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What is the Best Home Treatment for Gingivitis?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

The best home treatment for gingivitis is to brush and floss daily, and to gargle each day with a medicated mouth rinse. Since gingivitis is primarily caused by germs taking up residence at the gum line, killing bacteria is the first and best step to get rid of gum disease. Brushing and using floss removes food from the teeth to help prevent germs from becoming a problem in the first place, which is needed to prevent gingivitis from returning.

Treating gingivitis at home should only be done with the approval of a dentist or another oral health specialist. In some severe cases, gingivitis may need to be treated using oral surgery or a specialized medication. If going to the dentist is out of the question for financial reasons, using a home treatment for gingivitis may help keep the disease at bay until arrangements can be made.

The stages of periodontal disease, including gingivitis.
The stages of periodontal disease, including gingivitis.

Using a medicated mouthwash that contains alcohol is one home treatment for gingivitis, and it has been medically proven to kill the bacteria which cause gum disease. This step may cure mild to moderate cases of gingivitis. In order to get the best results, mouthwash should be used daily and only medicated antiseptic varieties should be used. Those that are designed to only freshen breath will not be effective at getting rid of gum disease.

Dental cleanings can help prevent gingivitis.
Dental cleanings can help prevent gingivitis.

Brushing and flossing every day is another step in home treatment for gingivitis. Some toothpastes are designed to kill germs, but the most important aspect of brushing is that it removes food particles and plaque from the teeth. Bacteria lives inside of plaque and adheres to the teeth and gums, causing cavities and periodontal diseases. Flossing removes food and plaque between the teeth where a normal toothbrush cannot reach.

Flossing will remove food and plaque trapped between teeth.
Flossing will remove food and plaque trapped between teeth.

There are some home mouthwash recipes which may also help to cure or delay onset of gingivitis. Using apple cider vinegar mixed with water is one idea, since the vinegar has antimicrobial properties. Hydrogen peroxide is another useful substance which has been used for ages as a mouth rinse. It is very effective at killing bacteria, although the taste may be displeasing to many.

Mouthwash may be helpful when fighting gingivitis.
Mouthwash may be helpful when fighting gingivitis.

Finally, it is important to avoid substances which may damage the teeth in order to get the most out of any home treatment for gingivitis. These can include foods which are very acidic in nature, such as soda or citrus, and foods high in sugar. Since some fruits and vegetables may contain high levels of acid or natural sugars, teeth should be thoroughly brushed directly after they are consumed. Things like candy, cake, or sodas can be avoided altogether or eaten very sparingly.

Discussion Comments

Drentel

If you are a smoker and looking for another reason to finally quit then do it for your teeth and gums. Smoking is one of the top causes of gum disease, and smoking can even make treating gum disease more difficult. All of the home remedies for gum disease and treatments for gingivitis aren't going to help if you don't stop smoking first.

Animandel

My dentist told me that you should do everything possible to avoid gingivitis since it can lead to periodontitis disease. When you get periodontitis disease your gums actually pull away from your teeth and leave openings where food can get caught. This will make good places for bacteria to live and breed.

The combination of the body's immune system and the bacteria can lead to bone and tissue being damaged and in the end you can lose your teeth. That's enough to make anyone make those regular visits to the dentist and look for natural remedies for gum disease, too.

mobilian33

Some people are more likely to get gum disease than others because of family history. Some of us carry genes that we inherit from our parents that make us prone to gingivitis and other even more serious gum diseases. Taking a look at the dental history of your parents and other family members can give you a hint of what you are in store for as you get older.

Even if you are in your 20s and have gone to the dentist for all of your life for cleanings and checkups, don't think you are not at risk for gum disease. In most people, gum disease doesn't develop until they are in their 30s or in their 40s. So, you might want to find some good home remedies for gingivitis and other gum diseases before they become a problem.

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    • The stages of periodontal disease, including gingivitis.
      By: Alila
      The stages of periodontal disease, including gingivitis.
    • Dental cleanings can help prevent gingivitis.
      By: Trish23
      Dental cleanings can help prevent gingivitis.
    • Flossing will remove food and plaque trapped between teeth.
      By: Sylvie Bouchard
      Flossing will remove food and plaque trapped between teeth.
    • Mouthwash may be helpful when fighting gingivitis.
      By: ijacky
      Mouthwash may be helpful when fighting gingivitis.
    • Apple cider vinegar can help treat gingivitis.
      By: Comugnero Silvana
      Apple cider vinegar can help treat gingivitis.