If you’re spitting pink foam into the sink after brushing your teeth, or tasting metal in your mouth while eating – it’s probably gingivitis.
Gingivitis is a condition of inflammation of the gum tissues with symptoms of bleeding, swelling and redness. Normally, the gums are contoured to the shape of each tooth and grip the teeth firmly, with no gap between the gum and the tooth. In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and “soft” – they lose their tight grip on the teeth and become slightly movable, and are quick to bleed from any type of friction from toothbrushes or food.
– Gums that are red instead of pink
– Puffy, swollen areas of gum around the teeth
– Gums feel soft and moveable instead of firm against the teeth
– Bad breath
– Loose teeth
– Receding gums
– Tender gums
– Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
– Occasionally discomfort but usually no pain1
NOTE: Speak to your dentist for a diagnosis and personal treatment advice.
Plaque is a “biofilm”, or a mass of bacteria that grows on all surfaces within the mouth, and it is a major driving force behind the most common forms of gingivitis. Plaque accumulates between the gums and the teeth, it pushes the gums away from the teeth and forms small pockets where bacteria can grow. This bacteria irritates the gums and causes gingivitis – and it can also cause cavities in the roots of the teeth. This plaque-induced gingivitis is generally caused by poor dental hygiene, but it’s not just about brushing your teeth – diet is a major factor, too.
Non-plaque-induced gingivitis is less common and occurs as a result of trauma, hereditary disorders, and oral infections. While it requires different treatments from plaque-induced gingivitis, controlling plaque can prevent it from progressing or becoming worse.
The major risk factors for plaque-induced gingivitis are:
– Poor dental hygiene
– Eating meat – the fibrous tissue of meat is easily caught between teeth where it rots and significantly contributes to the bacterial plaque biofilm that causes gingivitis
– Hormone changes in adolescence, pregnancy, menopause, or from hormone replacement therapy or contraceptive mediations
– Medications with side effects of excessive growth of gum tissue (e.g. cyclosporin, phenytoin, and calcium channel blockers)
– Nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin C and B vitamins
– Conditions such as AIDS, diabetes, or leukaemia
– Exposure to heavy metals like lead or arsenic
– Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco
– Alcohol abuse2
Top 8 Natural Cures for Gingivitis
1. Herbal Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Regular brushing is the frontline therapy for gingivitis. Change your toothbrush every three months to prevent a build-up of bacteria in the bristles that could contribute to plaque, and choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging or injuring the inflamed gums. If you want quick and consistent results, using an electric toothbrush is your greatest weapon to eradicate plaque and protect your gums against gingivitis. A Cochrane review showed that using an electric toothbrush can reduce plaque build-up by 21% and lower the risk of gingivitis by 11%, and a large clinical study showed that electric toothbrushes consistently improve overall oral hygiene in both the short-term and long-term34.
Even without electricity, thorough brushing and rinsing can remove plenty of the sticky biofilm that causes gingivitis and the mechanical friction from the brush can also strengthen the gum tissue. Mouthwash and floss help to remove bacteria from tight crevices that brushing can’t reach. To give your oral hygiene process an extra boost, choose products that contain natural anti-bacterial extracts such as:
Tea tree oil : Eliminates oral bacteria and improves the healing of deep gum tissues5
Cinnamon: Changes the microbiome and types of bacteria found in the mouth6
Lemongrass: Shown to reduce gingivitis as effectively as a medicated mouthwash7
Do NOT swallow products that contain these essential oils – they are only safe used as directed, followed by thorough rinsing!
2. Raw Leafy Greens, Red Bell Peppers & Tomatoes for Collagen Production
Gingivitis is often a sign of scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. If you associate scurvy with pirates and the distant past when fresh fruit and vegetables were readily available, you may be surprised to learn that this condition is still prevalent in the western world today. A recent study suggested that up to 14% of adults could have scurvy and not know it!8
Vitamin C is required for the synthesis and strength of collagen – this is the connective tissue that holds the gums tightly to the teeth. Healthy collagen helps to protect against gingivitis by creating a protective barrier against bacterial or plaque pushing between the teeth and the gums. Along with inflamed, bleeding gums, extreme vitamin C deficiency can present with red or purple dots and bruises throughout the mouth.
Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that can reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the gums, and boosts the immune system to fight the bacteria that causes gingivitis.
Before you reach for the orange juice to boost your vitamin C levels, consider a source that isn’t so packed full of sugars. Even natural sugars from fruit feed the sticky bacteria that create plaque. Opt for vegetable sources of vitamin C instead – red bell peppers contain more vitamin C per pound than oranges, anyway! Just be sure to eat ’em raw, as vitamin C is rapidly destroyed by heat.
3. Plant-Based Proteins for Gum Strength
Collagen and other gum tissues are predominantly made up of proteins. Getting enough of this essential building block in your diet is key to healing from gingivitis. Not only does protein form the fundamental tissues required for a healthy smile, it is also required for the function of the immune system.
Steak isn’t the answer. The mouth is the site of digestion, but saliva only contains the enzymes that begin to break down carbohydrates – not protein. Meat doesn’t contain any carbohydrates, so it remains fibrous and tough in the mouth – strands get caught between teeth, and bacteria quickly colonise them, resulting in a build-up of plaque to adjacent teeth and gums. On the other hand, plant-based proteins also contain carbohydrates (e.g. lentils, quinoa, brown rice, nuts) – salivary enzymes begins to break apart the foundations that the plant-based proteins are bound to, resulting in smaller particles that are less likely to get stuck, and don’t attract as much bacteria.
Even better, these plant-based proteins are also rich in B vitamins — key nutrients that are essential for cellular repair and and tissue growth. Healthy gums are made of rapidly dividing cells and a deficiency in B vitamins can disrupt their structural integrity. In particular, low levels of niacin (vitamin B3) directly causes a disease called pallegra, which shows up as gingivitis along with inflammation of the tongue, and mouth infections like thrush. Pallegra is relatively rare in the USA, but it is common in alcohol abuse9. Deficiencies in other B vitamins such as Vitamin B12 and folate are more common, particularly in smokers, and can also cause bleeding gums. Switch to plant-based proteins and try to include them in every meal for plenty of B vitamins!
4. Stop Feeding Gum Bacteria Sugary Drinks
The bacteria in the mouth that causes plaque and gingivitis feeds on sugar. Drinking sodas and juices is basically doing a mouthwash of sugar to supercharge these bugs. The research data is very clear – the more sugary beverages you drink, the more likely you are to suffer from gingivitis10. If you believe that “water is boring”, add subtle, natural flavours to your drink bottle – mint leaves, basil, a squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh berries can transform even the most “boring” bottle of water.
5. Shiitake Mushrooms to Fight Bacteria
Shiitake mushrooms contain an antibacterial compound called lentinan. This compound has been shown to directly eradicate overgrowths of bacteria in the mouth, reducing plaque build-up and gingivitis11. Plus it can reduce inflammation throughout the body, and has been shown to even reduce caries and other dental issues.
Add these tasty mushrooms to soups, stews and salads, or saute them with other vegetables for a quick and easy side dish.
6. Probiotics to Repopulate with Good Bacteria
If you are cutting through a build-up of gingivitis-causing bacteria, have you considered what will take their place? The microbiome in the mouth, as everywhere else in the body, is built around a balance of beneficial vs pathogenic bacteria. Health of many organs and tissues (including the gums) requires a balance between these two groups, rather than the total number of bacteria in any given place. As you remove the “bad”, plaque-causing bacteria from the mouth, the “good” anti-inflammatory, protective bacteria will usually grow to take its place. But you can give it a boost by taking care of your whole body’s microbiome – especially in the gut.
After all, it’s not far from the mouth to the intestines – both literally, and figuratively. The balance of the microbiome in the gut determines how the whole body’s immune system works. A well-functioning immune system can keep gingivitis-causing bacterial infections under control. But if the balance of the microbiome in the gut is out, the immune system will be too – hello, bacterial overgrowth in the mouth, and inflammation in the gums.
Probiotic supplements can help to rebalance the microbiome by adding in more of the “good guys” to replace the “bad guys”. In particular, Lactobacillus reuteri strains have been proven to reduce plaque in patients with gingivitis12. Choose a powdered probiotic or open up a capsule and dissolve it in water – that way, the good bacteria can populate the mouth, throat, and oesophagus, too. Be sure to eat lots of fiber-rich foods and avoid toxic substances (e.g. alcohol) to support the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Remember – what you swallow ends up in your gut. It’s essential to remove as much plaque-causing bacteria from the mouth as you can, before it reaches the intestines and alters the microbiome there.
7. Oil Pulling with Coconut or Sesame Oil
Oil pulling is an ancient technique from Ayurvedic medicine to improve dental hygeine and full-body health. The process involves swishing a tablespoon of specific, anti-bacterial oil around the mouth for 20 – 30 minutes, or until the oil becomes thin and milky. In Ayurvedic medicine, this daily process is said to cure oral disease like gingivitis, and help to boost the immune system13. Modern research has backed up its use, showing that oil pulling with coconut oil can significantly reduce plaque formation and severity of gingivitis14, as can sesame oil which is traditionally used and still popular throughout India15– the latter has a much stronger taste, and be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid sesame breath! A recent study found that the combination of regular brushing, flossing, and oil pulling can control plaque and inflammation better than any single treatment alone16.
8. Daily Salt Water Rinse
If oil pulling is too slippery for you, try salt. A 2016 study found that rinsing with salt water can promote gum healing during other treatments for gingivitis (such as regular brushing and using herbal anti-bacterial mouthwashes)17. The study found that swishing with salt initiates processes of cellular repair in damaged gum tissues and reduces inflammation throughout the mouth. Salt rinses can also control bad breath, reduce risk of thrush, and stimulate the production of saliva to further reduce bacterial build-up. Dissolve ¼ of a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water, sip and swish for 30 seconds before spitting.
Caution: Saltwater rinses are a short-term therapy. Long-term use can damage tooth enamel and may lead to caries. Speak to your dentist for personalised advice.
BONUS: Gingivitis in Pregnancy
Hormone changes during pregnancy can push a mild case of gingivitis to become much worse. Rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone levels directly influences the types and numbers of bacteria found in the mouth, often resulting in sudden inflammation of the gums18. Oral hygiene tends to decline in the early stages of pregnancy thanks to morning sickness – brushing your teeth is not appealing when you’re feeling nauseous. Dentists recommend brushing without toothpaste or using a salt-water rinse to control plaque and oral bacteria during morning sickness.
Bleeding, tender gums are easy to cure once you have the tools to control the bacteria that causes them. Cut out sugary drinks, swish with salt or therapeutic oils, focus on fiber and plant-based protein, include powerful anti-bacterial agents like shiitake mushrooms and essential oils, and practice impeccable oral hygiene – your gums will be healthy, strong and resilient in no time.
References:
- Ubertalli, J. T. (2017) Gingivitis. Merck Manual Online Database Professional. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/professional/dental-disorders/periodontal-disorders/gingivitis
- Ubertalli, J. T. (2017) Gingivitis. Merck Manual Online Database Professional. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/professional/dental-disorders/periodontal-disorders/gingivitis
- Kulmarni, P., et al. (2017) Comparison of Efficacy of Manual and Powered Toothbrushes in Plaque Control and Gingival Inflammation: A Clinical Study among the Population of East Indian Region. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent., 7:4, 168 – 174. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5558249/
- Yaacob, M., et al. (2014) Powered versus manual toothbrushing for oral health. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://cochranelibrary-wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD002281.pub3/abstract;jsessionid=5293040E0F63F0801A78385FF040731C.f04t03
- Salvatori, C., et al. (2017) A comparative study of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of mouthrinse containing tea tree oil. Oral Implantation., 10:1, 59 – 70. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5516420/
- Kothiwale, S. V., et al. (2014) A comparative study of antiplaque and antigingivitis effects of herbal mouthrinse containing tea tree oil, clove, and basil with commercially available essential oil mouthrinse. J Indian Soc Periodontol., 18:3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4095623/
- Dany, S. S., et al. (2015) Efficacy of 0.25% Lemongrass Oil Mouthwash: A Three Arm Prospective Parallel Clinical Study. J Clin Diagn Res., 9:10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4625327/
- Velandia, B., et al. (2008) Scurvy Is Still Present in Developed Countries. J Gen Intern Med., 23:8, 1281 – 1284. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2517958/
- Thornton, A. & Drummond, C. J. (2014) An unexpected case of pellagra. Medical Journal of Australia., 200:9, 546 – 548. https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2014/200/9/unexpected-case-pellagra
- Song, I. S., et al. (2016) Associations between the consumption of carbonated beverages and periodontal disease. Medicine (Baltimore), 95:28, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4956829/
- Ciric, L., et al. (2011) In Vitro Assessment of Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes) Extract for Its Antigingivitis Activity. J Biomed Biotechnol. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3182071/
- Sabatini, S., et al. (2017) Oral probiotics in the management of gingivitis in diabetic patients: a double blinded randomized controlled study. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 31:2, 197 – 202. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28691473
- Peedikayil, F. C., et al. (2015) Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis – A preliminary report. Niger Med J., 56:2, 143 – 147. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25838632
- Peedikayil, F. C., et al. (2015) Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis – A preliminary report. Niger Med J., 56:2, 143 – 147. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25838632
- Asokan, S., et al. (2009) Effect of oil pulling on plaque induced gingivitis: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study.ndian J Dent Res., 20:1, 47 – 51. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19336860/
- Naseem, M., et al. (2017) Oil pulling and importance of traditional medicine in oral health maintenance. Int J Health Sci., 11:4, 65 – 70. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5654187/
- Huynh, N. C., et al. (2016) Rinsing with Saline Promotes Human Gingival Fibroblast Wound Healing In Vitro. PloS ONE., 11:7. http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0159843
- Ubertalli, J. T. (2017) Gingivitis. Merck Manual Online Database Professional. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/professional/dental-disorders/periodontal-disorders/gingivitis