10 Effective Home Remedies for Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease found in over half of U.S. adults. It causes irritation, swelling, and bleeding gums and is an early form of periodontal disease, or periodontitis. Left untreated, it can lead to all sorts of whole-body health issues, including heart disease. 

While regular dental checkups are important, there are things you can do at home to support gum health and reduce inflammation of the gums. Check out these science-backed home remedies for a better, holistic approach to gum health and say goodbye to gingivitis. 

1. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in the mouth to reduce harmful oral bacteria and inflammation. Coconut oil pulling is a popular choice because of the antibacterial properties of lauric acid, one of its main components. 

Arimedadi oil, a blend of herbs and oils, is another option for stronger gums and a proven oral strategy against plaque-induced gingivitis. It may just be a little harder to find than coconut oil as a natural mouthwash for gingivitis.

To try it with coconut oil, follow these steps:

1. Swish about 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 5 minutes until it turns into a liquid. Don’t swallow any of it. 
2. Once you’re done, spit it out into the trash. It’ll turn back into a solid at room temperature.
3. Rinse out your mouth with a glass of water. As you get used to oil pulling, you can increase your swish time to 15 minutes.

2. Salt Water Mouth Rinse

A warm saltwater mouth rinse can help ease your symptoms by treating wounds on the gum line caused by gingivitis. Studies show it has a similar effect on gum disease as medicated oral rinses like chlorhexidine. 

Rinsing with salt water may also help heal your gums after gum surgery, including minimally invasive periodontal surgery to treat gingivitis. To try it at home, follow these steps:

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water.
2. Gently swish the salt water around your mouth for about 30 seconds. Don’t swallow the water.
3. Once you’re finished, spit out the salt water.
4. Repeat the salt water rinse 3 times a day until your gums don’t feel tender.

3. Lemongrass Mouthwash

Lemongrass is an essential oil with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may be better than conventional mouthwashes and gingivitis medications for treating gingivitis. 

Studies show that using a lemongrass mouthwash may reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth for healthier gums and less plaque buildup, a primary cause of gum disease. It may also be effective in the treatment of chronic periodontitis, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease down the line as a result.

To make an effective lemongrass oil mouthwash, follow these steps:

1. Mix 2-3 drops of lemongrass essential oil in 8 ounces of water.
2. Gently swish lemongrass oil mouthwash around your mouth for about 30 seconds.
3. Once you’re finished, spit it out down the drain.
4. Repeat the lemongrass oil mouthwash 3 times a day until your gums don’t feel tender.

4. Aloe Vera Mouth Rinse

Aloe vera is a common treatment for sunburn, but it may also treat plaque-induced gingivitis. Much like lemongrass oil, studies show aloe vera is an effective natural remedy when compared to conventional chlorhexidine mouthwash, which is often recommended for good oral hygiene.

On top of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, its soothing properties may also provide some relief from gum discomfort and irritation as you heal. To make it at home, follow these steps:

1. Mix ½ cup of aloe vera juice with 1 cup of water. You can use less water, depending on your taste preference.
2. Gently swish the aloe mouth rinse around your mouth for about 30 seconds. Don’t swallow the water.
3. Once you’re finished, spit out the aloe vera water down the drain.
4. Repeat 3 times a day until your gums don’t feel tender.

5. Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash

Also known as melaleuca oil, tea tree oil is an essential oil known for its powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. While it can be toxic in large amounts when ingested, a rinse only uses a few drops for reduced gum inflammation and plaque buildup.

To try tea tree oil as a gingivitis treatment, follow these steps:

1. Mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil in 8 ounces of warm water.
2. Gently swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 30 seconds. Do not swallow. Tea tree oil can have side effects if ingested.
3. Once you’re done, spit it out into the drain.
4. Repeat 3 times a day until your gums don’t feel tender.

Tea tree oil may interact with certain medications. It’s best practice to talk to your healthcare provider before using this or any homemade mouthwash in your oral care routine.

6. Clove Oil

Clove oil is a multifaceted essential oil with antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties thanks to eugenol, a beneficial phenylpropanoid. Studies show it may reduce gum pain, prevent infection, and alleviate inflammation in early gingivitis. 

Comparative studies show it’s just as good at fighting back against plaque, preventing tartar buildup, and alleviating gingivitis symptoms as prescribed rinses. To make a clove oil mouthwash at home, follow these steps:

1. Mix 3-6 drops of clove essential oil with ½ cup of warm water.
2. Gently swish the clove oil mixture around your mouth for about 30 seconds.
3. Once you’re finished, spit it out into the drain.
4. Repeat 3 times a day until your gums don’t feel tender anymore.

If you feel any sensitivity after your rinse, reduce the frequency of your rinses. Clove oil can be irritating to some with sensitive gums, especially in high concentrations. 

7. Topical Turmeric Paste

Topical turmeric paste can be a helpful natural remedy for gingivitis due to the anti-inflammatory properties of its active compound, curcumin. Applying turmeric paste to inflamed gums may help reduce swelling, pain, and plaque buildup in early gum disease.

A paste may be beneficial even if turmeric is part of your regular diet. Your digestive tract destroys a lot of the curcumin in turmeric, so much of it passes through without being absorbed. Here are the easy steps for a topical turmeric paste:

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric with a little warm water. You can adjust the amount of water depending on your texture preference.
2. Gently apply the gel to your tender gums.
3. Let the turmeric gel sit for 10 minutes. To avoid soreness, try not to tense your facial muscles too much.
4. Swish warm water around your mouth to collect all of the paste, then spit out the water. This paste is non-toxic, but you shouldn’t swallow it. 
5. Repeat 2 times per day until your gums don’t feel tender.

8. Baking Soda

Baking soda is used in baking and cleaning, but it may also help remove dental plaque, soften tartar, and prevent gingivitis. This mild abrasive neutralizes acids in the mouth that can contribute to early gum disease, cavities, and halitosis.

Use it blended with water to make a dentifrice, or baking soda paste, or add some to your toothpaste on a toothbrush to prevent gingivitis and keep your mouth healthy. Here’s how to make an effective baking soda paste:

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with warm water. You can adjust the amount of water depending on your texture preference.
2. If you created a thicker paste, gently rub the baking soda paste on your gums for 30 seconds. Once you’re done, rinse out your mouth with warm salt water.
3. If you created a liquid mixture, gently swish the baking soda mouth rinse for about 30 seconds. Once you’re done, spit it out down the drain.
4. Repeat up to 3 times a day until your gums don’t feel tender.

9. Vitamin C Supplements

Vitamin C may support gum health and help manage your gingivitis symptoms by boosting your immune system and reducing inflammation. Deficiencies in vitamin C can have the opposite effect, leading to weakened gums, slower healing, and a higher risk for gum disease.

Healthy levels of vitamin C are also crucial for collagen synthesis. Collagen supports stronger connective tissues, maintains gum firmness and resilience, and may help prevent gum recession.

You can increase your vitamin C intake by eating foods like citrus fruits, berries, and cruciferous vegetables. If your diet is lacking, a daily supplement can be supportive.

10. Green Tea

Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins that may help reduce inflammation, fight harmful oral bacteria, and prevent the breakdown of gum tissue. Drinking unsweetened green tea is an easy, practical way to strengthen your gums and treat gingivitis. 

Just make sure to brush properly, as it can stain your teeth if you drink it often, and avoid sweetened versions. Sugary drinks are bad for your teeth.

Green tea chewing gum can also reduce plaque and gingival inflammation. Look for chewing gum with xylitol, a sugar alcohol that is good for your oral health. If you prefer a supplement approach, green tea extract has similar benefits for your periodontal health. 

Oral Hygiene Habits That Can Help

Home remedies are great for treating the early stages of gum disease, but there are ways to prevent gingivitis before it sets in. Here are a few simple strategies for good oral hygiene:

• Brush twice a day. Use gentle circles at a 45° angle towards your gums. A hydroxyapatite toothpaste is a natural alternative to fluoride for stronger enamel. For the added benefits of oral microbiome support, try Revitin, the world’s first prebiotic toothpaste.
• Floss daily. For healthy gums, floss in between your teeth daily without pressing hard on your gums.
• Use a natural mouthwash. Avoid alcohol-based solutions that can ruin your oral microbiome.
• Air dry your toothbrush. Keep your brush head facing up and situated far from a flushing toilet to avoid bacteria growing in the bristles.
• Avoid sugary foods. Sugar feeds the harmful bacteria in your mouth and can cause imbalances in your oral microbiome.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water reduces bacteria that can lead to plaque and inflammation, and neutralizes acids for better tissue repair.
• See your dentist. Visit twice yearly for dental cleanings and exams. Professional cleanings with a hygienist and regular dental visits catch oral health conditions early.
• Keep a healthy diet. Nutrition is essential to oral health and overall wellness. Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, probiotics, and healthy fats.

To learn more about the essential link between your oral health and a healthy body, read my book, The Mouth-Body Connection.

Treatments to Avoid

There are some strategies out there that seem like they should make gingivitis better, but can actually make your situation worse. Here are a few things to avoid for better gum health:

• Don’t brush harder. Brush your teeth with gentle circles. If you brush too hard, it can not only harm your teeth, but it can also harm your gums.
• Don’t floss harder. Your gums can become inflamed, or you could cut them and expose them to infection.
• Don’t use alcohol-based mouthwashes. Conventional mouthwashes can kill all the good and bad bacteria in your mouth, which may disrupt the balance of your oral microbiome.

When to See a Dentist 

If natural remedies for gingivitis aren’t addressing early signs or your symptoms persist despite your efforts and good oral hygiene, it may be time to see your dentist. Early treatment can reverse gingivitis before it progresses to periodontitis, a more serious condition. 

If you notice receding gums or feel loose teeth, seek care immediately. Timely intervention from a professional can prevent long-term damage. Regular dental checkups every 6 months are also crucial for monitoring gum health, removing plaque and tartar, and catching issues early. 

FAQs

What are the common symptoms of gingivitis?

Common symptoms and signs of gingivitis include:

• Swollen gums
• Inflamed gums (dark red gums)
• Receding gums
• Sore gums
• Gum sensitivity
• Gums that bleed easily, especially during brushing or flossing
• Halitosis (bad breath)

These are all signs of early, or stage 1, gingivitis. Left untreated, they can lead to periodontitis, which can result in tooth loss or shifting teeth, tooth pain, gum recession, deep pockets between your teeth and gums, and changes to taste.

Can gingivitis be cured in a week?

Gingivitis can significantly improve within a week with proper care, but the fastest cure for gingivitis depends on the stage of your gum disease. 

Early intervention is essential. Mild cases can reverse within a few weeks, while advanced stages may require professional dental treatment for a full recovery. 

Can gum damage be reversed?

Gum damage can be reversed. You have to be gentle with your gums but intentional with your dental health. Natural home remedies for gingivitis can dramatically improve the situation. For treatments for advanced cases, a biologic, holistic approach can support long-term oral health.

Are there certain foods that can help fight gum disease?

Foods that fight gum disease include:

• Apples
• Citrus fruits
• Berries
• Leafy greens
• Crunchy vegetables, like carrots, bell peppers, celery
• Nuts and seeds
• Dairy, like yogurt and cheese
• Fatty fish
• Probiotic-rich foods, like kimchi and sauerkraut

Take A Holistic Biologic Dentistry Approach 

A holistic biologic dentistry approach means caring for your oral health in ways that support your overall well-being. Rather than treating just your symptoms, it examines the connection between oral health and the entire body. 

That includes healing without harsh chemicals, gentle cleanings, and addressing gum disease with minimally invasive techniques.

If you’re looking for a whole-body approach to your dental care, schedule an appointment with us today. Virtual consultations are also available for expert advice around personalized, wellness-focused treatments. 

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