Over this past year, you’ve stayed at home. During that time, you’ve learned that many things can be handled from the comfort of your home, including making bread, schooling the kids, doing DIY projects around the house, and even maintaining your oral health.
If you’ve noticed that your gums are swollen and red, you may have the beginning stages of gum (periodontal) disease, which is called gingivitis. Although more serious issues, like advanced periodontal disease, definitely require treatment from a dentist right away, you might be able to take care of mild gingivitis on your own. Here are some ways that you can manage this situation at home.
Use a Salt Water Rinse
Salt is a natural disinfectant. As a result, rinsing with a diluted solution of may help eliminate harmful bacteria. It can also relieve discomfort from sensitive, bleeding gums and help with bad breath. Just mix about ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of water, swish it in your mouth for about 30 seconds, and spit it out. Repeat this process two or three times per day for a few days. However, keep in mind this treatment is a temporary option because repeated exposure to its acidity can erode tooth enamel.
Apply Clove
Clove has long been known for its natural antiviral and antioxidant properties and may be used to reduce inflammation in the gums. Finely mince one teaspoon of clove. Using a damp cotton ball, dab the minced clove, so it sticks to the cotton ball. Gently rub the clove onto the inflamed gums and wait about one minute. Rinse your mouth with water, making sure to catch all bits of clove, and spit it all out.
Avoid Gingivitis Altogether
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this is certainly true when it comes to your smile. By putting a little effort into your oral care every day, you can avoid bigger problems down the road.
At minimum, you need to brush twice and floss once daily; in addition, you need to visit your dentist twice every year for checkups and cleanings to keep bacteria and plaque under control. On top of these, you can also implement the following into your lifestyle:
- Use a soft bristle toothbrush and replace it every three months.
- Eat or drink less sugar.
- Do not use tobacco products.
- Drink plenty of water each day.
Ultimately, you play a massive role in keeping your smile healthy, but you don’t have to do it completely alone. By taking these steps at home and working with a dentist you trust, you can reverse the infection in your gums and have a strong smile for whatever this upcoming year brings.
About the Practice
With seven dentists on staff at six locations around Lincoln, Williamsburg Dental is proud to serve patients close to home. From preventive routine checkups to more advanced care, such as gum disease therapy, we are able to provide the treatment your smile needs to be healthy, no matter its current condition. If it has been a while since your last appointment or you think you have gum disease, you can contact one of Williamsburg Dental’s locations by clicking here.