Gingivitis is the gradually destructive lull before the full-blown and often hard-to-contain storm called periodontitis. It is a serious gum disease that causes severe inflammation, gum recession, tooth loss, and bone loss in extreme cases. Therefore, you should be proactive start treating gingivitis at its early stages. Inflamed and red gums that bleed easily when you brush and bad breath are the first sign of gingivitis.

You should seek treatment for gingivitis before it gets worse, making you search for a periodontitis cure.  In addition to dental treatment for gingivitis, you may also try these home remedies to recover faster.

1. Brushing and flossing daily

Nothing can beat the good old dental hygiene hack—brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. It helps remove plaque and bad bacteria, the two primary causes of gum disease. Bacteria reproduce and multiply quickly in the mouth; this is why dental experts recommend cleaning your teeth at least twice a day.

2. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic that kills various forms of bacteria and viruses. Swishing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria that cause gingivitis. It may also help relieve minor irritations in your mouth. However, stick to a 3% concentration and dilute it with 50% water to protect your tooth enamel. Use this solution twice a week only. For better results, consider using an oral irrigator. The stream of chemical solution cleans the tiniest of spaces between your teeth and under the gums and eliminates harmful bacteria properly.

3. Saltwater

Saltwater is another tried and tested oral healthcare option. It is not only a natural disinfectant but also helps relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation because of gingivitis. It is also an effective remedy for gum abscesses and bad breath. Use warm (neither hot nor lukewarm) water to do this remedy. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water and use it to rinse your mouth.

4. Baking soda

One of the better-known uses of baking soda is the removal of stains and teeth whitening. However, it also protects your teeth and gums by discouraging the growth of harmful mouth bacteria. It also neutralizes acids that cause inflammation and damage tooth surfaces. Add a few drops of water to a pinch of baking soda and use this paste to brush your teeth.

5. Aloe vera

Aloe vera has a calming effect on burns, scrapes, and rashes. It may be equally effective for sores and irritation in gums. A 2013-study showed more improvement in gingival inflammation for the patients who used aloe vera mouthwash. Another study reiterated its significant anti-inflammatory properties and showed its efficacy similar to that of chlorhexidine mouthwash.

Because of its healing properties, aloe vera may also be used when recovering from gum surgery. It expedites healing, reduces discomfort, and relieves swollen and soreness. Ensure that you use pharmaceutical-grade aloe vera. If you are not comfortable letting the gel remain in your mouth after massaging it on your gums, take a teaspoon of aloe vera gel, swish for 30 seconds, and then spit it.

6. Turmeric paste

Turmeric has powerful anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Numerous research has shown its efficacy for preventing and treating gingivitis. You may add it to your curries, take curcumin supplements, or prepare a mouthwash using turmeric, cloves, guava leaves, and water.

To treat gingivitis, mix therapeutic grade turmeric powder with a few drops of water and let it sit on your gums for some time. Brush your teeth afterward as leaving this paste for a long time will stain your teeth yellow.

7. Sage mouthwash

Several types of mouthwash contain alcohol that dries the mouth out and increases the formation of bacterial plaque. A sage is an effective solution to this problem. It calms the inflamed gums, heals bacterial infection, and restores the natural flora of your mouth. Use a sage mouthwash to nip bacterial infections in the bud and reduce dental plaque.

You can buy a sage mouthwash or make it at home. Add two tablespoons of fresh sage or dried sage in two cups of water and let it simmer for ten minutes. Strain the concoction in a glass bottle and use it twice every day.

8. Coconut oil for oil pulling

Oil pulling is a traditional Indian remedy with several health benefits, including better oral health. Swishing your mouth with coconut oil for 10-20 minutes helps reduce plaque and plaque-induced gingivitis. It is an affordable and effective remedy to prevent or aid the treatment of gingivitis.

Do this in the morning after a bowel movement. When swished around in the mouth, the oil absorbs toxins and turns milky white and thinner. Spit it and rinse your mouth with warm saline water, and then brush your teeth as usual. Sit or stand straight while swishing the oil. Remember to spit the oil in a small pouch and throw it in a trash can. Expelling it in the basin will clog the pipeline.

9. Lemongrass oil

Lemongrass oil has phenolic compounds and flavonoids and phenolic compounds, two powerhouses of antioxidants. It also has strong antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It works as effectively as chlorhexidine gluconate (a clinically proven antibacterial solution) to lower plaque formation and gum inflammation. However, it is potent and may irritate the lining of the mouth.

Start with a mouthwash that has no more than 0.25% lemongrass oil. Or you can add 2-3 drops of this oil to a cup of water, swirl it in your mouth, and spit. Do it twice or thrice each time.

10. Green tea

Green tea may improve the body’s inflammatory response to periodontal bacteria and promote periodontal health and prevent further gum diseases. The catechins in green tea have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the damage to the gums and jawbone. The polyphenols also inhibit the growth of bacteria that lead to plaque formation and gum inflammation. In addition to improving dental health, green tea offers several other health benefits.