How to Treat Gingivitis

Regular brushing twice a day is the first step to good oral hygiene and removing the dental plaque that causes gingivitis. Experts recommend you brush gently for around two minutes twice a day, using a soft bristled tooth brush. Take special care to brush all the sides of your teeth – including the inner and outer surfaces. Change your brush or toothbrush head every three to four months.

There are a number of toothpastes available, but look for a gum health one that has been specifically designed as a gingivitis treatment to help fight plaque bacteria.

Learn how to choose the right toothpaste for gingivitis.

Regular flossing (at least once a day) will help to remove plaque buildup and trapped food from between your teeth, preventing the development of gingivitis. Use your floss or dental tape to get between your teeth moving it gently but thoroughly – sliding it around the surfaces of the teeth and around the gum line. Floss all teeth, particularly the ones at the back, which can be harder to reach when brushing.

The recommended time between dental check-ups can range from once every three months to every year. What’s right for you will depend on your current oral heath, and how vulnerable you are to developing issues in the future. Your dentist will be able to advise you on how often you should be receiving a check-up.

Regular visits allow your dental professional to be on the look-out for problems that you can’t see and prevent them from getting worse.

Gargling with an antiseptic mouthwash will not eliminate gingivitis on its own and cannot remove existing plaque, but it may go some way to controlling the buildup of bacteria in your mouth. Used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, antibacterial mouthwash can be another useful component in your gingivitis-fighting arsenal. Speak to your dentist about which mouthwash is best suited to you.

There is some evidence that natural ingredients such as peppermint, turmeric and green tea can improve gingivitis. Peppermint naturally has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, while green tea has been shown to inhibit plaque buildup as effectively as some prescription mouthwashes. Turmeric is also a known anti-inflammatory ingredient that can help reduce gingivitis-related inflammation.

What you eat can have a significant effect on your general health and that of your gums and teeth. We all know that eating sticky candy or drinking gallons of sugary soda is going to damage your teeth, and some foods are more gum-friendly than others. 

Vitamin C-rich foods (such as bell peppers, berries and greens) can help support your immunity and boost collagen, which is essential for wound healing. Anti-inflammatory foods containing healthy omega 3 fats – including wild salmon, eggs, nuts and seeds, avocados – can help to reduce inflammation in the body, including the gums.