Comfortable Care: 3 At-Home Remedies for Gingivitis  

You might think that your mouth must be perfectly healthy if you haven’t seen obvious signs of cavities or periodontal problems, but the unfortunate truth is that it’s possible to develop oral issues and not know it.

For example, you might already have developed gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, if you notice that your connective tissues look darker, feel more sensitive, or appear more swollen than usual. Thankfully, there are several ways you can try to improve your condition. Continue reading to learn about 3 at-home remedies that might help enhance your gum health!

Option #1: Rinse with Salt Water

Although commercial-grade mouthwash can be a simple and effective way to rinse problem-causing germs from your teeth and gums, these products often contain alcohol or other harsh chemicals, which can cause other concerns, such as enamel erosion.

Meanwhile, rinsing with a solution of salt water can naturally disinfect your oral cavity more gently, and can even help alleviate associated swelling or soreness caused by infected connective tissues. You can make your own mixture by adding about ½ to ¾ tsp of salt into a glass of water, then stirring it until dissolved. Then sip the solution and swish it around your mouth before spitting it out into the sink, and repeat until the cup is empty. This can usually be safely repeated 2 to 3 times daily as needed.

Option #2: Try Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is believed to reverse or treat the earliest stages of periodontal disease because it can help reduce harmful bacteria and decrease plaque buildup from your teeth and connective tissues. Different essential oils, such as tea tree or lemongrass, can potentially be helpful, but usually coconut or Arimedadi oils are recommended because of their strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

You can try swirling 2 teaspoons of one of these common oils around your mouth for about 30 minutes can help reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth and soothe gum inflammation to address gingivitis and its associated symptoms.

Option #3: Floss More Consistently

Another simple way to improve your dental health and help fight early gingivitis is to incorporate flossing into your twice-daily at-home dental hygiene routine. Sources estimate that brushing alone can remove between 40% and 60% of plaque and residue buildup to help prevent common concerns, such as cavities or gum disease, but flossing is required to remove the rest.

If you avoid this step because you don’t like the way the string feels gliding along your enamel or below your sensitive gums, then you might do better with an oral irrigator, which utilizes a gently pressurized stream of water to clean your connective tissues more comfortably.

These techniques may help prevent or reverse the earliest stage of gum disease, but if you’re worried about your dental health, your dentist can assess your condition and provide a customized treatment plan to address any issues.

Meet the Author

Dr. John Moneyhun has 10+ years of experience helping families improve their daily lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina and has remained committed to continuing education, completing additional training at Dawson Academy and Gordon Christensen’s Practical Clinical Courses. Today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services, including gum disease treatments, to meet your unique needs under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (864) 800-1691.