Saltwater is a home remedy which contains healing properties that can speed up the healing of gingivitis by reducing inflammation and swelling, which occurs when dental plaque builds and begins to irritate your gums.
The results of a 2016 study showed that using a salt water rinse can be very beneficial in healing gums inflamed by gingivitis. Salt is a natural disinfectant that helps your body to heal itself. Salt water may also: soothe inflamed gums.
The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene that encourages plaque to form on teeth, causing inflammation of the surrounding gum tissues. Here's how plaque can lead to gingivitis: Plaque forms on your teeth.
Fortunately, reversing gingivitis is relatively easy. As always, the best way is to maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine. This means you should brush for two minutes twice a day, floss regularly, and avoid sugary foods.
Treatment Time for Gingivitis
But for those with gingivitis due to poor oral hygiene, the average time it takes for gingivitis to go away is about 10 to 14 days after your treatment, along with proper oral healthcare. Keep in mind that there are many, many factors that can change the timeline.
The best treatment for gingivitis is a professional cleaning. Your dental care provider detects and removes plaque and tartar even in hard-to-reach areas. Once these substances are gone, your gums will heal on their own, and no other treatments are necessary.
A saltwater rinse can be performed three to four times a week, but it is important that you don't go beyond this because salt contains sodium, and too much sodium can impact your tooth enamel negatively.
To help fight gum disease you can use a salt water rinse at home every day. Mix a teaspoon of salt water into a small glass of warm water. Do not swallow the water, but gently rinse the water around the mouth for between 15-30 seconds. When you are done spit the water out and repeat the process at least 3 times a day.
Doing too many salt rinses can cause gum irritation, bleeding, and enamel erosion. If you've recently had a tooth pulled, wait 24 hours before using a salt water rinse.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to Stage 1 Periodontitis. This is when the inflammation in the gums becomes destructive.
The bacteria growing below the gum line (sub-gingival dental plaque) have a foul smell and contribute to bad breath if not removed. Signs that you have gum disease are bleeding on brushing or flossing, inflamed looking gums, bad breath.
When performed properly, gum massage increases blood flow to your gum tissue. This increase in blood flow leads to the circulation of even more nutrient-rich blood to gum tissue to help fight gum disease and improve overall gum health.
Brush and Floss Often
In addition to regular professional cleanings, simply brushing and flossing well at home is another way to reverse gingivitis. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing every day to help fight gum disease and tooth decay.
The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
It's best to avoid or limit acidic items. Almost all sugary items are bad news for your teeth and gums. Sugary items promote the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, worsening gum recession or causing decay. Avoid donuts, candy, energy drinks, cake, and chocolate.
Bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease, but they may also signal low vitamin C in your diet, suggests a study published online Feb.
The plaque buildup that leads to gingivitis can be prevented with twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and twice-daily rinsing with an effective antiseptic mouthwash like LISTERINE®.
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, the high alcohol content in some mouthwashes can irritate your mouth, particularly your gums. Saltwater rinses can be safer alternatives while also killing bacteria and keeping your mouth clean.
How Long Should I Rinse with Salt Water for Swollen Gums? You should rinse with salt water between 15-30 seconds, and you're not supposed to swallow it. When you're done, spit the water out and repeat this process at least three times a day.