You may have the pearliest teeth sans cavities, but that doesn’t mean your gums are immune to diseases. In our pursuit to whiter, brighter and straighter teeth, we totally ignore the health of our gums.
Unhealthy gums cause gum diseases. A plaque builds up along and under the gum line. This bacteria-filled substance can harm the gum and the bone, leading to tooth decay and gum diseases. The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis.
In gingivitis, the bone and tissue that hold the teeth in its place are not infected. So, the damage can be easily reversed. However, if the infection is not treated, it can progress to infect the bone and tissue, leading to periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease.
Signs That You Have a Gum Disease
According to theAmerican Dental Association (ADA), these are the signs that indicate you have a gum disease:
- Bad taste or breath
- Big gaps in teeth
- Gum bleeding
- Swollen, tender or red gums
- Receding gums
Conventional Treatments for Periodontal Diseases
These are the traditional treatments used to treat periodontal diseases:
- Scaling (professional deep cleaning) and root planning
- Prescribed antibacterial mouthwash and antibiotic medication
- Flap surgery, a surgical procedure to access the roots, and possibly bone and tissue grafts
How to Cure Gum Diseases Naturally
There are a number of natural remedies that can keep your gums in check. If these natural remedies are incorporated in your oral hygiene routine that includes brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, you are less likely to suffer from severe gum diseases.
6 Natural Ways of Keeping Your Gums Healthy
1. Oil pulling
Oil pulling is known to reduce plaque in people suffering from gingivitis. It is also known to prevent the Streptococcus mutantbacteria from damaging tooth enamel.
Here’s how you can try oil pulling:
- Take a tablespoon of high-quality coconut oil in your mouth and swish it for 20 minutes.
- Then, spit the oil out.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Then, brush your teeth.
2. Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oilis anti-inflammatory in nature. It is a potential germicide and helps to treat receding gums. It also stimulates the growth of new gum tissue. Apply it on the gums to reduce inflammation.
3. Salt
Salt effectively kills pathogens in your mouth. A salt water rinse can soothe your inflamed gums too.
Here’s how you can rinse your mouth with salt water
- Mix 1 tsp. of salt to 1 cup of warm water.
- Rinse your mouth for 30 seconds.
- Don’t swallow. Just spit it out.
- Repeat it 2 to 3 times a day.
4. Green tea
Drinking green tea can ward off gum diseases. Drinking one to two cups of green tea a day promotes healthy teeth and gums.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acid scan improve gum-to-tooth attachment. Take it for 12 weeks to reduce the severity of gum inflammation.
6. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide combined with water can be an effective mouthwash. It may help treat inflamed gums.
Here’s how you can use hydrogen peroxide for receding gums:
- Mix 1/4 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1/4 cup of water. Use this mixture to rinse your mouth.
- Swish the solution in and around your mouth for 30 seconds.
- Spit the rinse out.
- Repeat two to three times a week.
Final Thoughts…
Gum diseases are relatively common. However, it is always better to treat gum diseases before they destroy your gums. These natural remedies and your good oral habits can help you take control of your oral health.
Authors Bio:
Emily Taylor found the perfect fit for herself as the Online Marketing Manager at Thurman Orthodontics in Fresno CA as she believes that a great smile does more than just make a person look great – it makes them feel great as well. The power of a smile has always been a mystery to Emily and she loves researching and writing about it. She loves to write about everything to do with a healthy bite and a beautiful smile – whether is it ways to achieve it or the importance of it in the various aspects of life. What brings a big smile on Emily’s face is her family and surfing. She also likes to bake and her children and co-workers call her the cookie fairy!