Introduction
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis or gingivitis, affects up to 50% of adults around the world. This chronic and inflammatory condition can lead to teeth loss, receding gums, and other health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Gum disease is caused by bacteria and plaque buildup in your mouth, which can irritate and inflame your gums, leading to bleeding, sensitivity, and pain.
If you’re looking for ways to fix gum disease and improve your oral health, you’ve come to the right place. This article will guide you through seven natural remedies to treat gum disease at home, a comprehensive guide to treating gum disease through different solutions, five simple steps to heal gum disease from the root, and much more.
7 Natural Remedies to Treat Gum Disease at Home
While gum disease may require professional treatment in severe cases, you can also use natural remedies to alleviate its symptoms and prevent its progression. Here are seven effective natural remedies to treat gum disease at home:
Oil pulling
Oil pulling involves swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil or sesame oil around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes before spitting it out. This ancient Indian remedy can help remove toxins and bacteria from your mouth, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy gums.
Saltwater rinse
Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and use it to rinse your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Saltwater rinse can help reduce swelling, soothe sore gums, and kill bacteria.
Baking soda paste
Mix two teaspoons of baking soda with enough water to form a thick paste and apply it directly to your gums for one minute before rinsing it out. Baking soda can help neutralize acids in your mouth, reduce bacteria, and freshen your breath.
Green tea
Drink one to two cups of green tea per day. Green tea contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help fight gum disease and reduce gum bleeding.
Chamomile tea
Drink chamomile tea every day or apply a wet chamomile tea bag directly to your gums for a few minutes. Chamomile tea contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic substances that can help heal and soothe inflamed gums.
Aloe vera gel
Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to your gums and massage it gently for a few minutes before rinsing it out. Aloe vera gel contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote gum healing.
Turmeric paste
Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder with enough water to form a paste and apply it to your gums and teeth for 10 minutes before rinsing it out. Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound that can help prevent and treat gum disease.
A Comprehensive Guide to Treating Gum Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
While natural remedies can help relieve gum disease symptoms, they may not be enough to treat the condition in severe cases. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the causes and symptoms of gum disease and seek professional help when necessary.
Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused by bacteria and plaque buildup in your mouth, which can lead to the following:
– Gingivitis: the early and milder form of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
– Periodontitis: the advanced and more severe form of gum disease, characterized by receding gums, pocket formation, teeth loss, and bone deterioration.
The following factors can increase your risk of developing gum disease:
– Poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing and flossing regularly.
– Smoking and tobacco use, which can weaken your immune system and decrease blood flow to your gums.
– Genetics and family history of gum disease.
– Diabetes, as it can damage your gum tissues and immune system.
– Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause, which can make your gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation.
– Medications that can cause dry mouth, which can lead to bacterial growth.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
The following symptoms can indicate gum disease:
– Red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums.
– Receding gums or longer-looking teeth.
– Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth.
– Loose or sensitive teeth.
– Pain or discomfort while chewing.
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist and schedule a check-up.
Solutions for Gum Disease
The following solutions can help treat gum disease:
Professional dental cleaning
Your dentist or dental hygienist can perform professional dental cleaning, which involves removing plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums using special tools. Professional dental cleaning can help prevent gum disease and reverse its early stages.
Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing is a deeper cleaning procedure that involves removing bacteria and calculus from your teeth and roots under local anesthesia. This procedure can help treat gingivitis and prevent periodontitis.
Pocket reduction surgery
If you have deep pockets or gum recession, your dentist or periodontist may recommend pocket reduction surgery, which involves lifting back the gum tissues and removing the infected gum tissues and bone. This procedure can help reduce pocket depth and prevent further bone and tooth loss.
Bone grafts
If you have significant bone deterioration due to gum disease, your dentist or periodontist may recommend bone grafts, which involve using synthetic or natural bone to replace the lost bone tissue. This procedure can help restore your bone density and support your teeth.
Importance of Seeking Professional Help
While natural remedies can be beneficial, they may not be enough to treat or reverse severe cases of gum disease. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek professional dental care if you experience any gum disease symptoms. Your dentist or periodontist can diagnose and treat your gum disease using various solutions tailored to your specific needs.
5 Simple Steps to Heal Gum Disease from the Root
Besides using natural remedies and seeking professional help, you can also take the following steps to heal gum disease from the root:
Brushing teeth regularly
Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush gently and thoroughly, covering all surfaces of your teeth and gums.
Flossing daily
Floss your teeth at least once a day using a flossing tool or interdental brushes. Floss between your teeth and gums gently and thoroughly, removing any food particles and bacteria.
Using mouthwash
Use an antiseptic mouthwash that can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Rinse your mouth for 30 seconds after brushing and flossing.
Using interdental brushes
Use interdental brushes or water flossers to clean the spaces between your teeth and gums. These tools can help remove plaque and bacteria that regular brushing and flossing may miss.
Quitting smoking
Smoking and tobacco use can worsen gum disease and delay healing. Therefore, quit smoking and try other alternatives to improve your dental and overall health.
Gum Disease: How to Prevent, Treat, and Cure It
Preventing, treating, and curing gum disease requires a comprehensive approach that involves good oral hygiene habits, healthy lifestyle habits, and regular dental check-ups. Here are some tips for preventing and treating gum disease:
Prevention Measures for Gum Disease
– Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
– Floss your teeth at least once a day using flossing tools or interdental brushes.
– Use antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
– Use the right toothbrush and change it every three to four months.
– Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and debris from your tongue.
– Eat a healthy and balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products.
Treatment and Cure Options for Gum Disease
If you have gum disease, consider the following treatment and cure options:
Gum disease surgery
If you have severe or advanced gum disease, gum disease surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tissues and promote healing. This may involve flap surgery, bone grafting, or tissue regeneration.
Regenerative procedures
Regenerative procedures, such as guiding tissue regeneration and enamel matrix derivative application, can help regrow your periodontal tissues and improve your gum health.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in your gums. This minimally invasive procedure can offer quick and effective gum disease treatment and recovery.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics, either orally or topically, can help kill bacteria and prevent gum disease from progressing. However, antibiotics are not suitable for everyone and may cause side effects.
The Top 3 Medical Treatments for Reversing Gum Disease
While natural remedies and good oral hygiene habits can improve gum disease symptoms, some medical treatments can reverse the condition. Here are the top three medical treatments for reversing gum disease:
Chlorhexidine mouthwash
Chlorhexidine mouthwash can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in your mouth, promoting gum healing and preventing gum disease progression. However, prolonged use may cause staining and alter your taste perception.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics, such as doxycycline and minocycline, can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in your gums. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics in pill, gel, or chip forms, depending on your gum disease severity.
Dental lasers
Dental lasers can help remove bacteria and infected tissues from your gums without surgery or sutures. This minimally invasive and painless procedure can promote healing and reduce gum disease symptoms.
From Mouthwash to Flossing: How to Incorporate Good Habits for Healthy Gums
Incorporating good oral hygiene habits and habits for healthy gums can be challenging at first, but it can benefit your dental and overall health in the long run. Here are some tips on how to incorporate good habits for healthy gums:
Using antiseptic mouthwash
Use antiseptic mouthwash after brushing and flossing to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride and alcohol-free if you have sensitive gums.
Flossing daily
Floss your teeth at least once a day using flossing tools or interdental brushes. Floss between your teeth and gums gently and thoroughly, removing any food particles and bacteria.
Using the right toothbrush
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush if you have sensitive gums and change it every three to four months. Don’t brush too hard or too fast, as this can cause enamel erosion and gum recession.
Using a tongue scraper
Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and debris from your tongue, as this can help reduce bad breath and promote oral health.
