From the Guidelines
Gum befnitis is not a recognized medical condition, but if you're experiencing gum problems, you may be referring to gingivitis, which can be treated with improved oral hygiene and antimicrobial mouthwashes like triphala or chlorhexidine. For gingivitis, treatment involves improved oral hygiene including brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash.
- A recent study 1 showed that triphala mouthwash reduced gingival inflammation indices and plaque levels to a similar degree as a 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash.
- Another study 1 found that a 0.1% turmeric mouthwash was effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis levels, comparable to that of a chlorhexidine mouthwash. Some key points to consider for treating gingivitis include:
- Improved oral hygiene to remove plaque and bacteria
- Antimicrobial mouthwashes to reduce gingival inflammation and plaque
- Professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to help with discomfort Using a triphala mouthwash, as shown in the study by Naiktari and co-workers 1, can be an effective treatment for gingivitis, with similar results to chlorhexidine mouthwash. It's essential to consult a dentist if symptoms persist beyond two weeks of improved oral hygiene, as untreated gingivitis can progress to more serious periodontal disease affecting the supporting structures of the teeth.
From the Research
Gum Benefits
- There is evidence to suggest that good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, can help prevent gum disease and reduce gingivitis 2, 3.
- Chlorhexidine mouthrinse has been shown to be effective in reducing gingivitis and plaque when used as an adjunct to mechanical oral hygiene procedures 4.
- Turmeric has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and may be a potential alternative to chlorhexidine in the prevention and treatment of gingivitis 5.
- Folic acid-containing mouthrinse has been shown to be effective in reducing gingivitis and improving periodontal health when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing 6.
Prevention and Treatment
- Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent gum disease and reduce gingivitis 2, 3.
- Chlorhexidine mouthrinse can be used as an adjunct to mechanical oral hygiene procedures to reduce gingivitis and plaque 4.
- Turmeric and folic acid-containing mouthrinses may be potential alternatives to chlorhexidine in the prevention and treatment of gingivitis 5, 6.
Key Findings
- Chlorhexidine mouthrinse reduces gingivitis by 0.21 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.31) compared to placebo or control mouthrinse 4.
- Turmeric and chlorhexidine significantly decrease plaque index and gingival index, and can be used in the prevention and treatment of gingivitis 5.
- Folic acid-containing mouthrinse is effective in reducing gingivitis and improving periodontal health when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing 6.