitis.
Your dentist will most likely clean your mouth to remove tartar, which is a breeding ground for bacteria, and suggest a new fluoride-rich toothpaste along with a proper oral hygiene routine.
You may have to visit your dentist frequently for a short period, but you can count on getting rid of the disease.
Other methods to treat gingivitis can be divided into two parts: Oral hygiene and homemade treatments.
Oral Hygiene:
The oral hygiene methods described here will help you reverse gingivitis and reduce the chances of it appearing again.
1. Avoid Sweet and Sticky Foods:
Stay away from candies and other sugar products.
If you absolutely have eat them, then make sure you eat them sparingly.
This is particularly important if you have children with gingivitis. It is vital to drill into them that sweets cannot be an all-day affair.
What is true of sugar products is also true of sticky foods, such as pizzas. Sugary and sticky foods stick to your gums and become a breeding ground for bacteria.
2. Brush Properly and Use Floss:
Another way to control gingivitis is to brush with care.
An effective method for cleaning your gum line is to hold your brush at an angle of 45 degrees and move it in a circular motion.
This technique cleans the area where your teeth meets the gums. Brushing is necessary, but it is not sufficient.
To remove the impurities hidden somewhere between your teeth, you can use floss. Flossing at least once a day is a way to stymie the spread of gingivitis.
3. Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash:
Antiseptic mouthwash fights bacteria in those places that cannot be reached by your toothbrush or floss.
You can kill many bacteria in your mouth and stop the spread of gingivitis if you use a mouthwash solution for at least 30 seconds after each brush.
Homemade Treatments for Gingivitis:
The three methods mentioned below are popular home-based treatments:
1. Salt gargle:
Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and gargle. Repeat this procedure for several days.
2. Lemon juice mouthwash:
Squeeze an entire lemon into a glass of lukewarm water and rinse your mouth with it. Do this two times a day, right after you brush.
3. Chew a clove:
Chewing a clove can reduce the pain from swollen gums.
Though this article touches upon several ways to treat your gingivitis, speaking to your dentist is the safest and most effective method.
If you notice symptoms of gingivitis in you or your children, contact us immediately. We offer a highly-experienced and qualified dental team in gingivitis treatment.
You can contact us by calling (858) 755-8993 for our San Diego office or (619) 656-6785 for our Chula Vista location.