5 Ways to Treat Gingivitis at Home

Gingivitis is a common dental issue and a mild form of gum disease. The inflamed gums found in gingivitis are most often caused by plaque. This sticky substance is full of bacteria and typically located where the teeth meet the gums. These bacteria feed on sugars in the food you eat. The presence of these bacteria leads to inflammation and swelling of the gums, causing gingivitis.

The good news? Recognizing the early signs of gingivitis — like bleeding, swollen gums when you brush or floss, or bad breath — is the first step. Changing habits and practicing good dental care at home may help treat gingivitis. 

The market is full of remedies that claim to cure gingivitis. But using too many products can be needlessly complicated. Any remedy to clear plaque from your teeth and gums can help you treat gingivitis and prevent it from coming back. 

Let’s take a closer look at five ways you can achieve a plaque-free smile at home.

1. Brush your teeth at least twice daily 

Brushing your teeth once in the morning and once before bed is a sufficient way of preventing the buildup of plaque and bacteria on your teeth. Tooth brushing is also a great way of introducing fluoride, which helps fight cavities. 

It’s a good idea to ask your dentist for guidance on your oral health regimen. They can help you figure out which toothbrush to use and which products work best for you. Having a good oral hygiene routine can help to treat and prevent gingivitis in the long run. 

2. Floss once a day 

Flossing once, or even twice, a day before brushing is ideal. When performed correctly, flossing can break apart hard pieces of tartar that are trapped under your gums — an area that’s tricky to reach with only a toothbrush. 

The combination of flossing and brushing will give you the in-depth cleaning that you need to help prevent gingivitis. 

3. Use antibacterial mouthwash 

Adding mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine can be highly beneficial if you have gingivitis. When selecting a mouthwash, check the ingredients list. Look for an alcohol-free, therapeutic mouthrinse with ingredients like chlorhexidine, fluoride (to fight cavities), or chlorine dioxide. These ingredients create a protective coating that prevents the buildup of plaque and can help prevent gingivitis from returning. 

4. Avoid snacking throughout the day

Many popular snack foods contain large amounts of carbohydrates and sugars. These components can act as fuel for bad bacteria, giving them the energy they need to grow. And the more bacteria you have in your mouth, the more plaque can build up. Plaque accumulation worsens the health of your gums and causes an uptick in gingivitis.

5. Quit smoking or using other tobacco products

Quitting smoking can help treat and prevent gingivitis. That’s because smoking and the use of tobacco products can impair your immune system. This can make it much harder to fight the bacteria that causes gingivitis. According to the CDC, someone who smokes has twice the risk for gum disease compared with someone who doesn’t.

What are the risk factors for gingivitis?

Gingivitis is very common, and anyone can develop it. But some risk factors may increase your risk of irritated gums. These include:

• Hormonal changes (due to birth control pills, pregnancy, or menstrual cycle)

• Certain medications (like calcium channel blockers, anti-epileptics, and immunosuppressive agents)

• Smoking or use of chewing tobacco

• Xerostomia (dry mouth)

• Crooked teeth that are hard to clean

What are the earliest signs and symptoms of gingivitis?

Gingivitis can sometimes be sneaky, seeming to appear out of nowhere. But the earliest signs can be seen as quickly as a few days after neglecting a proper oral hygiene routine. 

Early signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for include:

• Bleeding gums

• Swollen or inflamed gums

• Bad breath 

Gingivitis symptoms tend to worsen within 2 to 3 weeks — making it hard to brush and floss without pain or bleeding. 

When should you see a dentist about gingivitis?

Healthy gums should not bleed easily during or after brushing and flossing. If you notice bleeding, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist to check for signs of gingivitis. 

Other gum changes that should prompt a visit to your dentist include:

• Swelling

• Redness

• Sensitivity in and around the gum line

Gingivitis is a condition that can range from mild gum swelling to a dental emergency, in rare cases. For a case of gingivitis to be considered an emergency, it usually involves a gum or tooth infection. If you notice any drainage of pus coming from the gum line, that could be a sign of infection. 

Is gingivitis reversible?

Yes, gingivitis can be reversed. Since gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease, there may only be minor damage that attentive dental hygiene can improve.

Keeping your teeth free of plaque and tartar will reduce inflammation from gingivitis. Tartar forms when plaque has stayed on your teeth for a long time and hardened. Once plaque hardens, it cannot be removed by tooth brushing alone. You’ll need a professional cleaning by your dentist to remove tartar. 

With a consistent oral hygiene routine, gingivitis can be eliminated. Your gums can transform from appearing red and puffy to pink and healthy. 

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Written by:

Zack Youngblood, DMD

Zack Youngblood, DMD, is a dentist who strives to change the general look of dentistry. Before stepping foot in the clinical field, he authored multiple works that helped dental students and dentists find their unique path in dentistry.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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