6 home remedies for bleeding gums (gingivitis) that actually work

6 home remedies for bleeding gums (gingivitis) that actually work
Fight against the symptoms of gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, with these easy home remedies.

Once you’re diagnosed with gingivitis, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics, mouth washes, thorough and deep cleaning of the teeth, and in some cases, even surgery. Living with gingivitis can significantly affect your day-to-day life and self-confidence. Along with conventional treatment, you can also use these six home remedies to improve your oral health and keep the bacterial infection at bay during remission.

1. Pomegranate

Studies have found that pomegranate has anti-bacterial properties that can help in fighting against dental plaque and maintaining oral health. A study published in the journal Ancient Science of Life in 2013 found that by simply rinsing your mouth with 30 ml of pomegranate juice for a few minutes every day, you can fight dental plaque and reduce bacterial infection in your mouth [1]. Make pomegranate juice at home and don’t add any sugar. These are the other health benefits of pomegranate.

2. Oil pulling

Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic procedure where you swirl oil around in your mouth. Studies have found that using coconut oil can help in preventing and, to an extent, even fighting against the symptoms of gingivitis [2]. You could also fight against plaque and bad breath with this lemongrass oil mouthwash.

3. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is one of the most popular home remedies because of its cooling and soothing effects. It’s a known fact that aloe vera is good for your hair and skin, but studies have found that it can also help in fighting against gingivitis [3]. By rinsing your mouth with aloe vera mouthwash twice a day, you can naturally keep your gums healthier.  Use half a cup of distilled water, two teaspoons of baking soda and aloe vera to make the mouthwash. You could also add two drops of peppermint oil for fresher breath. Did you know, mouth washing clears plaque better than brushing?

4. Honey

If you recently completed your orthodontic treatment for gingivitis, one way to get further relief and prevent a relapse is to apply honey on the affected areas [4]. Honey has strong anti-bacterial properties because of which it is a popular home remedy.

5. Neem

A study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology says that a neem mouth rinse (made at home using the same ingredients as the aloe vera mouthwash and replacing aloe vera with neem oil) is an effective natural remedy in treating gingivitis [5]. The best part about using a neem mouthwash which you can easily make at home is that it also has far fewer side-effects than an over the counter mouthwash. These are the health benefits of neem leaves.

6. Saltwater

A warm saltwater solution can also help in reducing symptoms like bleeding gums and tooth pain. Swish the saltwater solution in your mouth continuously for 30 seconds without spitting or swallowing it and then repeat this at least twice or thrice a day for some relief.

[1] Kote S, Kote S, Nagesh L. Effect of Pomegranate Juice on Dental Plaque Microorganisms (Streptococci and Lactobacilli). Ancient Science of Life . 2011;31(2):49-51.

[2] Singh A, Purohit B. Tooth brushing, oil pulling and tissue regeneration: A review of holistic approaches to oral health. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine . 2011;2(2):64-68. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.82525.

[3] Bhat G, Kudva P, Dodwad V. Aloe vera: Nature’s soothing healer to periodontal disease. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology . 2011;15(3):205-209. doi:10.4103/0972-124X.85661.

[4] Atwa A-DA, AbuShahba RY, Mostafa M, Hashem MI. Effect of honey in preventing gingivitis and dental caries in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. The Saudi Dental Journal . 2014;26(3):108-114. doi:10.1016/j.sdentj.2014.03.001.

[5] Chatterjee A, Saluja M, Singh N, Kandwal A. To evaluate the antigingivitis and antiplaque effect of an Azadirachta indica (neem) mouth rinse on plaque induced gingivitis: A double-blind, randomised, controlled trial. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology . 2011;15(4):398-401. doi:10.4103/0972-124X.92578.

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