So you went in for your routine checkup and you heard the word “gingivitis”. It’s natural to think all sorts of things after getting any medical diagnosis, but it’s important to keep in mind that gingivitis is not usually a grave problem or a life-sentence. Gingivitis affects half of all American adults at some point in their lives, and thankfully this disease is not only highly treatable, it’s highly preventable. Today we’re going to take a look at some of the most helpful at-home remedies to prevent gingivitis and protect your gums.
A Stellar Dental Hygiene Routine
The best way to prevent gingivitis is to maintain a thorough dental hygiene routine. Brushing at least twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste, flossing, using mouthwash, avoiding tobacco and sugar, and visiting your dentist routinely are all effective ways to defend against gum disease.
Saltwater Treatments
They say saltwater cures everything, and gum disease may be no exception. A salt water rinse has been proven to help reduce inflammation associated with gingivitis, as well as help ease pain, reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, quell bad breath, and remove stuck particles of food. Keep in mind that salt water is acidic, so it’s best not to use this remedy for an extended period of time or you may risk damaging your tooth’s enamel.
Oil Pulling
This ancient practice has become more popular in the West in recent years, and involves swishing oil around in the mouth for 20 to 30 minutes in an attempt to reduce bacteria and toxins and improve oral health. Coconut oil is a commonly used oil for pulling because it contains lauric acid which helps to reduce inflammation. A 2015 study found that coconut oil pulling reduced the amount of plaque in a patient’s mouth significantly and subsequently reduced signs of gingivitis. Arimedadi is another oil that has proven oral health benefits. This oil has been shown to lessen plaque levels as well as treat gingivitis problems by reducing swelling and pain. Be sure not to swallow any oil once you’ve swished it around for the desired amount of time.
How Well Do These Methods Work?
Once you’ve started treating your gingivitis, you may notice relief from any symptoms almost immediately, but it may take 10-14 days for the condition to completely clear. Keep diligently practicing your oral health routine as well as adding in additional rinses and treatments. That said, when in doubt, it is always a good idea to check in with your dentist regarding any questions about your oral health. If you have signs of gingivitis, your dentist at Aurora Dental Group will be happy to do a thorough professional cleaning to get your gums back into shape.
While no one likes to hear that they’ve developed a preventable medical condition, gingivitis is luckily easily treated. Diligence and care are usually all that’s required to nip the problem in the bud, and keeping up with your hygiene routine and routine dentist appointments, you should be able to keep the problem from coming back.
If you’ve been treating your gingivitis at home and have questions, or if you’ve like to schedule your routine checkup, give us a ring at Aurora Dental Group today!
