How to Get Rid of Mild Gingivitis: 10 Things to Try (2024)

You may be able to get rid of mild, early-stage gingivitis (gum inflammation) on your own. You could even start to see improvement within a week, but preventing gingivitis requires a commitment. It's also important to schedule a professional dental cleaning to get proper care.

Symptoms that become severe can take longer to resolve and may require medical treatment. Gingivitis can progress to gum disease, so it's worth tackling it as quickly as possible. This article covers what you can do to reverse gingivitis, signs that it's progressing, and when it's time to see a dentist.

At-Home Gingivitis Care: How to Intervene in the Early Stages

If your gums are tender or slightly red or inflamed, you may be in the early stages of gingivitis. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible. It may take a combination of good oral hygiene, home remedies, and routine dental care.

Effective Brushing Technique

You probably already know that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, but technique matters, and most people could use a refresher. The American Dental Association suggests:

• Use a soft-bristled brush.
• Place it at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
• Brush back and forth in short strokes.
• Be sure to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• It's important to begentle when cleaning near the gums, as excessive force can lead to both gum and tooth damage.
  
• Take about two minutes to clean your whole mouth.
• Replace your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if bristles are frayed, or use a powered toothbrush.
  

Getting Between Teeth

It's a simple concept, but it takes a little effort. The bristles of your brush can't always reach the food and bacteria hiding between your teeth and under the gumline, so it's important to clean between your teeth once a day. Here's how:

1. Work dental floss gently between the teeth and down to the gumline.
2. Curve the floss around a tooth until you reach the space between the gum and tooth, moving it up and down.
3. Do this for both sides of each tooth.
4. Rinse well.

If you have trouble using floss, try:

• A floss holder, which holds the floss for you
• A floss threader that can help you get into the tightest spaces
• A water flosser, which is gentle and may be easier to use
  

Saltwater Rinse

Rinsing with salt water is a well-known way to help heal mouth wounds. It's inexpensive, nontoxic, and easy to do. Try mixing 1 teaspoon of salt into 1 cup of water. Swish it around your mouth for about two minutes three times a day.

Chlorhexidine Mouthwash

Studies show rinsing with chlorhexidine mouthwash, along with tooth brushing and cleaning between teeth, can help reduce bacteria, plaque, and gingival inflammation.

Be sure to follow the directions on the product label. Keep in mind that chlorhexidine mouthwash should only be used for a short time. Using it for four weeks or longer can lead to:

• Discoloration of the teeth
• Alterations in taste
• Buildup of plaque

Baking Soda

Research showsbaking sodacan help reduce plaque and inflammation due to gingivitis.One study found that brushing with fluoride toothpaste with 20% to 35% baking soda reduced plaque, inflammation, and bleeding better than regular fluoride toothpaste. The 35% mix was the most effective.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling has been around for a long time. It involves using oils such as:

• Sunflower
• Sesame
• Coconut
• Lemongrass

You swish the oil around your mouth, similar to the way you would use a mouthwash or other oral rinse. Research shows it may reduce oral bacteria and plaque and improve gingivitis. However, more rigorous studies are needed.

Using 1 tablespoon of oil, sip and swish the oil between your teeth for 15 to 20 minutes. You can expect changes in the oil consistency as you swish. Be careful not to swallow the oil. Spit it out when you're done swishing. Follow up by rinsing, brushing, and flossing. Do this three times a day.

Fluoride

Stannous fluoride is an antimicrobial agent.When used daily,fluoride toothpasteor dental rinse has been shown to help control plaque and gingivitis and reduce the number of bleeding sites.

Studies showing that brushing twice a day can help reduce the risk of gingivitis were specific to fluoride toothpastes.

Turmeric Gel

Studies show thatturmericmouthwash is as effective as chlorhexidine in decreasing plaque and inflammation due to gingivitis.Other research suggests that turmeric may have a more pleasant odor and sweeter taste than chlorhexidine, plus it won't stain teeth. Follow the package instructions.

Green Tea Mouthwash

Green tea mouthwash has been shown to reduce microbial pathogens and improve mild gingivitis. In the case of chronic gum disease requiring professional treatment, green tea mouthwash is an effective complementary therapy. Follow the directions on the product label.

Optimize Your Diet

Research suggests that a diet low in carbohydrates, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and D, antioxidants, and fiber, may reduce inflammation due to gingivitis.

Drinking green tea is associated with overall good oral health due to antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and cancer-preventive properties.

Does Anything Help Get Rid of Gingivitis Quickly?

For mild gingivitis, you might start to see improvement within a few days of stepping up your oral care routine. It may take many more weeks to get your gums back to a healthy state.

But much depends on the severity of gingivitis. In early-stage gingivitis, a professional dental cleaning, along with good oral care, might be all you need. In other cases, it's more persistent and can take much longer to resolve.

When to Visit a Dentist

See a dentist if symptoms of gingivitis don't start to improve within a couple of weeks. A dentist can help identify contributing factors such as uncontrolled diabetes or taking certain medications.

Untreated gingivitis can lead to permanent damage to the gums, teeth, and bones. A dentist can assess the level of gingivitis and make personalized recommendations for home care.

Treatment may include a deep cleaning procedure called debridement or scaling and root planing. The goal is to remove bacterial plaque and tartar from the teeth and above and below the gumline. This stops disease progression and starts the healing process, which can take several weeks.

Summary

Gingivitis is reversible and there's a lot you can do on your own. It's important to make sure you're using effective brushing and flossing techniques. You can also try mouthwashes and rinses that can help reduce gingivitis. Without proper care, gingivitis can progress and cause permanent damage to your gums and teeth.

Seeing a dentist can help you get things back on track faster. It's also crucial to keep up with your improved oral care and regular dental appointments to prevent gingivitis and gum disease.