Gingivitis, the technical term for inflammation of the gums, can be a serious problem. Research has linked it to elevated or hard-to-control blood pressure. Not surprisingly, people with gingivitis are more likely to lose teeth as they age. In addition, they may be at higher risk for cancer (Epidemiologic Reviews, Jan. 2017). Some medications including statins can increase the chance that a person might experience gum inflammation. Could a simple home remedy for gingivitis really help?
Retired Dentist Offers Home Remedy for Gingivitis:
Q. I am a retired dentist, and I would like to share a home remedy I have recommended to patients with gingivitis. Mix baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to form a paste and put some on the toothbrush. Then scrub the gums where they meet the teeth. I found that this helped prevent periodontal surgery for my patients.
A. Although this remedy has been around for decades, there are very few scientific studies to support its benefits. Both hydrogen peroxide and baking soda have antibacterial activity and have independently been used for oral hygiene. Consequently, it does appear to make sense. We wish researchers would examine it, though.
One controlled trial employed a post-foaming dental gel containing hydrogen peroxide, sodium bicarbonate and the antibacterial agent cetylpyridinium (Journal of Peridontology, Dec. 2020). While it demonstrated some benefit, we would always encourage people with gingivitis to check in with a dentist or periodontist regularly to monitor progress. Twice daily brushing for more than two minutes and flossing every day as well as not smoking are standard recommendations for keeping gingivitis under control (Journal of Clinical Periodontology, April 2015). According to a review of the research, interdental brushes might prove even more effective than floss (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, April 10, 2019).
Given your clinical experience, we imagine that adding this home remedy for gingivitis to the daily regimen might be useful. Neither baking soda nor hydrogen peroxide is expensive, so it should be affordable as well.
