10 Gingivitis Home Remedies: What Works? - Healthline

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10 Home Remedies for Gingivitis

Medically reviewed by Olivia Sugimoto, D.M.D. — Written by Emily Cronkleton — Updated on September 3, 2024

Do natural remedies work?
Saltwater
Mouthwash
Oil pulling
Topical cream or gel
FAQ
Takeaway

Gingivitis can be treated and prevented with self-care methods. Your best bet is to prevent it entirely, but it can be treated with home remedies.

Home remedies are cheap and effective for treating gingivitis, especially in the early stages.

While generally safe, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor before using during pregnancy, while breastfeeding or chestfeeding, or if you have any medical conditions.

Read on to learn about 10 home remedies that can relieve symptoms and prevent future gingivitis. Remember to use high quality ingredients and refrigerate in warmer climates.

Can you get rid of gingivitis naturally?

Some home remedies may help reduce plaque and, therefore, reduce the likelihood of developing dental diseases like gingivitis.

But the best way to prevent it is to treat the plaque before it becomes tartar. This means practicing good oral care and includes:

brushing your teeth at least twice a day
using a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles, and when possible, an electric toothbrush
replacing your toothbrush every three months
flossing daily
using a natural mouthwash
seeing your dentist at least once a year
refraining from smoking or chewing tobacco
limiting sugary foods

If you aren’t taking proper care of your gums and teeth, home remedies won’t be able to clear up the gingivitis once you’ve already developed it. In addition, only a dentist will be able to tell you if you have it. It’s also important to see one in case you also develop periodontitis, which cannot be resolved without a professional cleaning.

If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, such as extreme pain or bleeding — or if your gingivitis isn’t improving with the natural remedies — see your doctor or dentist. If left untreated, gingivitis can cause more serious health problems.

Saltwater

Gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup, which is caused by microorganisms such as Streptococcus, Fusobacterium, Actinomyces, Veillonella, and Treponema.

A 2017 study found that saltwater can be just as effective as chlorhexidine, a common mouthwash, in reducing dental plaque.

However, another 2024 study suggests that saltwater may be less effective than chlorhexidine or certain herbal mouthwashes.

In addition, using a saltwater rinse too often or too long could negatively affect tooth enamel. Long-term use may cause your teeth to erode because of the mixture’s acidic properties.

Learn more: How does a saltwater rinse help your oral health, and how to do it.

Mouthwash

If the salt water rinse isn’t relieving your symptoms, it may be time to try a more advanced mouthwash. Remember, you should never swallow mouthwash. Spit the mixture out after swishing it around your mouth.

Although there are over-the-counter and prescription mouthwashes for gingivitis, you might want to try a homemade mouthwash first.

Don’t try any of these if you’ve ever experienced an allergic reaction to any of the suggested ingredients. In addition, when trying an essential oil, always start with a highly diluted mixture so that it doesn’t cause further irritation.

Examples include:

Lemongrass oil mouthwash

Research studies from 2017 and 2021 both suggest that lemongrass oil may be effective in helping prevent gingivitis by helping reduce plaque.

To use a lemongrass mouthwash:

Dilute about 5 drops of lemongrass essential oil and 1 teaspoon (tsp) of 75% ethyl alcohol into 7 tablespoons (tbsp) of water.
Swish the solution in your mouth for up to 30 seconds.
Spit out the solution.
Repeat two to three times per day.

Learn more: Why using lemongrass essential oil benefits you.

Aloe vera mouthwash

Research from 2023 found that aloe vera was as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Both methods significantly reduced symptoms.

Unlike other mouthwash options, aloe vera juice doesn’t need to be diluted. Before use, make sure the juice is 100% pure.

To use an aloe vera mouthwash:

Swish the juice in your mouth for 30 seconds.
Spit out the solution.
Repeat two to three times per day.

Always buy aloe vera from a reputable source and follow any instructions on the label.

Learn more: 5 healthy benefits of drinking aloe vera juice

Tea tree oil mouthwash

According to a 2020 study, tea tree oil mouthwash is promising for the treatment of gingivitis.

To use a tea tree oil mouthwash:

Add up to three drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water.
Swish the solution in your mouth for up to 30 seconds.
Spit out the solution.
Repeat two to three times per day.

You may also add a drop of tea tree oil to your toothpaste when brushing your teeth.

Learn more: 14 everyday uses for tea tree oil.

Sage mouthwash

Researchers in a 2024 study found that sage mouthwash significantly helps improve signs of periodontitis, which is when inflammation spreads from the gums to the periodontium.

To use a sage mouthwash:

Boil 1 to 2 cups of water.
Mix 2 tbsp of fresh sage or 1 tsp of dried sage with 1 tsp of salt into the water.
Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
Strain and let the water cool.
Use the solution to rinse two to three times per day.

Sage has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may also help heal swollen gums and treat the infection.

Learn more: 12 health benefits and uses of sage.

Guava leaf mouthwash

Guava has long been an effective treatment used to manage oral hygiene. Research suggests it has anti-plaque properties, among other benefits

To use a guava leaf mouthwash:

Crush five to six tender guava leaves with a mortar and pestle.
Add the crushed leaves to 1 cup of boiling water.
Simmer for 15 minutes.
Allow the solution to cool, and add a small amount of salt.
Swish the lukewarm mouthwash in your mouth for up to 30 seconds.
Spit out the solution.
Repeat two to three times per day.

Healthline: 8 health benefits of guava fruit and leaves.

»MORE:Get care for dental pain in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Now Online Care.

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Oil pulling

Oil pulling is similar to using a mouthwash but more time consuming. It involves swishing oil around in your mouth for 20 to 30 minutes to reduce harmful bacteria, eliminate toxins, and improve overall oral health.

Oil pulling has become more popular in the West in recent years, though it has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine.

Oil pulling is safe to practice. Be careful not to swallow the liquid, as it contains toxins and bacteria pulled from the tissue in your mouth.

It’s okay to swish the oil around for a smaller amount of time until you’re able to tolerate 20 minutes of swishing. You may also find it helpful to swish for two shorter sessions per day.

Coconut oil pulling

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Researchers in one 2020 study found that using coconut oil for oil pulling significantly reduces plaque and signs of gingivitis.

To do a coconut oil pull:

Put 1 to 2 tsp of fractionated coconut oil (which is liquid at room temperature) into your mouth.
Swish the oil around your mouth for 20 to 30 minutes, being careful not to let it touch the back of your throat.
Spit the oil out after the time is up.
Rinse your mouth with water.
Spit the water out.
Drink a full glass of water.
Brush your teeth.

Learn more: Oil pulling with coconut oil can transform your dental health.

Arimedadi oil pulling

Research shows that arimedadi oil may help inhibit plaque growth and improve gingivitis symptoms. This oil is a combination of many ingredients, including clove and acacia.

To do an arimedadi oil pull:

Put 4-5 drops of arimedadi oil on your gums and massage for two minutes, being careful not to let it touch the back of your throat.
Spit the oil out after the time is up.
Rinse your mouth with water.
Spit the water out.
Drink a full glass of water.
Brush your teeth.

Topical treatments for gingivitis

If mouthwashes aren’t helping, you may find it beneficial to apply a topical cream or gel onto your gums.

To apply topical gel to your mouth:

Brush your teeth.
Rinse thoroughly.
Apply a pea-sized amount of gel to your gums with your finger, cotton swab, or toothbrush
Let the gel sit for 30 minutes without eating or drinking
Swish water around your mouth to collect all of the gel.
Spit the water out.
Repeat two times a day.

Examples of herbal gels that may help with gingivitis include:

Ginseng

A 2024 study found that ginseng gel was just as effective as chlorhexidine gel in reducing plaque and other markers of dental disease.

Learn more: Why you should be careful about ginseng.

Curcumin

Studies from 2019 and 2021 suggest that applying a gel made from curcumin, an ingredient in turmeric, may help prevent plaque and gingivitis. This could be due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Learn more: Turmeric and curcumin side effects.

Frequently asked questions

Can salt water cure gingivitis?

Rinsing with salt water may help reduce plaque, which can help reduce the chance of gingivitis. However, once you develop gum disease, you’ll likely need medical treatment.

Does hydrogen peroxide help gingivitis?

According to a 2020 study, rinsing with a solution containing 1.5% hydrogen peroxide may help reduce plaque and oral bacteria, but not as efficiently as chlorhexidine.

How do you reverse gingivitis without going to the dentist?

In the early stages, it can still be possible to reverse gingivitis by maintaining good oral hygiene.

Takeaway

Improvements will likely occur after a few days of treatment, but symptoms may take a while to completely disappear.

Take charge of your dental health to prevent it from recurring. If you have medical conditions that make gingivitis more likely, stay in close contact with your dentist so that they can monitor any change in symptoms.

Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can also help prevent gum disease and other oral conditions.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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Aljuboori IW, et al. (2024). Clinical effectiveness of salvia officinalis in periodontitis: a split-mouth randomized controlled trial.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38765348/
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Medically reviewed by Olivia Sugimoto, D.M.D. — Written by Emily Cronkleton — Updated on September 3, 2024

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