Gingivitis is a common gum disease that causes irritation, redness and inflammation of the gums. It is caused by plaque buildup on the teeth which leads to infection. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to much more serious gum disease called periodontitis and eventual tooth loss. Thankfully, there are many ways to kill gingivitis fast and reverse gum inflammation.
What Causes Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. When plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar that sticks to the teeth. Plaque and tartar irritate the gums and cause gingivitis. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that inflame the gums and trigger an immune response, leading to swollen, irritated gums.
Factors that increase your risk of gingivitis include:
– Poor oral hygiene – Not brushing and flossing sufficiently to remove plaque. This allows plaque to build up along the gumline.
– Smoking – Chemicals in cigarettes interfere with your immune response and make gum tissues more susceptible to bacterial infection. Smokers are much more likely to develop gingivitis.
– Poor nutrition – Deficiencies in vitamin C and other nutrients can make gums vulnerable to inflammation and infection.
– Stress – High cortisol levels increase inflammation and lower immunity. Chronic stress correlates with gum disease.
– Medications – Medications that cause dry mouth reduce saliva flow, allowing more bacterial growth. Some medications also suppress immune response.
– Systemic diseases – Diseases like diabetes make gums more susceptible to infection. Diabetics are at higher risk for all gum diseases.
– Genetic susceptibility – Some people are more genetically prone to gum inflammation and may get gingivitis even with great oral care.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
Common symptoms of gingivitis include:
– Red, puffy or swollen gums.
– Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing.
– Gum sensitivity and tenderness.
– Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
– Receding gums, exposing more of your teeth.
– Spaces developing between teeth.
– Pus between teeth and gums.
Gingivitis can range from mild and barely noticeable to severe with pronounced inflammation and bleeding. Symptoms may come and go. It often develops slowly, so you may not notice the signs right away. Catching gingivitis early is important to prevent it from getting worse.
How to Kill Gingivitis Fast
The best way to kill gingivitis fast is to thoroughly remove plaque. A dental cleaning is the quickest way, but you can also reduce plaque and inflammation at home with the following tips:
Brush and floss thoroughly
Brush teeth at minimum twice a day for 2 minutes, and be sure to brush along the gumline. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every 3-4 months. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque between teeth. Thorough brushing and flossing is vital for killing gingivitis.
Use antibacterial mouthwash
Look for a mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride that helps kill bacteria. Use mouthwash for 30 seconds twice a day after brushing and flossing. This provides extra antibacterial power.
Apply antiseptic gel
Gels containing chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide can be rubbed along the gumline to kill bacteria. Use them once or twice a day after oral care. This provides medicinal effects directly where you need them.
Use an electric toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes are much more effective at plaque removal than manual brushes. They oscillate and pulsate to deeply clean along the gumline. Using one is an easy way to improve your oral hygiene.
Get a professional cleaning
See your dentist for a cleaning every 6 months. Dental cleanings remove hardened tartar that you can’t remove yourself. A cleaning kills gingivitis by reducing plaque, the bacteria, and inflammation. It’s the fastest way to wipe out gingivitis.
Quit smoking
If you smoke, stop as soon as possible. Smoking worsens gum disease and inhibits healing. Kicking the habit is critical for getting gums healthy.
Improve your diet
Eat more antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, along with foods high in CoQ10, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. Limit sugar intake. Eating better provides nutrients for gum health and fights inflammation.
Drink green tea
Green tea is high in antioxidants called catechins that reduce gum inflammation and help kill bacteria. Drink a few cups daily or use green tea oil.
Take key supplements
Supplements to help gums include vitamin C, CoQ10, grapeseed extract, aloe vera, zinc, and vitamins D3 and K2. They assist your immune response and directly protect gum tissues.
Best Natural Remedies for Gingivitis
Natural remedies can also help kill gingivitis fast when used along with good oral hygiene. They work by reducing inflammation and fighting bacteria. Here are some of the best natural cures:
Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel has healing properties that reduce gum inflammation and swelling. Use pure gel and massage onto gums, or get aloe vera tooth gel. The plant also kills plaque bacteria.
Oil pulling
Swishing oils like coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil in the mouth reduces inflammation, bacteria and toxins. Oil pull for 15-20 minutes then spit it out. The practice helps clean and heal gums.
Saltwater rinse
Swishing and gargling with warm saltwater eases inflammation and cleans the mouth. Dissolve 1 tsp salt in a cup of warm water and rinse for 30 seconds. Do 1-2 times daily.
Myrrh
Myrrh extract fights gingivitis due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. Use myrrh toothpaste or apply myrrh essential oil diluted with coconut oil to gums.
Baking soda
Baking soda neutralizes acidity and kills plaque bacteria that cause gingivitis. Mix 1 tsp with water into a paste and gently brush teeth and gums with it. Rinse thoroughly after.
Green tea
Green tea contains the antioxidant catechins that fight oral bacteria and reduce gingival inflammation. Drink 2-3 cups a day or apply concentrated green tea oil to gums.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds that help treat gingivitis. Add a drop to toothpaste or mouthwash. You can also apply diluted oil directly to gums.
Cloves
Clove oil reduces oral bacteria and inflammation thanks to its eugenol content. Add 2-3 drops to a cup of water and swish as a mouth rinse. Cloves fight gingivitis and freshen breath.
Sage
Sage has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties ideal for treating gingivitis. Brew sage tea and drink daily. You can also sprinkle ground sage on toothpaste or dilute sage oil for direct gum application.
Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques
To get the most benefit, practice proper brushing and flossing techniques. Here are some tips:
Brushing Tips
– Hold brush at 45 degree angle against gums.
– Gently move brush in circular motions to clean.
– Brush outer surfaces, inner surfaces and chewing surfaces.
– Spend 2 minutes total brushing, about 30 seconds per quadrant.
– Take extra time brushing the gumline to disrupt plaque.
– Don’t scrub hard, let the brush bristles do the work.
– Remember to also brush tongue, roof of mouth, and inside cheeks.
Flossing Tips
– Use about 18 inches of floss and wind most around middle fingers.
– Hold floss tightly between thumbs and index fingers.
– Curve the floss into C-shape against side of a tooth and slide under gumline.
– Scrub the tooth gently by moving floss up and down.
– Repeat this motion to clean the sides of all teeth, using fresh floss.
– Curve floss around base of tooth to also clean behind it.
– Take extra time when flossing lower front teeth with more gum recession.
Good technique is key to maximizing plaque removal and gum health. Taking the time to brush and floss correctly makes these daily habits much more effective.
When to See a Dentist
It’s smart to get a dental checkup and cleaning every 6 months. But you may need to see a dentist sooner if you have severe or worsening gingivitis symptoms, including:
– Bleeding that won’t stop when brushing or flossing.
– Pain or sensitivity in your gums that is severe or lasts more than a week.
– Significant gum recession that is exposing large areas of tooth roots.
– Gum redness, swelling or pus that keeps returning.
– Increased gum recession along with tooth mobility or spacing.
– Persistent bad breath and foul taste that brushing and flossing doesn’t fix.
– Major lifestyle changes like increased stress, smoking, or new medications.
See your dentist promptly if you experience any of these symptoms. Ignoring them may allow gingivitis to progress to much more damaging periodontitis. Your dentist can assess your gum health and provide professional treatment.
Professional Gingivitis Treatment
In addition to a dental cleaning, your dentist may use the following treatments to kill gingivitis:
Antimicrobial or antiseptic rinses
Prescription antimicrobial mouthwashes with chlorhexidine can be used short-term to reduce bacteria and inflammation after a cleaning.
Antibiotic micro-spheres
Tiny antibiotic spheres are placed under the gums during a cleaning to directly fight bacterial infection for weeks.
Laser therapy
Laser light can sterilize periodontal pockets and help reduce inflammation and stimulate healing.
Surgical debridement
Deep cleaning below the gumline to remove bacteria and diseased tissue when gingivitis is severe.
Gum grafts
Grafting extra gum tissue can help severely receded gums become fuller and healthier.
Bone grafts
Grafting bone material can help restore lost bone around teeth when recession is significant.
Tissue stimulating proteins
Applying proteins like platelet-rich fibrin helps boost your body’s healing abilities, improving gum condition.
At-home trays
Custom trays allow you to easily apply gels with antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory medications directly to affected gums.
With professional cleaning and ongoing care, most cases of gingivitis can be successfully treated and reversed if caught early. But without treatment, it’s likely to return and worsen over time. Sticking with a daily oral routine at home is key for killing gingivitis for good.
Gingivitis Prevention Tips
Once you’ve beaten gingivitis, you need to keep it from coming back. Follow these prevention tips:
– Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss at least once daily.
– Get regular professional cleanings every 6 months.
– Use antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria.
– Watch for signs your gums are getting irritated or inflamed.
– Don’t miss your daily oral hygiene, even when traveling or busy.
– Consider using an electric toothbrush for superior plaque removal.
– Choose toothpaste with added anti-gingivitis ingredients.
– Upgrade your oral care tools like brush and floss.
– Drink more green tea to fight bacteria and inflammation.
– Eat a diet low in refined carbs and sugar and high in antioxidants.
– Manage stress levels through regular exercise and relaxation techniques.
– Take systemic supplements that support gum health like CoQ10.
With diligent daily oral care and ongoing dental visits, you can keep gingivitis from returning and maintain healthy gums for life.
When to See a Periodontist
If gingivitis is not brought under control, it can advance to much more severe gum disease called periodontitis. Signs your gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis include:
– Gums remain inflamed, red or swollen despite treatment efforts.
– Pockets between teeth and gums get deeper than 3 mm.
– Gum recession continues to worsen.
– Teeth feel loose, move or drift.
– Pus continues to appear when you press on gums.
– Bad tastes in mouth and bad breath persist.
If your dentist determines you have periodontitis, they may refer you to a periodontist – a gum disease specialist. A periodontist has advanced training in treating diseases of the gums and bone supporting teeth. They can perform deep cleanings and surgical procedures needed for severe gum disease. Your dentist and periodontist will work together to halt progression of the disease.
Can Gingivitis Be Reversed?
In most cases, gingivitis can be successfully treated and reversed during its early stages. As long as the disease has not progressed to periodontitis, the inflammation can be reduced and gums restored to health. But the sooner gingivitis is treated, the easier it is to turn around.
Getting a professional dental cleaning is the quickest way to start healing gingivitis. Combining that with good home care, you should see marked improvement in the redness, swelling and bleeding. With repeated dental visits and daily diligence, your gums can return to a state of health.
However, gingivitis will return if you go back to poor oral hygiene habits. Keeping up consistent brushing, flossing, healthy diet and regular dental cleanings is required to prevent gingivitis from recurring once you’ve cleared it up. Think of reversing gingivitis as akin to controlling a chronic condition – it requires lifestyle changes and ongoing vigilance.
The Bottom Line
Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease, but it should never be ignored. With proper oral care and prompt treatment, it is very possible to kill gingivitis fast before it causes major damage. Removing plaque and controlling bacteria are key to reversing the inflammation. See your dentist at the first signs of irritated gums for a professional cleaning and advice. Staying vigilant with daily brushing, flossing, rinsing and healthy habits can help keep gingivitis from ever returning. By taking action quickly, most people can beat gingivitis and maintain healthy gums for life.
