Gum Disease Natural Treatments & Home Remedies

What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is a common condition characterized by symptoms like persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, bleeding gums, receding gums and loose teeth. If not treated, it can advance to periodontitis and lead to further complications.

The primary cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, resulting in plaque buildup along and under the gum line. Plaque builds up when bacteria attach to the tooth and gum margins.

Factors like smoking, hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, poor nutrition, stress, certain medications, diabetes and other illnesses also contribute to the problem.

The simplest and most common way to relieve pain and discomfort from gum disease is to rinse your mouth with warm water mixed with some salt. Many more effective home remedies can be used to alleviate symptoms, treat gum disease and prevent further complications.

Gum disease, or gingivitis, is inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth and is most commonly a result of poor dental hygiene. Gingivitis is a very common condition and varies widely in severity. It is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily when teeth are brushed or flossed. Gingivitis is not the same thing as periodontitis, although sometimes a person may be affected by both.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontital disease?
While gingivitis is inflammation of the gums around the teeth, periodontal disease occurs when the bone below the gums gets inflamed or infected.

Gingivitis starts as food debris mixes with saliva and bacteria-forming plaque that sticks on the surfaces of teeth. If dental plaque and tartar aren't removed by brushing with toothpaste and flossing, it can become mineralized and form tartar, or calculus. Tartar is very hard and can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.

Both dental plaque and tartar are filled with harmful bacteria, and if they aren't removed from teeth, they will begin to irritate the gums and cause gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis will often extend from the gums to the bone and lead to periodontitis. When the underlying bone gets infected, it will start to recede away from the teeth and form deep gum pockets. These pockets collect plaque and bacteria as they are very difficult to keep clean, and more bone loss occurs. As periodontal disease progresses and more bone tissue is lost, the teeth may eventually become loose and fall out.

What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is mostly caused by improper oral hygiene which allows bacteria in plaque and calculus to remain on the teeth and infect the gums. But there are other factors that increase the risk of developing gingivitis. Some examples are the following:

Smoking or chewing tobacco prevents the gum tissue from being able to heal.
Crooked, rotated, or overlapping teeth create more areas for plaque and calculus to accumulate and are harder to keep clean.

Hormonal changes in puberty, pregnancy, and menopause typically correlate with a rise in gingivitis. The increase in hormones causes the blood vessels in the gums to be more susceptible to bacterial and chemical attack.

Stress impairs the body's immune response to bacterial invasion.
Mouth breathing can be harsh on the gums when they aren't protected by the lips, causing chronic irritation and inflammation.

Poor nutrition such as a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates and low in water intake will increase the formation of plaque. Also, a deficiency of important nutrients such as vitamin C will impair healing.
Diabetes mellitus impairs circulation and the gums ability to heal.
Medications such as antiseizure medications promote gum disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of gum disease?
A person with gingivitis will typically have red, swollen gums that bleed very easily. A bad mouth odor or taste may develop. There could be white spots or plaques on the gums. The person may develop receding gums or areas where the root of the tooth becomes uncovered by the shrinking, diseased gums. Deep pockets may develop around the teeth that trap food, plaque, and debris. If gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease, the person may lose gum tissue or bone around the teeth and the teeth may become loose or fall out. These changes can develop very slowly, or may progress rapidly in certain teeth or the entire mouth.

It is possible to have gingivitis and not notice any signs or symptoms, so regular visits to the dentist are vital in diagnosing the disease and taking steps in curing or reversing gum disease.

How is gum disease diagnosed?
The following methods and symptoms are very useful in diagnosing gum disease:

Measuring the gums: A dentist or hygienist will use a periodontal probe to measure the depths of the pockets around all of the teeth in the mouth generally once per calendar year. Healthy gums will have pockets 1 to 3 mm deep. Beyond that, the deeper the pockets, the more severe the disease.
Taking X-rays: Dental bitewing X-rays will help show the level of the underlying bone and whether any bone has been lost to periodontal disease.
Examining sensitive teeth: Teeth that have become sensitive around the gum line may indicate areas of receding gums.
Checking the gums: A dentist or hygienist will look for red, swollen, or bleeding gums.

What is the treatment for gum disease?
The goals of treatment for gingivitis are to identify and eliminate the factors that are making the person more susceptible to gum disease. Most factors can be eliminated by establishing more consistent and thorough oral hygiene habits and professional dental cleanings. If there are certain factors such as smoking or uncontrolled diabetes that are contributing to the gum disease, they need to be addressed or eliminated to have success in reversing gingivitis. After the plaque and tartar are removed by a dentist or hygienist, the patient can usually reverse gum disease by brushing and flossing after every meal and using a daily mouth rinse. These are the over-the-counter treatments that everyone should use to prevent and cure gum disease.

In cases where gingivitis has led to periodontal disease and there are deep pockets that are difficult to clean, the patient may require deep scaling and root planing to clean teeth that are surrounded by deep pockets. They may need surgical treatment to gain access to all the tooth surfaces for a thorough cleaning. This surgical procedure is called flap surgery, and can be combined with a pocket reduction surgery to make the areas around the teeth easier for the patient to clean with brushing and flossing. This procedure consists of numbing the gums, then lifting them back to clean the teeth and sometimes reshape the bone. The gums are then repositioned around the teeth so there aren't the deep pockets that existed before treatment.

Soft tissue grafts are used to cover up root surfaces that have been exposed by receding gums. This can help eliminate sensitive teeth and protect the root surfaces that are softer and more difficult to clean.

Antibiotic therapy can be combined in various ways to help treat gingivitis and periodontal disease. Chlorhexidine is an antibiotic mouthwash that can be used under direction of a dentist to help reduce the bacteria that cause gum disease. Antibiotics in the form of pellets can be placed in deep gum pockets to kill stubborn bacteria.

Home Remedies for Gum Disease:

1. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide works as a strong antibacterial agent that kills germs and fights gum disease. Plus, it helps whiten and brighten your pearly whites. Make sure you use the 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution that typically comes in brown bottles, rather than the highly concentrated version.

*Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Rinse your mouth with the solution for a few seconds, and then spit it out. Use it a few times a week until you are satisfied with the results.
*Alternatively, mix hydrogen peroxide little by little into one teaspoon of baking soda to make a paste. Put the paste on your toothbrush and gently brush it on your gums and gum line. Finally, spit it out and rinse your mouth. Use it a few times a week for a few weeks.
*You can also apply a paste of clove oil and hydrogen peroxide, leave it on for a few seconds and then spit it out. Repeat as needed.
Note:
Do not use hydrogen peroxide too often; once a day is sufficient. Do not swallow it.

2. Aloe Vera
Due to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, aloe vera has been found to be beneficial in dealing with gum disease. Being an antimicrobial, it also kills the bacteria that cause gum disease. Plus, it fights bad breath and heals mouth ulcers.

*Massage your gums with fresh aloe vera gel, leave it on for at least half an hour and then rinse it off. Repeat several times a day.
*Alternatively, swish some aloe vera juice around in your mouth a few times, and then spit it out.
*You can also drink about two teaspoons of aloe vera juice on a regular basis.
Follow any of these remedies daily for several weeks.

Note:
Drinking too much aloe vera juice can have a laxative effect.

3. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is good for fighting gum disease and infection due to its high vitamin C content. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology has associated lower intake of vitamin C with higher rates of periodontal disease.

Simply drink about four ounces, or two tablespoons, of cranberry juice daily to help prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth.

Plus, eat more vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, such as lemons, oranges, grapefruits, blueberries, grapes, strawberries, papaya, red pepper and broccoli.

4. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic technique that is excellent for oral care. It helps strengthen the teeth and gums, reduces plaque, and relieves bad breath. It is also considered good for overall health as it removes toxins.

*Swish one tablespoon of sesame oil around in your mouth and through your teeth.
*Do this for about 15 minutes or until it becomes thinner and turns milky.
*Spit it out and rinse your mouth with water.
*Repeat the process daily for about a month.

For better results, use coconut oil for oil pulling.

Note:
Do not gargle or swallow the oil.

5. Myrrh
Myrrh is good for treating gum disease and maintaining proper oral hygiene because it has antiseptic, antibacterial and astringent properties. It is often recommended by herbalists as a remedy for sore gums.

*Put 10 drops of myrrh tincture in a cup of warm water and use it as a mouth rinse. You can also add a few drops of the tincture to a salt water rinse. Repeat once or twice a day for several days.
*Alternatively, mix equal amounts of myrrh and Echinacea tinctures. Use this as a mouth rinse. Repeat daily for a few days until you get relief.

6. Tea Tree Oil
The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil help soothe irritated and inflamed gums. A study published in the Australian Dental Journal in 2008 found that topical application of a tea tree oil gel helped reduce gum bleeding and gingivitis. It did not reduce plaque though.

Simply put a few drops of tea tree oil on your toothpaste or buy toothpaste with tea tree oil in it for brushing your teeth two times a day. Use it for several weeks.

7. Sea Salt
Natural sea salt contains minerals that reduce inflammation, ease pain and draw out any infection.

Mix a small amount of sea salt in a cup of warm water until it dissolves completely.
Use it as a mouth rinse, swishing it around in your mouth for a few seconds.
Do this three times a day until your symptoms subside.

8. Tea Bags
Tea, particularly black tea, contains tannic acid that helps reduce pain and inflammation. In addition, it contains antioxidants that help fight infections.

*Steep a tea bag in hot water for 10 minutes, and then allow it to cool.
*Place the tea bag on the affected area for three to five minutes.
*Repeat a few times a day until you get relief.

9. Coconut Oil
The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil help in the natural treatment of gum disease. Combining it with baking soda will help neutralize the acids in your mouth, too.

*Mix two tablespoons each of coconut oil and baking soda.
*Use this in place of your toothpaste once or twice a week on a regular basis.

10. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea helps ease pain and inflammation associated with gum disease due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

*Add two to three teaspoons of chamomile flowers to one cup of hot water.
*Let it steep for 10 minutes.
*Strain and let it cool.
*Use this chamomile tea as a mouth rinse a few times a day until you notice improvement.
In addition to these remedies, make sure to maintain adequate oral hygiene, including daily brushing, flossing and using a mouth rinse to reduce plaque buildup on your teeth. Plus, get regular dental check-ups.

Can gum disease be reversed?
Gum disease is easily reversible starting with a professional dental cleaning and followed by consistent and thorough brushing and flossing.

Is gum disease associated with other health problems?
There have been many attempts to understand the link between gum disease and other systemic health problems such as heart disease stroke. Comparing the bacteria that cause dental plaque with the bacteria involved in heart disease suggests a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, but researchers have been unable to establish a cause and effect relationship. These types of relationships are difficult to prove or disprove, so it is fair to assume that aiming for a life free of gum disease will only help in leading a generally healthier life.

How is gum disease managed in children?
A child should start having his teeth brushed with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste beginning at 12-months old. As soon as the gaps between the teeth start to close, it is important to start flossing. At the beginning, the parents should establish a routine to brush the teeth so the child can get used to it. As soon as the child is able, the brushing and flossing should be passed over to him or her and monitored by the parent to ensure good thorough technique and consistency. A child should get regular dental visits starting at about 2 years of age. Abiding by these guidelines will effectively prevent and treat gum disease in most children.

It is common for there to be an increase in gingivitis during puberty due to the hormonal changes that occur throughout the body. Adolescents should be monitored for good oral hygiene habits and taken to the dentist regularly to treat gum disease with professional dental cleanings.

How is gum disease managed in pregnancy?
Many women who become pregnant think that they should avoid the dentist to keep their pregnancy safe, but they shouldn't miss their dental cleanings as long as they feel strong and comfortable enough. During pregnancy, women are at risk of developing pregnancy gingivitis. Because of the increase in hormones that occurs with pregnancy, the gum tissues are more susceptible to attack from bacteria and other pathogens. Pregnant women will often notice an increase in swollen, bleeding gums even if their oral hygiene has remained consistent. It may be necessary to get dental cleanings more often than usual during pregnancy to help combat this increased risk.

Can gum disease be prevented?
Gum disease is best prevented through proper plaque control. This involves brushing to remove plaque from the outer surfaces of the teeth and flossing to remove food particles and plaque from in between the teeth. Using a mouthwash after brushing and flossing can help by reducing the bacteria that cause gingivitis.

Besides these basic oral hygiene practices, there are other things that can be done to eliminate the factors that lead to an increase in gum disease:

-Sleep/stress: 
The immune system is very important in controlling disease, and getting adequate sleep and reducing stress will help the body fight gum disease, too.

-Stop smoking: 
Smokers are much more likely to develop gingivitis and periodontal disease, so avoiding tobacco should be the first thing someone does to achieve healthy gums.
Orthodontic therapy or braces: It is much easier to remove plaque from straight teeth than crowded, overlapped, and crooked teeth. Braces can make a big difference in having healthier gums.

-Diet: 
Limiting the frequency of plaque-causing sugars and carbohydrates will help limit plaque. Eating a well-balanced diet will help keep the body's immune system healthy and ready to fight infection.

Is gum disease contagious?
While most of the factors that lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease are dependent on the individual, there has been some limited scientific evidence to affirm that gingivitis and periodontitis-causing bacteria can be passed down from parents to children and between couples.