HOME REMEDIES FOR GUM DISEASE..

Gingivitis, usually known as gum disease,  is a dental issue characterized by symptoms like constant bad breath, red or swollen gums and very sensitive, sore gums that may bleed.

Credit:healthypin.com

If left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis and become a very serious issue.Poor oral hygiene, resulting in plaque buildup is the primary cause of gum disease. Other factors that can contribute to this problem, include:

• Smoking,
• Hormonal changes,
• Genetic predisposition,
• Poor nutrition,
• Stress,
• Certain medications,
• Diabetes.

Luckily, there are things you can do at home, that can help lessen your symptoms, treat gum disease and prevent further complications.

Here you can learn more about the top 10 home remedies for your gum disease:

1. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic method that is great for oral care. It has an abundance of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It  removes toxins right out of your mouth and gums and relieves bad breath.

Instructions:

• Swish one tablespoon of sesame oil 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.

2. Sea Salt

Rinsing your mouth with warm water mixed with some salt, is the simplest method for treating gum infections. The minerals present in sea salt help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Instructions:

• Dissolve a small amount of sea salt in a cup of warm water.
• Swish a sip of the solution in your mouth for few seconds and spit it out.
• Do this 2-3 times daily, preferably after brushing.

3. Tea Bags

The tannic acid in the tea bag (particularly black tea) can work effectively to reduce pain and relieve gum infection.

Instructions:

• Steep a tea bag in hot water for 10 minutes, and then allow it to cool.
• Press the tea bag on the affected area and keep it there for about 5 minutes.
• Regular application will heal your gum infection.

4. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea, with its amazing anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, reduces inflammation associated with gum disease.

Instructions:

• Add two to three teaspoons of chamomile flowers to one cup of hot water.
• Let the mixture steep for 10 minutes.
• Then, strain and let it cool.
• Gargle the tea as a mouthwash.
• For best results, repeat the process three times a day.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has strong anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Due to that, it is used to relieve pain caused by gum infection.

Instructions:

• All you have to do is to massage your gums with fresh aloe vera gel.
• Or, you can leave it on for at half an hour and then rinse it off.

Alternatively:

• You can swish some aloe vera juice around in your mouth and spit it out.
• Also, you can also drink about two teaspoons of aloe vera juice twice a day.

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

6. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties that can provide quick relief from 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.

Instructions:

• Add a drop or two of tea tree oil on your toothpaste and brush your teeth two times a day.
• Use it for several weeks.

Note: Do not swallow the oil.

7. Myrrh

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

Instructions:

• 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 several times, until you get relief.

8. Coconut Oil

Due to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil can be used to treat gum disease. Combining it with baking soda will help neutralize the acids in your mouth.

Instructions:

• 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.

9. Cranberry Juice

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is very important in the immune system function. Due to its high vitamin C content, cranberry juice is excellent for fighting gum disease and infection. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology has associated lower intake of vitamin C with higher rates of periodontal disease.

Drinking up to 4 ounces of cranberry juice daily, can help prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth.

Also, you can get your daily vitamin C intake by consuming lemons, oranges, grapefruits, blueberries, grapes, strawberries, papaya, red pepper and broccoli.

For anyone with gum disease, it is very important to maintain adequate oral hygiene, including daily brushing and using a mouth rinse to reduce plaque buildup on teeth!