Have you ever been brushing or flossing, and you notice that your gums are bloody? It can be alarming, but there’s a likely explanation. You may have gingivitis.
Even tenderness or redness with your gums can be indicators. You should always make an appointment with your dentist when you suspect gingivitis for the sake of your oral health, but in the meantime, there are some home remedies you can try. Keep reading to learn some tips from your dentist in Wichita Falls!
#1: Try Topical Remedies
Turmeric and clove are spices that have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. You can dip a cotton ball into one teaspoon of minced cloves or turmeric, then apply it to your gums and leave it on for about 60 seconds.
Rise your mouth with water afterward. While this can be an effective gum disease-fighting solution, don’t let it deter you from seeing your dentist ASAP. Ideally, it provides you some relief in the meantime.
#2: Consider Oil Pulling
Oil pulling has become a popular trend in recent years for freshening breath and whitening teeth. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can also reduce plaque and signs of gingivitis. If you begin to experience bleeding gums, swish 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil in your mouth for 20-30 minutes. Be careful to prevent the oil from touching the back of your throat.
When the time has elapsed, spit out the oil and rinse with water. If this timeframe seems too long, you can potentially do two 10-minute sessions until you feel more comfortable with it.
#3: Implement a Mouthwash Designed to Treat Gingivitis
It can seem overwhelming trying to select a mouthwash that seems best suited for your teeth and gums. If you are experiencing mild-to-severe gum disease, however, that should narrow your focus to selecting one designed for patients with gingivitis. A few varieties to consult with your dentist about are tea tree oil, sage, aloe vera, and lemongrass oil.
#4: Use a Salt-and-Water Mixture for Rinsing
Salt is a natural disinfectant that can remove food particles, reduce oral bacteria, and ease the pain. It’s no surprise that it can also help heal inflamed gums from gingivitis. To make this remedy at home, you just dissolve a half-teaspoon of salt into lukewarm water and mix well. Then, swish the solution around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this process 2-3 times daily.
The aforementioned at-home solutions can provide relief for pain, swelling, and other symptoms associated with gum disease. However, it is key to use them as only temporary solutions until you can see your dentist for an appointment. Before trying a remedy, schedule the appointment first to ensure that potential gingivitis doesn’t have the opportunity to become more serious.
About the Author
Dr. Shelly Strohman has been working to provide optimal dental care to patients in Wichita Falls for more than 13 years. She’s a member of the American Dental Association. If you ever feel like you could use some help relaxing at your appointment, she has her Level I Sedation Permit and is certified for the use of nitrous oxide. If you think you might have gingivitis or another oral health issue, it is always wise to get an exam to make sure you will be okay moving forward. If you need to schedule an appointment to check on a problem or you’d like to get a general dental cleaning and exam, visit Dr. Strohman’s website or call (940) 613-0299.