Woman brushing her teeth in front of a mirror to prevent gingivitis

How to Cure Gingivitis

Published date field Last Updated:

Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Are you dealing with sore, swollen gums that bleed when you brush? You are not alone. These are some signs of gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease. If left untreated, it can lead to more severe problems. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with the proper care and treatment. 

However, how to cure gingivitis can be a common concern for many. Continue reading to learn everything about gingivitis, including its causes, symptoms, risk factors, and ways to cure and prevent it.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease that causes the gums to become red, swollen, and irritated. But what is gingivitis exactly? It happens when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on the teeth and along the gumline. If plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, leading to inflammation of the gums.

While gingivitis is common, it is often painless, which means many people may not realize they have it until the symptoms become more noticeable. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible with proper oral care and professional dental cleanings. If left untreated, however, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can damage the bones supporting your teeth.

What Are The Symptoms of Gingivitis?

The symptoms of gingivitis are often hard to notice at the early stages. At times, gingivitis can also be contracted without any symptoms. Regular visits for dental check-ups and professional cleanings from a dental hygienist can help catch the problems early. Some of the most common gingivitis symptoms include:

  • Swollen or soft, puffy gums

  • Receding gums

  • Occasionally tender gums

  • Bleeding gums when flossing or brushing

  • Loose teeth or teeth that tend to fall out

  • A change in gum color from pink to red

  • Persistent bad taste in your mouth

  • Persistent bad breath

Causes And Risk Factors of Gingivitis

The main cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene, which leads to the buildup of plaque and tartar that can cause infections. If not treated quickly and properly, gingivitis can progress further, leading to dental health problems like dry mouth, gum tissue and jawbone damage, and even tooth loss. Other factors that can increase the risk of developing gingivitis include:

  • Certain lifestyle choices like smoking, chewing tobacco, a poor diet, stress, and obesity can be gingivitis causes.

  • Age, as the risk of periodontal disease goes up as people get older, which is why gingivitis is found more common in older adults in people aged 60-69.

  • Medications for certain diseases can also adversely affect gum health, resulting in gingival overgrowth or gingival enlargement.

  • Some health conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, hormonal changes in women, and genetic factors, can result in gum problems.

How to Cure Gingivitis

If you are dealing with gum disease and wondering how to cure gingivitis, it is important to talk to your dental professional or periodontist for personalized advice. They can deep clean your teeth to remove dental plaque from both the surfaces of your teeth and under your gum line. If the plaque buildup has hardened into tartar, you may need a more advanced cleaning method called scaling and root planing.

In more severe cases, your dental professional might use a tool to measure any pockets that have formed around your gum line to check if the condition is turning into periodontitis. Your healthcare professional may also check your mouth to identify any other problems and give you tips to effectively treat gum disease.

Are There Home Remedies For Gingivitis?

When looking for diverse methods on how to cure gingivitis, you might have come across various home remedies that many people use. While these home remedies for gingivitis may offer some relief, their effectiveness is not always scientifically proven. It is important to consult a dental professional to find the best way to treat gingivitis so it does not develop into a more severe condition. Some of the most commonly suggested home remedies for gingivitis include:

  • Turmeric

  • Saltwater rinses

  • Coconut oil pulling

  • Lemongrass

  • Aloe vera

  • Sage

How to Prevent Gingivitis

The best way to prevent gingivitis is by practicing good oral hygiene and healthy habits. Prevention is key because once gum disease progresses, it can be more challenging to treat. By taking proactive steps in your daily oral care routine, you can avoid the discomfort and complications of gingivitis. Here are some dental care tips for you to reduce the risk of developing gum disease:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day: Brushing for at least two minutes twice a day helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean along the gumline gently and reach all areas of your mouth.

  • Floss daily: Flossing is just as important as brushing because it removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gums, areas your toothbrush cannot reach.

  • Use mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash or mouth rinse can help reduce the bacteria in your mouth, lower plaque buildup, and freshen your breath. Use a mouthwash designed for gum health or consult your dental professional for a recommendation.

  • Regular dental check-ups: Visit your dental professional regularly, and clean your teeth to prevent gingivitis. Your dentist can remove tartar and detect early gum disease signs before it worsens.

  • Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals can improve your gum health. For example, foods high in vitamin C can strengthen your immune system and protect your gums. Avoiding sugary snacks and drinks can also result in plaque buildup.

  • Quit smoking: Smoking weakens your immune system, making it harder for your gums to fight infections. Quitting smoking significantly reduces your risk of gum disease.

Taking care of your gums is just as important as taking care of your teeth. Though common, you can reverse gingivitis with good oral hygiene and professional dental care. Knowing how to cure gingivitis and prevent it from progressing further can protect your gums and oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I cure my own gingivitis?

  2. Yes, you can reverse gingivitis with proper oral hygiene, like regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. However, it is important to visit a dental professional if you still have doubts about how to cure gingivitis and get advice on preventing it from worsening.

  3. How do you get rid of gingivitis fast?

  4. To get rid of gingivitis quickly, maintain a proper oral hygiene routine by brushing twice daily, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. Additionally, visit your dentist for a professional cleaning, which will help speed up the healing process to achieve healthy gums.

  5. Does salt water help gingivitis?

  6. Saltwater can help soothe gingivitis by reducing inflammation and bacteria in the mouth. Rinsing with a warm saltwater solution offers temporary relief, but it should be used alongside proper oral hygiene and not as a sole gingivitis treatment.

  7. How does gingivitis start?

  8. Gingivitis starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on your teeth and along the gumline. If not removed by regular brushing and flossing, this plaque can irritate the gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and inflamed.