February 4, 2025

Trancy

Health Blog

What Kills Gingivitis?

what kills gingivitis
Gingivitis is a very common form of early-stage gum disease which is caused by an overabundance of harmful bacteria in the mouth. If you want to know more, <a href="https://www.thdentalryde.com.au/gum-disease/">Bianca, an assistant of the Top Health Dental team, explains about gingivitis</a>. The condition causes inflammation of the gums and can, if left untreated, lead first to the development of periodontitis and from there to a host of potentially life-threatening conditions.

Gingivitis is a very common form of early-stage gum disease which is caused by an overabundance of harmful bacteria in the mouth. If you want to know more, Bianca, an assistant of the Top Health Dental team, explains about gingivitis. The condition causes inflammation of the gums and can, if left untreated, lead first to the development of periodontitis and from there to a host of potentially life-threatening conditions. With this in mind, it’s important to develop an appreciation of how to treat gingivitis effectively. Or, in other words, to develop an understanding of what kills gingivitis.

Gingivitis Treatment

There are numerous methods, ranging from home-based treatments to professional procedures, which can successfully counteract gingivitis.

Mouthwash

Antibacterial forms of mouthwash have been clinically proven to reduce gingivitis. In order to maximize the benefits of using mouthwash, it’s recommended to rinse teeth twice a day for 30 seconds each time.

There are a number of natural alternatives which have been shown to counteract gingivitis at least as effectively as mainstream mouthwash brands. For example, aloe vera mouthwash has been shown to be equally as effective as a traditional mouthwash. It has been demonstrated that lemongrass oil mouthwash actually outperforms traditional mouthwash.

Toothpaste

Brushing with toothpaste, which has been formulated with approved antibacterial agents, can help counteract gingivitis. Similar effects have been noted for pastes comprising a mixture of baking soda and peroxide.

Improved Brushing and Flossing Techniques

By improving basic brushing and flossing techniques, a patient can go a long way to counteracting the bacterial imbalances which cause gingivitis. It’s recommended you should also brush and floss 30 minutes after each meal.

It’s important to remember not to apply excessive pressure while brushing. The key point in flossing is to ensure that the dental floss accesses the space between the tooth and the gum.

Salt Water

A 2016 study reported that gargling with salt water represented a very beneficial treatment for gingivitis. However, it should be noted that excessive use of salt-water can erode dental enamel.

Oil Massage

Research has revealed that the daily topical application of oil to the gums over the course of 3 weeks can lead to significant reductions in gingivitis-causing bacteria. The oils which have been shown to be effective are sesame oil, coconut oil, and olive oil.

Oil Pulling

A 2017 study demonstrated that swishing oil in the mouth for 15-20 minutes can reduce levels of harmful gingivitis-causing bacteria.

Antibiotics

In severe cases of gingivitis, it may prove necessary to resort to antibiotics, such as azithromycin, in order to successfully treat the condition. In all such cases, professional advice should be sought beforehand.

what kills gingivitisProfessional Cleaning

Plaque, which is one of the underlying causes of gingivitis, can easily be removed by a dental hygienist.

This varied range of treatments have been shown to be effective.