Unfortunately, many of us are familiar with this: when we brush our teeth or bite into an apple, it bleeds. A look in the mirror doesn't bode well either: the gums are noticeably red. And if we are completely honest, it also burns and hurts from time to time. This is very often caused by inflammation. What can you do about gum inflammation?
At this point, we want to look at how you can treat and get rid of acute gum inflammation naturally. Dental advice should always be sought if the acute symptoms do not subside and threaten to become chronic.
What is gingivitis actually?
Inflammation of the gums - also known as gingivitis in medicine - occurs frequently. In most cases, it is the result of poor oral hygiene and occurs when people do not brush their teeth daily or are sloppy when cleaning the spaces between their teeth. Due to the lack of cleaning, pathogens multiply, which promote a disease of the periodontium with partly toxic metabolic products.
In the worst case, the pathogens overcome the body's own defense system. Gum pockets develop and the tissue around the tooth becomes inflamed.
Bleeding gums are one of the first signs of this. If ignored, it can develop into periodontitis, i.e. inflammation of the periodontium. This is because the bone retracts before the inflammation, which can cause even a previously healthy, caries-free tooth to fall out.
As some cases of periodontitis go unnoticed, regular check-ups with your trusted dentist are essential.
1 Acute gingivitis
Acute gingivitis describes the first stage. It is an acute inflammation that manifests itself as slightly reddened gums and bleeding gums when brushing your teeth.
Pressing on the gums creates an unpleasant sensation. There is already a need for action!
Check your oral hygiene and actively counteract the inflammation. Home remedies, oil pulling, anti-inflammatory rinses or even professional teeth cleaning are suitable for this. The inflammation usually disappears after a few weeks.
2 Chronic inflammation of the gums
If the inflammation accompanies you over a longer period of time or if you can't seem to get rid of the gum inflammation at all, this is called chronic gum inflammation. It is not only accompanied by bleeding gums and noticeably reddened gums, but usually also bad breath. The transition between tooth and gum feels furry and swollen. The gums also recede over time and noticeable gum pockets develop.
There is a risk of periodontitis, which should be treated immediately by a dentist.
Typical symptoms of inflamed gums
The typical symptoms of inflamed gums are by no means limited to bleeding gums and redness. It is important to know the nuances of inflammation so that action can be taken in good time.
Let us show you some of the symptoms that gingivitis can cause:
- The gums bleed.
- The gums are red, sensitive and inflamed.
- There are repeated bleeding spots on the tooth.
- You have an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
- You suffer from bad breath.
- The gums are swollen and pockets form. In the worst case, the gums recede
- In some cases, gum inflammation can even cause lymph nodes to swell.
- In the case of particularly severe gingivitis, the body reacts with a fever.
Possible causes of gingivitis
Gum inflammation is not always caused by a lack of oral hygiene. There may also be health-related causes, errors in tooth brushing technique or other reasons.
1. incorrect tooth brushing and injuries
We often mean particularly well when brushing our teeth. But a lot does not always help a lot. The same applies to pressure when brushing your teeth. Too much pressure with the bristles on the gums and also on the tooth enamel is counterproductive.
Polishing instead of scrubbing is the motto! Even when using dental floss and interdental brushes, the spaces between the teeth should be cleaned carefully instead of roughly irritating the gums. Toothbrushes with very hard bristles should also be avoided if you are aiming for healthy gums in the long term.
However, gums are not only at risk from incorrectly used dental cleaning utensils, but also from daily eating habits. For example, the gums can be damaged by foods that are too crunchy or sharp - for example, if we bite into a bread roll that is too hard. However, the inflammation that can result from this is only short-lived.
If the immune system is intact, they pass by themselves after a few days.
To prevent gum inflammation, we recommend the tooth powder from teethlovers.
2. poor dental hygiene
However, the most common cause of gingivitis is and remains a lack of oral hygiene. If you brush your teeth irregularly and leave interdental spaces uncleaned, unfavorable bacteria can spread from the oral cavity. They form plaque, which spreads to the gum line and leads to inflammation.
3. dry mouth
Dry mouth can also promote inflamed gums. It occurs as a result of a lack of saliva, which is often a side effect of certain medications or also occurs during certain phases of life, such as the menopause.
The saliva's task of rinsing the teeth and thus keeping them clean, neutralizing the pH value and remineralizing the tooth enamel cannot be guaranteed as a result.
As a result of the reduced saliva production, unfavorable bacteria can colonize the oral cavity, similar to the case of poor oral hygiene.
4 Braces
Wearing braces or dental splints can cause pressure points on the gums. These areas are particularly sensitive and susceptible to the proliferation of bacteria, which in turn can lead to inflammation.
5 Smoking
The nicotine contained in cigarettes constricts the blood vessels in the gums and oral mucosa. As a result, less blood reaches the tissue.
As a result, the gums of smokers often look gray and pale - and the risk of gingivitis increases. Incidentally, this risk increases in proportion to how much you smoke and how long you have been a smoker.
The double disadvantage: gum inflammation heals much more slowly in smokers than in non-smokers.
6 Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes in the body can also promote gingivitis. For example, rising oestrogen levels during pregnancy cause more intense blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive and vulnerable.
Puberty and the menopause also have an effect on our gums.
Home remedies for inflamed gums
The good news is that there is a remedy for gum inflammation. Several, in fact. The first signs of gum inflammation can be combated very well and effectively with simple household remedies.
Sage and camomile: Sage is an effective remedy for gingivitis, as is camomile. Brew a strong tea with one of the medicinal herbs every day, let it cool and rinse your mouth with it several times a day. After rinsing thoroughly, spit out the tea. This soothes the gums and supports the body's own healing processes.
Salt water: Salt is a tried and tested household remedy for gum inflammation. To do this, dissolve a teaspoon of sea salt, rock salt or other natural salt in a glass of water and use the solution as a mouthwash. After rinsing thoroughly, spit out the solution.
Oil pulling: There are various recipes for effective oil mixtures, which should be vigorously pulled through the teeth twice a day for 1-2 minutes. Please use natural, certified organic oils wherever possible. A tried and tested mixture: 30 ml sesame oil (as a base oil, can also be replaced by coconut oil), 4 drops of tea tree essential oil, 2 drops of copaiba essential oil, 8 drops of lemongrass essential oil and 8 drops of thyme essential oil. After rinsing and spitting out the solution (dispose of in a cloth in the household waste), then apply a few drops of the mixture to the affected area. If necessary, use an interdental brush to carefully apply to the affected interdental spaces.
Coconut oil: Coconut oil also helps against gum inflammation. If you don't want to prepare a complex recipe as in the previous mixture, you can use pure coconut oil (preferably untreated and organic quality) as a mouthwash and then apply directly to the affected gum area.
Clove oil: Cloves are traditionally used for their anti-inflammatory properties for the gums and for toothache. One application option is to add 3-5 drops of high-quality organic clove essential oil to about 1 teaspoon of cooking oil (e.g. coconut oil, sesame oil or olive oil). Soak a cotton bud in the oil and apply to the affected area.
Lemongrass oil: Lemongrass oil has proven to be an effective support for gingivitis treatments. Have a 2% lemongrass solution mixed at the pharmacy (water-based is also possible, but be careful: as oil is not water-soluble, it needs emulsifiers) or add approx. 2 drops of organic lemongrass essential oil to approx. 1 teaspoon of cooking oil at home. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with this mixture 2-3 times a day.
By the way: If you suffer from sensitive gums, you should use a soft toothbrush and gentle dental floss. This can protect you from acute inflammation so that you don't even need to think about suitable home remedies.
How long does it take for gingivitis to heal?
Normally, gingivitis heals within two to seven days. If the gum inflammation lasts much longer, you should see a dentist.
When do I need to go to the dentist with gingivitis?
If the gum inflammation does not heal, even after you have tried one or two home remedies, a visit to the dentist is advisable.
The way the dentist treats your gingivitis is not something you can do at home: existing tartar is thoroughly removed and the teeth are cleaned with professional equipment and pastes. Even the gum pockets are cleaned here if necessary.
Preventing inflamed gums - here's how
Good oral hygiene is the most effective protection against gum inflammation. To do this, you should brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day and use dental floss and interdental brushes several times a week to clean the spaces between your teeth.
Our toothpaste powder made from 100% natural active ingredients makes a valuable contribution here. The cleaning agents it contains, made from healing clay and clay, effectively remove plaque and remineralize the teeth. The essential oils and plant extracts have an anti-inflammatory effect and strengthen the gums. And all without any additives, fluorides or foaming agents.
Frequently asked questions about gingivitis
The topic of gingivitis usually raises many questions. We try to answer the most important ones.
Is gingivitis contagious?
Unfortunately, gingivitis can indeed be contagious, as it is usually a bacterial infection. The bacteria are passed on through contact with the bacterial environment - for example by kissing or using the same toothbrush.
What can you eat if you have gingivitis?
When it comes to diet, many people with gingivitis feel restricted. Fruit and vegetables often irritate the gums even more due to the acid they contain.
Smoothies and soups are often easier to eat during this time.
In general, you should avoid processed foods that contain a lot of starch and sugar wherever possible. Just like animal foods or trans fats, they usually have an inflammatory effect.
On the other hand, eating omega 3 fats (algae oil, olive oil, walnuts), vitamins and minerals can have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Is gingivitis dangerous?
Gum inflammation is dangerous - especially if it is not treated over a long period of time. This is because if the gums are inflamed, a natural barrier that protects the body from intruders is damaged. Depending on the severity of the inflammation, pathogens can enter the entire body from here via the bloodstream.
This can promote various chronic diseases, such as diabetes and respiratory diseases. In pregnant women, the risk of premature birth increases.
Conclusion
Inflammation of the gums is not to be trifled with! It's best not to give it a chance to develop in the first place and prevent it with good oral hygiene, regular prophylaxis appointments and a holistic diet.