Natural Remedies for Gum Disease
There are a variety of treatments for gum disease depending on the stage of the disease, how you may have responded to earlier treatments, and your overall health.
Natural Remedies for gum disease ranges from Oil pulling; flossing, green tea, and kind of toothpaste that help remove plaque and restore supportive tissue of the gums. Before we proceed let’s look at the introduction to gum disease receding gums.
What Are Receding Gums disease?
Gum disease and receding gum is an infection of the soft tissue and bone that hold teeth in place. As the disease progresses in the mouth, the gums pull away from the teeth creating pockets that harbor bacteria, leading to an infection.
As our immune system starts fighting the infection, the connective tissue and bones that surround and hold teeth properly in place begin to break down. if left untreated, without taking action, the gums, connective tissue, and teeth are destroyed.
Receding gums are one of the most common signs of gum disease we see nowadays. When bacteria-containing plaque builds up on our gums and teeth, it causes inflammation that leads to a destruction of the tissue.
Signs & Symptoms of Receding Gums
When gum disease first starts to manifest, most individuals are not aware of these signs and symptoms and have no idea there is a problem with their gums. The first signs can be very subtle, such as the occasional blood when brushing teeth and tender spots when chewing. However, as the disease continues, step by step gums start to pull away from the teeth, causing sensitivity.
This include:
- Bad breath that does not results from teeth brushing or mouthwashes
- Swollen gums
- Gums that are dark red in color
- Gums that bleed when eating, brushing and flossing
- Teeth that are sensitive to foods and drinks that are either hot or cold
- Teeth that are loose, or move slightly when eating or when touched
- Pain or discomfort when chewing
- Teeth that appear longer than others in the mouth.
11 Home Remedies for Receding Gums
Fortunately for those who experience severe pain when visiting a dentist, there are effective natural treatments for receding gums and periodontal disease you use (depending on the stage).
1. Green Tea.
Green tea is known for its anti-aging properties, green tea was found by Japanese researchers to promote healthy teeth and gums. The study, published in the Journal of Periodontology, found that drinking a cup of green tea each day decreased periodontal pocket depth, improved the attachment of the gums to the teeth, and reduced gum bleeding. In fact, make sure you take more cup often for better teeth and brighten your day.
2. Oil Pulling.
This Ayurvedic practice involves the swishing of either sesame oil or coconut oil in the mouth for 10 to 20 minutes a day. Research shows that oil pulling removes toxins from the mouth, helping to prevent cavities and oral diseases.
In addition, oil pulling is just as effective as a mouthwash for eliminating bad breath, the effect of a common sign of receding gums and gum disease. Another supplement commonly used is known as a rebuilder of oral health.
Researchers acknowledge that Septilin supports healing and development of connective tissue. It can be used as a mouth rinse or taken orally in a capsule form for long-term dental health.
Also, it boosts immunity and fights a variety of infections. Septilin is a proprietary blend of Guggulu, Guduchi, amla, licorice and other compounds that support a healthy immune system and reduce inflammation.
3. Coconut Oil & Himalayan Sea Salt Rub.
If you want to reduce the inflammation that does occur, gently apply massage gums with a mixture of coconut oil and pink Himalayan salt with gauze or cotton wool. Leave it for a couple of minutes, and then rinse your mouth with pure water. This ingredient has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve the symptoms of receding gums.
Check out: How to massage the gum and its benefits
4. Helichrysum Oil
Helichrysum is the essential oil popularly known for its healing capabilities. It’s not that expensive, but since you most likely will only use it on occasion, it’s well worth having around the house.
Helichrysum Italicum would be the preferred variety of helichrysum to use in this case, as it is stronger, but if you really need to save money, helichrysum gymnocephalum is a less expensive option.
METHOD: Just before going to bed, apply diluted helichrysum oil to affected gums.
5. Bentonite Clay
Bentonite Clay is known for its ability to heal and remove toxins.
Method:
Just before going to bed, apply a small amount of bentonite clay to affected gum.
Rinse and spit in the morning to avoid ingesting the clay as it is best to not take it within at least 30 min to 1 hour of eating/taking supplements.
6. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is known for its ability to draw out toxins. I personally use it and have a lot of it in my house as it can be useful for many applications including food poison and allergies.
Method
Before Evening time, apply a small amount of activated charcoal to affected gums. Rinse and spit in the morning to avoid ingesting too much of the charcoal as it is best to not take it within at least 30 min to 1 hour of eating/taking supplements.
Note: Charcoal is very dark and but typically can not stain teeth. Make sure you don’t mess around with it.
7. Vitamin C.
Having a deficiency in this essential nutrient is known to cause inflamed and bleeding gums. Boosting your intake of vitamin C-rich foods including oranges, kale, red peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts may help to reduce the inflammation and bleeding associated with receding gums.
Method:
Take vitamin C at least 3 times a day. You can take more or less to prevent bowel tolerance (to prevent stomach related issue when you’ve taken too much!). I personally choose Sodium Ascorbate because it’s effective.
8. Aloe Vera.
According to medical Research in India, they have studied aloe vera’s efficacy in oral health. In the study, they used aloe vera-based toothpaste, mouthwashes, gels, topicals, sprays, juice and supplements. The result indicates that applying aloe vera gel to inflamed gums and pockets results in improvement of periodontal conditions. Taking 100 milligrams per day, in addition to applying the gel on the gums, may speed the healing process.
9.Flossing.
You have to take every measure to ensure you can reduce plaque and bacteria. Flossing can help you when fighting gum disease. Because it reaches every part of our teeth where a toothbrush can’t.
Although, flossing’s benefits are not superior to oil pulling antibacterial floss is better. Choose your floss carefully. Also, select an all-natural floss that doesn’t contain PFOA or other nonstick compounds.
10.Mouthwash.
Using a mouthwash made from oregano oil is a great way to fight infections in the mouth. Oregano oil has strong anti-fungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-parasite compounds that can promote healing of inflamed gums while fighting the infection.
11.Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that 300 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids daily for 12 weeks significantly reduces gingival index, pocket depth, and bleeding while improving gum to tooth attachment. In addition, researchers believe that it may also act to prevent chronic periodontitis in some individuals.
Is it possible to prevent gum disease?
Prevention of gingivitis and periodontal disease is very simple in most cases. Gum disease is best prevented through proper plaque control. This involves brushing to remove plaque from the outer surfaces of the teeth and flossing to remove food particles and plaque from in between the teeth. Electronic toothbrushes tend to make it easier to remove plaque from some of the harder to reach areas of the mouth. Using the above measures can help by reducing the bacteria that cause gingivitis.
Besides these basic oral hygiene practices, there are other things that can be done to eliminate the factors that lead to an increase in gum disease:
- Sleep/stress: The immune system is very important in controlling disease, and getting adequate sleep and reducing stress will help the body fight gum disease, too.
- Stop smoking: Smokers are much more likely to develop gingivitis and periodontal disease, so avoiding tobacco should be the first thing someone does to achieve healthy gums.
- Orthodontic therapy or braces: It is much easier to remove plaque from straight teeth than crowded, overlapped, and crooked teeth. Braces can make a big difference in having healthier gums.
- Diet: Limiting the frequency of plaque-causing sugars and carbohydrates will help limit plaque. Eating a well-balanced diet will help keep the body’s immune system healthy and ready to fight infection.
What is the best toothpaste to use to prevent gum disease?
The main function of a toothbrush is to remove tartar that forms plaque on the teeth that will harbor bacteria and cause gum disease and tooth decay. Just about any toothpaste when used with consistent thorough brushing habits will accomplish this goal. There are some ingredients in toothpaste that help remove plaque more effectively and help keep plaque off the teeth after they have been brushed. The abrasive agents in toothpaste such as silicates and calcium carbonates help remove plaque that is a little sticky. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a detergent in toothpaste that causes the foaming effect of kinds of toothpaste.
You Can Check Out: Infographic: Which Toothpaste Type is Best for You?
Toothpaste varies in the amount of SLS they contain; a high concentration of SLS can cause problems for patients who have dry mouth or low saliva flow. Some kinds of toothpaste include plaque-control agents such as pyrophosphates and zinc citrate that prevent plaque from sticking to the teeth after they’ve been brushed. Using a toothpaste that contains any combination of these ingredients will increase the effectiveness of oral hygiene.
Reference
- Nigerian Dental Association
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Isreal olabanji a dental assistant and public health professionals and has years of experience in assisting the dentist with all sorts of dental issues.
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