Home Remedies for Gum Disease

Gum is a tissue which supports the teeth and keeps them in place.



Any soreness, swelling or infection in these tissues is referred to gum disease. There are two main forms of gum disease –gingivitis and periodontal disease. Gingivitis causes the gums surrounding the teeth to become swollen, very red and inflamed. These tender gums often bleed while brushing. If not taken care at this stage gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. In this the tissues and bones which support the teeth are affected which can ultimately cause teeth loss if not treated. Plaque is responsible for all kinds of gum diseases. It is a thin film of bacteria which forms on the surface of the gums and teeth daily. Adequate brushing and flossing is required to get rid of this plaque (plaque buildup can turn to tarter) to avoid any form of gum disease.

Gum disease is a disorder wherein the tissues that that support an individual’s teeth get infected. In its mildest form, gum disease is classified as gingivitis, and one exhibit symptoms such as swollen gums that easily bleed and are slightly inflamed and red. If untreated, it could become something more serious known as peridontitis and can ultimately cause tooth loss.



It is therefore important that you treat this disorder in its initial stages. The main cause of gum disease is dental plaque, a sticky coat of bacteria, food debris, and mucous that often forms on our teeth around 11 to 12 hours after our teeth are brushed. If we do not remove this plaque, it forms a hard coat known as tartar. This tartar irritates the gum tissue and also causes changes in the pH levels in the mouth, thus allowing unhealthy bacteria to flourish. These bad bacteria slowly corrode the teeth’s support structures, eventually causing tooth loss. Vigorously brushing our teeth can also cause injury to our gums and lead to gum disease.
You most probably are suffering from gum disease if you persistently have one or two  symptoms such as bleeding gums, receding gums, bad breath, shifting and loose teeth (which could also be due to some other reasons such as bone loss and fractured roots), tender and swollen gums, and abscesses to do with the gums. It is important that you brush and floss your teeth properly. Use a soft toothbrush on your teeth and start brushing in small circles near your gum-line and then move towards the tip of your tooth. Also remember to clean your tongue and the rest of your mouth including the roof. Spend at least 4 to 5 minutes to complete the task, and make sure you rinse your mouth with some water every time you eat something.  There are many natural remedies available for gum disease that can help provide relief.

Simple home remedies for Gum Remedies that can be followed along with your regular treatment.

• Brush More: Don’t finish the morning task in just few seconds.
  
  
  
  To avoid any gum disease the best gum disease remedy is to take adequate time (at least 4-5 minutes) to brush and floss your teeth at least 2-3 times daily. Also don’t forget to rinse your mouth with plain water after eating tiny piece of any food.

• Brushing Technique: One of the best gum disease remedies is to learn the correct technique to brush your teeth. Place your brush in such a way or preferably at 45 degree angle so that half part of the brush cleans the teeth and other half takes care of the gums. Gingivitis mainly starts at the gum line which is the most plaque catching area, but often the neglected one. So a good gum disease home remedy is to take special care of your gum line to get rid of the plaque. Another one of the good natural remedies for gum disease is to have a pair of toothbrush and alternate between them. This will allow both of them to dry thoroughly before use.

• Quit smoking: Smoking can make the progression of gum disease very fast as people who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque. Moreover smoking can prevent the infected gums to heal because it causes lack of oxygen to the bloodstream. So to stop smoking is one of the best gum disease natural remedies.

• Gum Massage: A good gum disease natural remedy is to give little gum massage with the tip of your fingers. To increase a healthy blood flow to the nerves grip your gums with index finger and thumb and rub gently. However if you have pain in the swelling gum then the best home remedy for gum disease is to numb the pain by applying an ice pack.

• Swish Salt Water: Warm salt water can also be used as a good natural remedy for gum disease.
  
  
  
  If your gums are bleeding or paining just swish the salted warm water between the teeth and gums and spit the water.

• Vitamin C: This vitamin when consumed in the form of oranges, sweet limes, lime juice, guava or amla is considered one of the best home remedies for gum disease; although it won’t help to cure gingivitis but it will definitely help to deal with bleeding gums.
  

• Increasing your intake of vitamin C can lower your chances of developing severe form gingivitis. This is because vitamin C has antioxidant properties that help fix the damaged connective tissue and also accelerate bone rejuvenation. You can increase your intake of this vitamin by eating foods that have a high content of vitamin C.  Foods such as kiwi fruit, mango, strawberry, broccoli, cantaloupe, and grapefruit are high in vitamin C. You could also take vitamin C capsules. Vitamin C that are chewed are avoidable as part of treatment for gum disease as the acidity they cause in your mouth may corrode your teeth enamel over a period of time.

• As part of your gum disease reduction routine, make sure you include vitamin D in your daily diet. The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin D could help increase your resistance to gum disease.

• Treating gum diseases at home naturally, especially when you are in your pregnancy period, can be done by reducing stress. Studies have shown that that the chances of plaque accumulation are higher in people who are stressed as compared to those who have low stress levels. Exercising regularly and eating health foods are some of the ways you can reduce stress.

• Among the natural remedies for gum disease, sea salt works really effectively in treating your condition. Take some warm water in a cup and dissolve a teaspoon of sea salt in it. Take some of this water in your mouth and gently swish your teeth with it. Do this twice a day, in the morning and at night after brushing your teeth.
  
  
  
  Rinsing your teeth with sea salt can help reduce any swelling you might have and also help reduce some of the infection.

• The use of baking soda is one gum disease prevention measure that can help lessen your chances of tooth decay. Take a little baking soda and add it to a cup of water (warm). After dipping your toothbrush in this water apply some toothpaste to it and brush your teeth. In the alternative, inject a solution of baking soda directly into your gum pockets with the help of an oral irrigator.

• You will be surprised to know that cures for gum disease that really work are easily available and not very expensive. Steep a tea bag in a cup of hot water. Once the bag cools place it on the abscess or gums. The tea bag has tannic acid that can help reduce the swelling and provide you some relief.

• Natural remedies for gum disease such as the use of herbs can also give relief from gum problems. Calendula tincture can be used to treat gum diseases.  After applying some toothpaste on your brush add a couple of drops of this tincture on your brush. Use this to clean your teeth and massage your gums gently. The calendula will help revitalize and heal your gum tissue. Clove oil when applied to sore gums works as a natural numbing solution.
  
  
  
  Dab a little clove oil on the sore areas of your gum for temporary relief from the soreness and pain. Aloe Vera gel helps increase the moisture levels in your mouth and reduce bad breath. Aloe Vera has a slightly numbing effect on the gums and also helps heal gum tissues.

• Gum disease treatment at home can include the use herbal dental products. Natural cures for gum disease such as these are effective as they do not contain any artificial coloring, synthetic preservatives, detergents, and chemical whiteners that may irritate your gum tissues. Ingredients such as rosemary, myrrh, tea tree, Echinacea, and calendula are quite effective and help repair gum tissue. Some of these products have antiseptic properties that help heal infected gums. Herbal dental floss can help remove food particles and plaque from your teeth. Make sure you floss gently so as to prevent doing any damage to your gums. You could also try massaging your gums every time you brush your teeth. Hold your gums with your index finger and thumb and gently rub them. This will facilitate the flow of blood and rejuvenate your gums.