Introduction
Gum disease, also known as gingivitis or periodontal disease, occurs when the gums become inflamed and infected due to a buildup of plaque on the teeth. If left unattended, it can lead to more severe issues such as receding gums, tooth and bone loss, and even tooth loss. While consulting a dentist is the optimal choice for diagnosing and treating gum disease, not everyone has access to dental care. The positive news is that there are actions you can take at home to address and resolve gum disease without requiring a dentist. By making simple lifestyle changes and utilizing natural remedies, you can actively work towards achieving healthier gums.
Wondering if you have gum disease?
Here are some key signs to watch out for:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Gums pulling away from teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus around teeth and gums
If you notice any of these gum disease symptoms, try using these 5 home remedies to cure gum disease before it’s too late.
Salt Water Rinses
One of the easiest and most effective ways to combat gum inflammation at home is to rinse your mouth with warm salt water. The salt helps reduce swelling, ease pain, and stops bleeding gums by pulling excess fluid from inflamed tissue.
To make a simple salt water mouth rinse:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of sea salt in a cup of warm water
- Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds, focusing on areas with gum pain or bleeding
- Spit it out and repeat with the remaining solution
Use this saltwater rinse after meals and brushing to really clean bacteria from your gumline and reduce inflammation. After a few days, you’ll notice less redness, no more bleeding, and gum pain will start subsiding.
Aloe Vera Gel
The aloe vera plant has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for treating gum inflammation. Applying aloe vera gel directly along your gumline can help ease soreness and bleeding while combatting infection.
Use an aloe vera gel specifically formulated for internal use, not the green gel sold for sunburns. The easiest method is to scoop some onto your finger and gently massage it along your gums twice daily after brushing your teeth. Within a week or two, aloe vera can help shrink swollen gums back to a healthy state.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic remedy, effectively reduces plaque buildup and eliminates harmful bacteria from your mouth. By swishing oil around your teeth and gums for 10-20 minutes daily, you can decrease inflammation and prevent bleeding and pain.
All you need is approximately 1 tablespoon of any food-grade oil such as coconut, sesame, or olive oil. Swish it between your teeth for up to 20 minutes, then spit it out. Be cautious not to swallow any of the oil, as it will contain a significant amount of bacteria and toxins after swishing. The best time to perform oil pulling is in the morning on an empty stomach.
Incorporate oil pulling into your regular oral care routine, along with brushing and flossing, to witness the disappearance of gum disease and its symptoms.
Green Tea
Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits that are great for combatting gum disease. Swishing some green tea around your mouth reduces plaque buildup, fights bacteria in your mouth, and eases inflamed gums.
Brew some strong green tea, let it cool to a comfortable temperature, and swish it around your mouth for 1-2 minutes like a mouthwash. Spit it out and repeat once daily along with your regular brushing routine. Due to its bacteria-fighting properties, you’ll soon notice less plaque build up and reduced bleeding.
Proper Brushing and Flossing
To effectively combat gum infection, prioritize daily brushing and flossing over home remedies. To keep gum disease and inflammation in check, follow these steps:
- Gently brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes, twice a day.
- Thoroughly clean all surfaces, paying special attention to the gumline.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
- Floss once a day, ensuring to carefully remove plaque from hard-to-reach places.
Don’t overlook the importance of flossing! Eliminating plaque trapped between teeth will accelerate the reduction of inflamed gums.
Conclusion
If you have any signs of gum disease like redness, swelling, bleeding when you brush, it’s important to take action fast before the infection spreads. While seeing a dentist is best, you can use these 5 home remedies to cure gum disease from the comfort of your home if you don’t have access to professional dental care.
With a consistent daily routine of saltwater rinses, aloe vera gel, oil pulling, green tea swishing, and proper brushing and flossing, you can reverse gum disease and regenerate healthy gum tissue. Use these natural antibacterial treatments along with avoiding smoking and limiting sugar in your diet for optimal oral health and a bright happy smile.