You want a bright smile and healthy gums, but the cost of dental treatments can be overwhelming. Receding gums and gum disease are serious dental issues that require professional care to resolve—or do they? There are natural remedies you can try at home to strengthen your gums and improve your oral health before paying for expensive procedures. In just a few months, you can see noticeable changes and a reversal of early gum disease using simple methods with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Take control of your oral health and heal your gums at home. The solutions may surprise you.
ARTICLE OUTLINES:
What to expect in this post;
➔ Understanding Gum Disease and Its Causes
➔ Other Contributing Factors Gum Disease
➔ Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease You
Should Know
➔ 5 Natural Remedies to Treat Gum Disease
at Home
➔ Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Further Gum Damage
➔ When to See a Dentist for Gum Disease Treatment
Understanding Gum Disease and Its Causes
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is typically caused by poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque to build up on the teeth and gums.
❖ Plaque Buildup
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. When not properly removed by brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar. Tartar irritates the gums,
causing inflammation and infection that can damage tissue and bone.
❖ Bacterial Infection
The
bacteria in plaque release toxins that attack the tissues and bones that
support the teeth. This causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming
pockets that trap more bacteria. As the infection progresses, the pockets
deepen, and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. This can eventually lead to
tooth loss if left untreated.
Other Contributing Factors Gum
Disease
While
poor oral care is the primary cause of gum disease, other factors can increase
your risk or worsen existing gum disease:
● Smoking or chewing
tobacco inhibits healing and promotes infection.
● Diabetes reduces
immunity and healing. High blood sugar provides more food for bacteria.
● Clenching or
grinding teeth can damage gums and the bone that supports teeth.
● Genetics plays a
role in gum disease susceptibility. Some people are more prone to inflammation
and infection.
● Stress and other health
issues can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infection
and slowing the healing process.
The key
to overcoming and preventing receding gums and gum disease is removing built-up
plaque through proper brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings.
You should also eliminate or reduce other risk factors when possible. By
understanding the causes of gum disease and taking action, you can improve your
oral health and overall wellness.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease You Should Know
As gum disease
progresses, you may notice some of the following signs and symptoms:
➔ Bleeding Gums
One of
the early signs of gum disease is gum that bleed when you brush or floss your
teeth. Healthy gums do not typically bleed. Bleeding gums indicate inflammation
and irritation in the gums.
➔ Bad Breath
Gum
disease can lead to persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. As the
disease advances, the infections in the gums and bones can release
foul-smelling gasses.
➔ Loose or Separating Teeth
Teeth
that become loose, fall out, or separate from each other are a sign of advanced
gum disease. The infections destroy the bone and soft tissue that anchor teeth
in place.
➔ Swollen, Red or Tender Gums
Gums
that are swollen, red, or tender may signal gum disease. Healthy gums are
normally pink and firm, not swollen, and they do not hurt.
➔ Receding Gums
Gums
that have pulled away from the teeth may indicate gum disease. Healthy gums hug
the teeth tightly. Receding gums expose more of the tooth and the tooth’s root.
Changes in the Way Your Teeth Fit Together
You may
notice changes in the way your upper and lower teeth meet when you bite down if
you have gum disease. This can indicate bone loss from the infection.
By recognizing the signs of gum disease early, you have the best chance
of reversing the damage and curing the infection without invasive treatments.
Make an appointment with your dentist right away if you notice any of these
symptoms. They can examine your gums and determine the best course of treatment
to get your oral health back on track.
5 Natural Remedies to Treat Gum Disease at Home
To treat
receding gums and gum disease at home, there are several natural remedies you
can try. These methods focus on reducing inflammation, killing bacteria, and
remineralizing teeth. They are gentle, affordable alternatives to dental
procedures.
★ Oil pulling
Oil
pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that helps reduce plaque and
inflammation in the gums. Swish one tablespoon of coconut, sesame, or sunflower
oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes each day. The oil helps pull toxins from
your gums and teeth. Spit out the oil when finished, and rinse your mouth with
warm water. Oil pulling is a simple, natural way to improve gum health and oral
hygiene.
★ Aloe vera
The
healing properties of aloe vera gel can help soothe inflamed gums and reduce
bacteria in the mouth. Apply the gel directly to your gums and any areas of
recession. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with water. The
aloe vera will help reduce redness and irritation while killing harmful
bacteria. Repeat this a few times per week until you notice improvement.
★ Green tea
Green
tea contains catechins, which help reduce inflammation in the gums. Brew a cup
of organic green tea, let it cool, and use it as mouthwash. Swish the green tea
in your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then spit it out. The catechins in
green tea will help reduce inflammation in the gums and promote healing. Use
green tea as a mouthwash a few times per week.
★ Turmeric
Turmeric
has curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory effects. Mix one
teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little water to make a paste. Gently rub the
paste onto your gums with your finger, or use a soft bristled toothbrush. Let
it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. Turmeric helps
reduce inflammation and irritation in the gums. Use it a few times per week
until you see improvement.
In
summary, natural remedies like oil pulling, aloe vera, green tea, and turmeric
can help reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and promote healing of the gums.
When used consistently over time,
these gentle methods may help reverse gum disease and recession without
the need for dental procedures. However, for severe gum disease, it is best to
consult your dentist.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Further Gum Damage
To
prevent further damage to your gums and support their healing process, making
certain lifestyle changes is imperative.
➢ Improve Your Oral Hygiene
Improving
your daily oral hygiene routine is one of the most impactful changes you can
make. Brush your teeth at least twice per day with a soft bristled brush and
fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to your gumline. Floss between
all teeth daily to remove plaque and food particles. Use an antiseptic
mouthwash to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. See your dentist regularly
for professional cleanings and oral exams.
➢ Quit Smoking
Smoking
is extremely harmful to your oral and overall health. The chemicals in
cigarettes can damage your gums and slow down healing. Quitting smoking will
improve blood flow to your gums, increasing the delivery of oxygen and
nutrients necessary for tissue regeneration and repair. Talk to your doctor
about methods to stop smoking for good.
➢ Manage Stress
Stress
and anxiety can negatively impact your health in many ways, including
exacerbating gum disease and slowing the healing process. Engage in relaxing
activities like yoga or meditation. Spend time with loved ones. Get enough
sleep every night to allow your body and mind to rest. If needed, speaking to a
therapist can help you develop skills and coping mechanisms for managing stress
in a healthy manner.
➢ Eat a Healthy Diet
A
balanced diet low in sugar and high in nutrients is essential for combating gum
disease and promoting gum health. Focus on whole foods like fruits and
vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated by
drinking plenty of water which helps keep your mouth moist and washes away
bacteria. Limit sugary and starchy foods that feed the bacteria in your mouth.
Making
meaningful lifestyle changes and committing to your oral health can help heal
your gums and prevent further damage. Be patient and consistent, as it can take
time for inflamed and damaged tissues to recover. With diligent daily care and
the support of your dentist, you can overcome gum disease and maintain a
healthy smile for life.
When to See a Dentist for Gum Disease Treatment
While
many cases of gum disease can be treated at home, some situations require
professional dental care. See your dentist right away if you experience the
following symptoms:
★ Loose or shifting teeth
Teeth
that become loose, fall out, or shift position in the mouth can indicate severe
bone loss from gum disease. Your dentist may need to extract teeth or perform
procedures to prevent further damage.
★ Pain, swelling, or bleeding
If your
gums are painful, swollen, or bleeding excessively, it could signify an
infection that requires antibiotic treatment. Your dentist can diagnose the
issue, clean the area, and prescribe medication to clear the infection.
★ Difficulty chewing or swallowing
When gum disease
progresses, it can cause teeth to loosen or fall out, making it difficult to
chew food properly. It may also lead to sore spots in the mouth that hurt when
eating or swallowing. See your dentist for an exam and to discuss treatment
options to correct the problem.
Diabetes diagnosis
If you
have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, see your dentist for a gum disease
screening. High blood sugar levels can accelerate the progression of gum
disease and complicate treatment. Your dentist and physician should work
together closely to get your oral health and diabetes under control.
While
home remedies and excellent oral care can help reverse early stages of gum
disease, some situations require professional dental treatment. Do not delay in
contacting your dentist if you notice warning signs that the disease may be
advancing. They can stop the progression, restore your oral health, and even
save natural teeth that might otherwise be lost.
Conclusion
To sum
up, you have the power to heal receding gums and cure gum disease right at
home. By quitting smoking, reducing stress, brushing your teeth twice a day,
flossing daily, using a fluoride mouthwash, and oil pulling with coconut oil,
you can reverse gum disease and regrow healthy gums without expensive and
invasive dental procedures. Make these simple lifestyle changes
and oral care habits part of your daily routine. Stay committed to your
gum health and visit your dentist regularly for checkups. Your gums will thank
you, and you’ll avoid losing your teeth and the complications associated with
untreated periodontitis. Take control of your oral health – your smile and
overall wellness depend on it.
