Natural Cures for Gum Disease

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with gingivitis you’re not alone, gum disease is very common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that over 47% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease (1). Like many, you may be wondering if there are any natural cures for gum disease.

The good news is that gingivitis is curable and periodontitis can be controlled and prevented from getting worse. You can heal your gums naturally with simple home remedies that disrupt bacteria which cause gum disease.

Find the most effective natural cures for gum disease below. 

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The Best Natural Cures for Gum Disease

Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky bacterial biofilm that accumulates on the teeth and along the gumline all day long. So, naturally, the most effective way to cure gum disease is by removing the cause – this can be done by disrupting the accumulation of plaque manually each day with good oral hygiene.  

To achieve oral hygiene that is first class, you can:

Brush the Teeth Twice a Day

To effectively disrupt the plaque and control levels of bacteria, thus preventing the initiation and progression of gum disease, dental experts worldwide recommend you brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush for 2 minutes twice a day. The consensus is that toothpaste containing fluoride is used to prevent dental caries and you avoid rinsing the mouth with water or mouthwash after brushing.

Clean the Interdental Spaces

Plaque and food debris can get trapped between the teeth and under the gumline. It’s difficult for the toothbrush to access these surfaces so you can clean these areas with

  • A single tufted toothbrush
  • Interdental brushes
  • Dental Floss

Clean the Periodontal Pockets

If your gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, advanced gum disease it’s important to disrupt bacteria from along the gum line and within the deep periodontal pockets. You can disrupt bacteria within periodontal pockets using the revolutionary gum pocket brush.

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Modifying Lifestyle Choices Is A Natural Way To Help Heal Gum Disease

Whilst plaque is the trigger for gum disease, some lifestyle choices can make you more vulnerable to gum disease. Eliminating these risk factors is another way you can help cure or stop the progression naturally. 

Stop Smoking – cigarettes, vaping and tobacco put you at a higher risk of developing gum disease and, it can be more severe and harder to treat in comparison with non-smokers.  This is because smoking

  • reduces blood flow to the gums and masks the early signs of gum disease 
  • reduces the body’s ability to fight the build-up of bacteria 
  • creates “thicker” saliva which is less effective at washing bacteria away

Control Diabetes – there is a strong link between uncontrolled blood sugars and gum disease.

Medicines used to treat diabetes can prevent the salivary glands from producing normal amounts of saliva and high blood glucose levels can lead to sugary saliva.

These changes in saliva 

  • Cause the mouth becomes dry and more hospitable for bacteria to grow
  • Prevent food debris and bacteria from being washed away 
  • Prevents the dilution of acids and endotoxins produced by the bacteria 
  • Make the mouth a more sugary place for the bacteria to thrive. Bacteria feed on sugars and higher plaque levels can be the result

Reduce Sugar Intake – reducing the number of times a day you consume sugary drinks and foods can be beneficial to the gums. Bacteria thrive on sugar, by limiting sugars you limit bacterial growth and help the gums to help your gums to heal and recover.

Drink Water – Drinking water is good for your gums as it keeps your mouth clean! It can help stop plaque buildup and wash away bacteria. 

Reduce Stress – Stress can make it harder to look after yourself, cleaning the teeth properly is often neglected and you may be more likely to engage in activities that can lead to gum diseases (smoking and poor dietary choices).  

There are a few things that can help you reduce stress and help your gums recover naturally. These are

  • Take a 20-minute stroll around the block or take part in some regular exercise 
  • Follow a healthy diet
  • Minimize phone use and screen time
  • Yoga or meditation
  • Reduce your caffeine intake
  • Spend time with friends and family
  • Create boundaries and learn to say no

Other Natural Remedies & Treatments for Gingivitis

Whilst there’s no conclusive scientific evidence, some people believe that natural remedies can reduce inflammation or stop bacteria from adhering to the gums and teeth. Suggested natural remedies include

Spices and herbs such as those listed below are used to make the remedies

  • Turmeric
  • Myrrh
  • Neem
  • Echinacea 
  • Goldenseal 
  • Peppermint
  • Propolis
  • Plantain
  • Prickly Ash Bark
  • White Oak Bark

However, gum disease is caused by plaque bacteria, a sticky film on the teeth and along the gum line. The only way to remove this is by manually brushing it away twice a day. 

In Summary

Whilst there are lots of natural remedies for gum disease touted on various websites, the most effective natural cure is developing and maintaining good oral hygiene. There is no quick fix, however, disrupting the sticky biofilm and plaque bacteria manually each day is extremely effective. 

Find out more about beating gum disease at home with our myth-busting guide.

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Sources

  1. Periodontal Disease | Oral Health Conditions
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Written by Sharon Fyles

Periodontitis Expert & Writer

Sharon Fyles, BSc (Hons, SW), MSc, Dip,  is a Manchester-based expert dental writer specialising in periodontal diseases and their treatment.

 

Medically Reviewed and Verified by Dr. Gareth Edwards BDS (Hons), MFDS (RCPS Glasgow)

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