Gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. The problem begins with plaque, which can turn into tartar, which can then cause bacteria which irritates the gums. As you can see, one problem leads to another, which is why it is so important to treat the root cause of the problem, mainly poor dental hygiene.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gingivitis may include tender, swollen gums, bleeding from the gums, mouth sores, and a bright red or purplish color to the gums, receding gums, chronic bad breath, loose teeth or widening spaces between teeth and gums, and shiny gums.
Causes
Gingivitis is often caused by the bacteria in the mouth affecting the gums. This usually begins with the bacteria adhering to plaque on the teeth, which then evolves into tartar. Irritants and bacteria get into the gums and cause gingivitis. This disease can also be caused by injury or trauma to the gums. This could be from an accident, a fight or vigorous brushing or flossing. The problem is becoming more common in diabetics, pregnant women, people who are fighting off other illnesses, and those with poor dental hygiene. If the teeth have rough edges or are misaligned, or you use ill-fitting or unclean dentures or orthodontic appliances, this can increase the risk of developing the disease. Some medications like birth control pills or the ingestion of heavy metals can also put you at risk.
Cautions
See your doctor or dentist if you have bad breath that persists for longer than 48 hours, if your teeth look longer (the gums are shrinking away from the teeth), if your teeth are loose, fall out or break off near the gum line, you notice a change in the way your teeth are aligned or the way your bite feels, if your dentures fit differently, if pus pockets form between your teeth and gums, or if your gums are swollen, sore and bleeding even with good oral hygiene.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Cranberry – compounds in cranberries keep plaque from sticking to your teeth and prevent infection. Drink 1 or 2 glasses of cranberry juice a day.
- Tea – drink tea several times per day to wash the mouth in antibacterial compounds.
- Echinacea - use an infusion as a mouthwash.
External Applications
- Bloodroot – use a toothpaste containing bloodroot to prevent the buildup of plaque and the start of gum disease.
- Thyme - cool an infusion of 2 grams of dried herbs that has steeped in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes. Use as a mouthwash 3 times a day.
- Calendula – apply the tincture to the affected areas up to three times per day. Calendula is antiviral, anti-inflammatory and stimulates the immune system.
- Willow – gargle with willow bark tea to treat inflammation of the gums.
- Myrrh – use this herb as a wash for spongy gums.
- Neem – use toothpaste that contains neem to maintain a healthy mouth and gums.
- Clove – apply clove oil to the gums. It may burn for a few moments, but it is good for healing gingivitis. Alternatively, you can put a clove in your mouth and chew it slowly. If you feel a numbing in your mouth, it is from the clove oil, but it is only temporary.
- Mint – chew on some mint leaves or gargle with water that contains mint oil in it. Mint is antiseptic and will help get rid of bacteria in the mouth.
Essential Oils
- Tea tree – use the essential oil of this herb for its antibiotic properties. Apply the oil topically or use toothpaste that contains tea tree oil.