From the Guidelines
Gingivitis can be effectively treated with a combination of professional dental care and good home oral hygiene practices, and recent studies suggest that natural products like Aloe Vera, Triphala, Turmeric, and Green Tea can be as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing plaque and gingivitis levels. Start by scheduling a professional dental cleaning (scaling) to remove plaque and tartar buildup that's causing the inflammation. At home, brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to the gumline. Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth where brushes can't reach.
Treatment Options
- An antimicrobial mouthwash containing chlorhexidine (0.12%) like Peridex or PerioGard can be used twice daily for 30 seconds for 1-2 weeks to reduce bacteria.
- Alternatively, a mouthwash containing Aloe Vera, Triphala, Turmeric, or Green Tea can be used as an effective and natural alternative to chlorhexidine, as shown in studies 1.
- Over-the-counter options like Listerine can also help.
Additional Recommendations
- For pain relief, rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water) several times daily.
- Avoid smoking and limit sugary foods that promote bacterial growth.
- Most cases of gingivitis resolve within 10-14 days of proper treatment. This approach works because it both mechanically removes the bacterial biofilm causing inflammation and chemically reduces the bacterial load, allowing gum tissue to heal. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks or worsen, consult a dentist as more advanced periodontal disease may be present.
From the FDA Drug Label
Paroex ® (Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse USP, 0.12%) is indicated for use between dental visits as part of a professional program for the treatment of gingivitis as characterized by redness and swelling of the gingivae, including gingival bleeding upon probing. Chlorhexidine (PO) is indicated for the treatment of gingivitis, characterized by:
- Redness and swelling of the gingivae
- Gingival bleeding upon probing 2
From the Research
Gingivitis Treatment Options
- Gingivitis can be treated with a combination of scaling and root planing, and the use of antimicrobial mouthrinses such as chlorhexidine or sanguinarine 3, 4.
- Chlorhexidine mouthrinse has been shown to be effective in reducing plaque, gingivitis, and bleeding sites when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing 3, 5.
- Sanguinarine mouthrinse and toothpaste have also been shown to be effective in inhibiting the redevelopment of gingivitis after scaling and root planing, and can be used as an alternative to chlorhexidine for long-term use 4.
Subgingival Irrigation
- Subgingival irrigation with chlorhexidine or sodium hypochlorite can be used in combination with scaling and root planing to treat chronic periodontitis 6, 7.
- However, the effectiveness of subgingival irrigation may vary depending on the antimicrobial agent used, and may not always provide additional benefits compared to scaling and root planing alone 6, 7.
Clinical Benefits
- The combination of scaling and root planing with chlorhexidine mouthrinse has been shown to lead to clinical benefits such as reduced plaque accumulation, gingival bleeding, and probing depth 3, 5.
- The use of sanguinarine mouthrinse and toothpaste has also been shown to provide clinical benefits, including reduced gingivitis and bleeding sites 4.