50 Home Remedies for Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a condition that occurs during an overgrowth of bacteria in the buccal cavity. This can cause the tooth to be loosed due to the destruction of the tissue and bones surrounding the teeth. The initial stages of gum diseases known as gingivitis are characterized by swollen gum, reddened, and bleeding gum while eating or brushing.
Gum disease is more prevalent in people who are over thirty years old, but it can also happen in teenagers. Men are more susceptible to the condition as compared to women.
Causes
Causes of periodontitis include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Malnutrition
- Smoking
- Excess consumption of sugar
- Hormonal changes
- Diabetes
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Bruxism
- Genetics
- HIV/AIDS
Symptoms
Gum disease comes with several symptoms including the following:
- Persistent bad breath
- Reddening of Gums
- Loose teeth
- Heightened sensitivity of teeth to either hot or cold food
- Pain while chewing
- Gum bleeding
- Swollen gum
- Affected tooth may appear longer than others
Home Remedies for Gum Disease
The refreshing news is that there are numerous natural remedies that can be used to cure your gum disease. Keep reading to learn how to prevent and treat your gum disease.
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Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which makes is able to soothe the inflammation of the gum. The tea is also able to maintain good gum health. You can prepare chamomile tea by adding a teaspoon full of chamomile tea to a glass of hot water. Allow it to steep for five minutes and strain. You can drink this tea while warm twice daily.
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Honey
Honey is well known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Aside from its numerous health properties, honey has also proven to be effective in the treatment of gum disease. All you need is to apply some natural raw honey directly to the affected area. Doing this at least twice daily can cure you of your gum disease.
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Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon tea, with its strong aromatic nature, helps to mask the smell of bad breath within the mouth resulting from the gum disease. It also has strong antibacterial properties that help to eliminate microorganisms that cause gum disease. Just add a teaspoon of cinnamon tea to a cup of boiling water and steep for five minutes. Strain and allow to cool. Drink this twice daily.
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Aloe Vera
The effectiveness of aloe vera cannot be overemphasized as it numerous health benefits. Aloe vera also has cleansing and soothing ability that makes it a desired remedy for the treatment of gum disease. Applying aloe vera gel to the affected area or using it as a mouthwash helps in reducing periodontal indices and hence reduces bleeding associated with the condition. Simply cut one fresh aloe vera leaf and extract the juice from it. With a finger or cotton ball, apply some of the gel directly to the affected area daily.
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Garlic
Garlic may have a pungent smell, but that does not take away is numerous health benefits. It contains allicin, which is antibacterial in nature and very effective against the bacteria that cause gum disease. Garlic can also improve blood circulation in the body and may also improve oral health.
Add garlic to your diet daily to help deal with your gum disease. Alternatively chew one to two cloves of garlic daily for effective results. You can brush your teeth after chewing the garlic to eliminate its pungent smell.
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Baking Soda
Baking soda helps to regulate the pH in the buccal cavity, as it is alkaline in nature. It contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to get rid of plaque-causing organisms in the mouth. Baking soda also has cleansing properties, which give it the ability to whiten the teeth.
All you need is to add a ½ teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water and stir well until it dissolves completely. Use this solution to rinse your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds daily each time you brush your teeth.
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Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil is very effective in reducing plaques and tartar on teeth. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties give it a fighting edge over gingivitis that leads to gum disease. Just add three drops of lemongrass oil to a glass of warm water and stir till it evenly mixes. Gargle with the solution for at least 30 seconds and spit out. Repeat this twice daily.
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Ginger Tea
Ginger is known to improve inflammatory conditions and hence is very effective in dealing with gingivitis associated with gum disease. This is due to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. All you need to crush a piece of ginger and boil in a cup of water for about five minutes. Strain and allow to cool. Drink ginger twice daily.
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Cashews
Apart from preventing and eliminating conditions like acne, tuberculosis, and pneumonia, cashew also has the ability to prevent tooth decay, which may be associated with gum disease. Cashew contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective in dealing with the condition. All you need is to chew some cashew nuts daily for relief of gum disease.
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Sage Leaves
Sage leaves are anti-inflammatory in nature and are effective in killing bacteria that cause gum disease. Just prepare a tea with sage leaves by boiling some leave in a cup of water for ten minutes. Strain and use the liquid to gargle two to three times daily for effective results. Alternatively, rub leaves around the affected gum area regularly.
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Saline Solution
A combination of salt and water turns to work wonders in dealing with gum disease. Salt is not only a natural disinfectant but also has anti-inflammatory properties and hence helps to remove swelling of tissues. Simply add a teaspoon of salt to a half cup of water and stir till it dissolves. Gargle with the solution for at least 30 seconds and spit out. Repeat this twice daily.
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Yogurt
Yogurt is very rich in proteins and probiotics, which are actually good bacteria that helps to fight off the bad bacteria that causes gum disease. All you need is to eat plenty of plain yogurt daily to help deal with the condition.
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Lemon
Lemon is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties suitable for killing bacteria in the mouth that causes gum disease. It is also a rich source of vitamin C, essential for proper gum development and function. It also has the additional advantage of leaving the mouth feeling refreshed and teeth looking whiter than before. Add some salt to a glass of lemon juice and apply to the teeth. Allow to sit for some minutes and then risen off with some water.
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Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, a very powerful antioxidant as well as an antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent which helps to fight off the bacteria associated with gum disease. All you need is to add half teaspoon of turmeric and salt to half teaspoon of mustard oil. Mix them well to form a paste. You can brush with the paste twice daily. Alternatively, apply the paste to your gums using your fingers for effective results.
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Willow Bark
Willow bark contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidants and antibacterial properties which makes it an effective remedy for gum disease. Add two teaspoons of willow bark powder to a cup of boiling water and allow to simmer for fifteen minutes. Strain and drink this solution to deal with your gum disease.
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Clove Oil
Clove oil has an aspirin-like action in relief gum pain. It also contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds that help to deal with gum disease. Simply apply one to two drops of clove oil directly onto the gum and spread with your fingers for immediate relief from gum pains.
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Guava Leaf
Guava leaves have the ability to reduce gum inflammation, relieve pain and freshen your breath. This is due to the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties guava possess. Just grind about five guava leaves and add to a cup of boiling water. Allow the mixture to simmer for fifteen minutes and remove from fire. You can now allow cooling. Add a little salt to it and use as a mouthwash. Use it to rinse your mouth two to three times daily.
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Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is very effective in reducing gum bleeding associated with gum disease. It is also known to be rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it effective in managing periodontitis. Add three drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water and gargle with it for at least 30 seconds. Repeat this two times daily until condition improves.
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Neem
Neem contains numerous health benefits due to its anti-inflammation and antifungal properties. With this, it is able to fight against periodontitis causing microbes. Simply apply neem gel to teeth and gum and allow to sit for some minutes. You can wash it off with some water. Repeat this daily for effective results.
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Helichrysum Oil
With its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helichrysum oil is another effective remedy for treating gum disease. It is able to fight microbes associated with the condition, reduce pain and formation of plaque on the teeth. Apply three to four drops of helichrysum oil to gums before going to bed. Repeat this daily for effective results.
- Mustard Oil
Apart from reducing pain in the mouth and gums, mustard oil also has the ability to kill bacteria and microorganisms which cause gum disease. Simply apply two to three drops of mustard oil to gum and teeth directly before going to bed each day.
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Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is enriched with minerals and nutrients essential for proper body function. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, which are desirable for the fight against bacteria that causes gum disease. Simply use coconut oil on the gum to help deal with gum disease.
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Xylitol Gum
Gums that contain xylitol help in preventing and dealing with periodontitis. Xylitol helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria in the mouth and hence reduces the risk of gum disease. Chew some xylitol gum after a heavy meal daily. Sugar-free gum will also be better for this home remedy than gum with sugar in it.
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Salmon
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory in nature. This helps to fight against bacteria in the mouth which causes gum disease. The fatty acids also help in regulating the pH in the mouth and help prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Consume salmon as part of meal daily to help deal with gum disease.
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Oranges
Oranges are not only rich in nutrients and antioxidants, but also have a large deposit of vitamin C, essential for proper gum development. They also contain ascorbic acid that helps in regulating the mouth pH to prevent the growth of bacteria that causes gum disease. Consume some oranges on daily bases to help solve your issue of gum disease.
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Myrrh Tincture
Myrrh is astringent as well as antiseptic in nature hence it has the ability to kill and remove bacteria from the buccal cavity. It is also known to be antibacterial in nature and helps in eliminating bad mouth odor. Add two to three drops of myrrh tincture to a cup of warm water and use to rinse your mouth. Repeat this at least twice daily for effective results.
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Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice helps in preventing food from sticking to teeth and has a large deposit of vitamin C that helps in developing good and healthy gums. Vitamin C in cranberry juice is very effective in fighting against periodontitis and other gum related disease. Drink about four ounces of cranberry juice daily to cure gum disease.
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Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has cleansing and antibacterial characteristics making it effective in treating gum disease. It also helps to whiten your teeth and leaves you with a fresh breath. Wash your mouth with 3% hydrogen peroxide twice daily for effective results.
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Blackcurrants
Blackcurrants are able to treat gum disease effectively due to its vitamin C content. It also contains other antioxidants that promote and maintain a healthy gum. Vitamin C helps the body to fight against diseases and bacteria such as the ones causes gum disease. Eat some blackcurrant daily or drink blackcurrant juice daily to relieve you from gum disease.
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Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil is a very effective way of treating gum disease. This is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is, therefore, able to fight against bacteria that cause gum disease. All you need is to apply three to four drops of rosemary oil to the teeth and gum daily to help deal with the condition.
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Green Tea
The polyphenols present in green tea makes it effective against gingivitis that leads to gum disease. It is also able to fight against the bacteria in the mouth and help to freshen your breath. Green tea is also rich in antioxidants, which is good for the body. All you need is to add one green tea bag to a cup of boiling water and steep for five minutes. Allow to cool and drink.
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Flossing
Flossing involves the spraying of warm water under high pressure onto teeth and gum. It helps to remove food particles, which remain in the mouth, gum, and teeth after eating. Flossing daily is a great way of preventing the buildup of bacteria that cause gum disease from the mouth.
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Burdock Root
Burdock roots are a sure way of relieving gum and teeth pain. It also contains antioxidants and other compounds, anti-inflammatory in nature. Add some burdock root to a cup of boiling water and boil for ten minutes. Allow the mixture to cool and strain. Use the solution as a mouthwash to relief you from gum pain.
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Lavender
Using lavender oil is a great way of treating gum disease. Applying lavender oil to the gum and teeth helps to fight against the bacteria that cause gum disease. This is because it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Simply apply two to three drops of lavender oil on to teeth and gums daily. Alternatively, add three to four drops of lavender oil to a cup of warm water and stir. Use the solution to wash your mouth daily.
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Parsley
Parsley helps to eliminate toxins from your system. This herb also contains high amounts of chlorophyll that promote fresh breath. In addition to this parsley is a rich source of minerals and vitamins such as Vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron, that are essential in fighting bacteria and microorganisms, which cause gum disease. Chew some fresh parsley to help cure gum disease. Alternatively, boil parsley in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink.
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Mint Tea
Mint tea contains polyphenols, which help to fight against bacteria in the mouth. This tea also has natural deodorizing properties, effective against bad breath associated with gum disease. All you need is to add one teaspoon of mint to a glass of boiling water and allow to steep for five minutes. Strain and drink. Drinking mint tea twice daily can help cure your gum disease.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has proven to be very effective in treating many health conditions especially those related to oral hygiene. It contains acetic acid, antibacterial in nature and helps to regulate the pH levels in the mouth and fight against bacteria that cause gingivitis and gum disease. Just add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water. Stir and use as a gargle to treat gum disease. Use this twice daily for effective results.
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Tongue Scraper
Bacteria in the mouth may find the rough surface of your tongue suitable for habitation and cause gingivitis leading to gum disease. With the use of a tongue scraper, gently remove leftover food particles from the tongue to get rid of the bacteria that may cause gum disease. Do this anytime you finish eating.
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Red Wine
Red wine is rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties which may help in dealing with gum disease. A glass of red wine after a meal will help to prevent the buildup of bacteria in the mouth and hence reduce the risk of getting gingivitis. Take red wine but in a controlled manner to prevent drunkenness.
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Wasabi
Wasabi has the ability to prevent food from sticking to your teeth. This helps to regulate the buildup of bacteria in the mouth and hence prevents gum disease. Use wasabi as part of meals such as sushi for effective results.
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Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan which is a natural sugar which helps to prevent the formation of plaque on teeth and hence prevents periodontitis. Simply eat shiitake mushrooms as part of diet daily to help deal with gum disease.
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Pear
The acidic nature of pears gives it the ability to control the pH in the mouth and hence slow down bacteria growth in the mouth. Pears also contain minerals and antioxidants, which are good for teeth and gum development. Eat pears as part of meals or use it as dessert after meals.
- Raisins
Raisins contain oleanolic and other phytochemicals, which kill bacteria that cause a cavity in teeth and gums. They are also a good source of antioxidants that help in slowing down aging as a bonus advantage. Add raisins to your recipes and even your baked dishes to rip the full benefits.
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Onions
The advantage of eating onions raw come to bare when gum disease is an issue. Raw onions act as powerful antibacterial and help to kill the bacteria in the mouth that causes gum disease. Onions are also rich in vitamins and minerals, which help to ensure proper development of teeth and gum. Simply use onions for salad and eat daily or eat raw for effective treatment against gum disease.
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Co-enzyme Q10
Co-enzyme Q10 has the ability to help break down sugar in the mouth to release energy and prevent it from sticking on to teeth and gum breeding bacteria which may cause gum disease. Simply take some co-enzymes Q 10 daily to help prevent gum disease.
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Bloodroot
Bloodroot contains sanguinarine which is an alkaloid which prevents the formation of plaque on teeth and hence prevents the occurrence of gum disease. Just add a teaspoon of bloodroot powder and spearmint leaves to a cup of water and boil for ten minutes. Strain and gargle daily to prevent gum disease.
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Stevia
Stevia has antibacterial properties, which prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth and hence prevents the occurrence of periodontitis. Use stevia as a substitute for sugar in all your meals.
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White Oak Bark
White oak bark has the ability to tighten loose teeth and gums as well as improve the elasticity of gum tissues due to the presence of tannins in the oak bark. It also contains minerals such as magnesium calcium and zinc which help to strengthen the teeth and jaws. Apply white oak bark powder directly onto gums and teeth for effective results. Alternatively, add a teaspoon of white oak bark powder to a cup of boiling water and steep for five minutes. Strain and use as mouthwash daily.
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Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass has the ability to neutralize and remove toxins from the mouth and gums. It also helps in fighting gum bleeding. Mix fresh wheatgrass juice with water and use it to wash your mouth each morning.
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Licorice
Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which is a compound that is a very strong antibacterial agent. This gives licorice the ability to kill every bacteria in the mouth that may cause gingivitis an associated gum disease and helps prevent the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. It also prevents the formation of cavities on the teeth and thus protects the teeth. Simply chew a licorice root daily to prevent gum disease. Licorice candy will not work for this home remedy.
Which of these home remedies are you most likely to use? Comment below!
References
http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/gum-disease
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm
https://www.medicinenet.com/gum_disease/article.htm
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease#1
https://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-gum-disease.html
https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/natural-remedies-for-gum-infections/
https://www.naturalnews.com/047153_gingivitis_gum_disease_periodontitis.html
http://naturalsociety.com/7-home-remedies-for-gum-disease/
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/effective-home-remedies-to-treat-gum-diseases/