Can gingivitis be treated by rinsing with salt water?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on May 26, 2025
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When suffering from gingivitis, it is appropriate to use some light saltwater for rinsing, but it is recommended that patients purchase more professional mouthwash for rinsing. This is because some specialized mouthwashes contain medicinal ingredients that can effectively control the bacteria in the mouth and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. They can remove some oral bacteria and food residues, so it is advised that patients use mouthwash. Additionally, when patients experience gingivitis, while mouthwash is one aspect, the main focus should still be on anti-inflammatory treatment. Appropriate oral intake of anti-inflammatory drugs can have an effective treatment impact, such as commonly used drugs against anaerobic bacteria combined with some antibiotics, which can provide effective treatment.

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What should I do about recurrent gingivitis?

Gingivitis is caused by not cleaning the mouth promptly after eating, with the presence of irritating factors around the teeth causing repeated outbreaks. For example, bleeding during brushing or eating. This situation requires teeth cleaning, which includes ultrasonic scaling to remove dental calculus and other basic causative factors. Only by removing the irritating factors and treating the cause, applying medicine around the gums and improving the bleeding condition, can the symptoms of gingivitis improve. If oral hygiene is not maintained after removal, over time, dental calculus or dental plaque can reattach around the teeth, leading to a recurrence of gingivitis.

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Can I eat grapes with gingivitis?

Patients with gingivitis can eat grapes, as grapes contain rich vitamins and nutrients, which can be very beneficial to the body. However, it is recommended that patients rinse their mouth and brush their teeth immediately after eating grapes to remove any residual grape juice. Since grapes are sweet, leaving residues in the mouth can lead to bacterial growth and worsen gingivitis. Therefore, patients can consume a moderate amount of grapes, and eating other fresh fruits can also be beneficial for inflammation recovery. In daily life, it is also recommended for patients to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. For gingivitis, it is important to identify the causes, whether it is due to wisdom teeth, periodontitis, or apical periodontitis. In such cases, it is generally advised to seek medical advice and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a doctor.

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Dentistry
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What will happen if gingivitis is not treated?

When a patient has gingivitis, if they cannot receive timely treatment, they may experience long-term inflammation that irritates the gum tissue, leading to nutrient loss in the gums and eventual gum recession. Further progression can lead to loose teeth, and ultimately, tooth loss. Therefore, it is crucial for patients with gingivitis to seek prompt treatment. Additionally, patients must pay attention to oral hygiene, as long-term poor oral hygiene is a major cause of gingivitis. It is important to promptly remove food residues after meals to prevent bacterial infections. Furthermore, developing correct brushing habits in the morning and evening is recommended, and patients should consider regular dental cleanings, which can effectively remove tartar and plaque, reducing irritation to the gums.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can I eat mutton with gingivitis?

When patients have gingivitis, it is generally advised not to eat lamb. Because lamb is considered a heat-inducing food, and the inflammation in the patient's body is often caused by excessive internal heat. Eating lamb in such cases could potentially exacerbate the condition, making the symptoms more severe. It is suggested that patients can eat some chicken, duck, or fish instead, as these high-quality protein sources are good choices for the body. Additionally, it is important to keep the diet light and avoid spicy and irritating foods. Try to avoid foods that can cause internal heat, such as lychee or durian, which are considered heat-inducing fruits. It's appropriate to consume some kiwi and dragon fruit, which can provide a substantial amount of vitamins and also help in the repair of teeth.

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The difference between periodontitis and gingivitis

Periodontitis and gingivitis have essential differences. Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontitis. Both gingivitis and periodontitis involve the formation of periodontal pockets, but the pockets in gingivitis are pseudo pockets, caused by inflammation of the gums which leads to the local proliferation or swelling of the gums, enveloping part of the tooth crown. In contrast, the periodontal pockets in periodontitis are true pockets, caused by the resorption of the alveolar bone, a condition that accompanies the loss of alveolar bone. Therefore, the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis lies in whether there is bone loss or not.