Seven Gingivitis Home Remedies

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease. And, once gingivitis appears, it can lead to more serious forms of gum disease, and even eventual tooth loss.

If you're already seeing signs of gingivitis-like swollen, sore, or bleeding gums-there are things you can do to treat the condition. And, if you don't have gingivitis yet, these home remedies can help you to prevent gingivitis from striking.

Pamper your gums.

Massaging your gums daily will help improve blood circulation to your gums. As a result, they'll be better able to resist gingivitis, and other forms of gum disease.

Grip an area of your gums between your thumb (on the side behind your teeth) and index finger (on the side in front of your teeth) and rub gently. Do this until you've massaged all of your top and bottom gums.

Calcium can help to prevent gingivitis.

As you get older, your teeth can get brittle and start to shrink. Calcium strengthens teeth, which can help prevent gingivitis. So make sure you get your Recommended Daily Allowance of Calcium.

Vitamin C will help your gums heal.

If your showing signs of gingivitis, vitamin C might help your bleeding gums heal a little faster. Vitamin C will also help your gums stay healthy, making them more resistant to gingivitis. You can find vitamin C in citrus fruits and juices, as well as vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. If you don't think you're getting enough vitamin C in your diet, consider taking a supplement.

Prevent gingivitis with fresh vegetables.

You should eat at least one raw vegetable every day. Not only is it good for your overall health, chewing the vegetable will help clean your teeth, and stimulate blood circulation in your gums.

Smoking promotes the growth bacteria that causes gingivitis.

Smoke promotes the growth of bacteria in your mouth, and bacteria can cause gingivitis. Smoking also weakens your immune system, making your more vulnerable to conditions like gingivitis. Smoke will also make any gingivitis remedies you try less effective.

Baking soda kills the bacteria that causes gingivitis.

The bacteria in your mouth can cause gingivitis. And baking soda can help get rid of that bacteria. It will also polis your teeth, and make your breath smell fresher.

Mix some plain baking soda with a little water. Use your finger to apply this paste along your gumline. Then, brush as usual.

Cranberry juice.

Cranberries and cranberry juice can help prevent gingivitis by keeping bacteria from sticking to your teeth and gums.

Choose a cranberry juice that doesn't contain sugar. If you can't stand the taste of cranberry juice alone, try a "cocktail" in which cranberry juice is combined with other, sweeter juices.

With these remedies, you can fight of gingivitis, and have nothing in your mouth but healthy teeth and gums.