Most cases of gum diseases usually start with the occurrence of plaque, a bacterial sticky substance that forms on the surface of the teeth.
When the saliva comes in contact with certain ingredients in the foods consumed by the concerned individual. With time, the plaque would harden and become potential breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, giving rise to a series of other dental issues, including periodontal disease.
Usually a condition that attacks the gums and the bones surrounding the teeth, periodontal disease can become a major concern with time. If left untreated, it can cause inflammation of the gums, jaw bone deterioration, immune system deficiency, diabetes, pregnancy related disorders (in women), stroke and heart disease etc.
Excellent Home Remedies for Periodontal Disease
Although periodontal disease would need to be treated as soon as possible, there are certain home remedies that can offer relief from the symptoms of the condition and curb its effects until the concerned individual is able to get proper medical help. Here are some of the most commonly used home remedies for periodontal disease.
Increased Vitamin C and D Intake
The symptoms and effects of periodontal disease can be effectively thwarted by making some necessary inclusions to the daily diet. Some of the necessary inclusions (or) increments include foods like oranges, lemons, mango, grapes and other citrus fruits that contain Vitamin C (which contains antioxidants that aid in bone regeneration and the growth of connective tissue) and foods like whole eggs, fish liver oil, cod liver oil and salmon which contain Vitamin D (which contains anti-inflammatory properties that help get rid of gum related infections and diseases).
Drinking raw cranberry juice (without sugar) everyday can help remove the bacteria present in the plaque deposits and prevent recurrences as well. Two glasses of cranberry juice a day is recommended for all kinds of gum diseases, including periodontal disease.
Proper Brushing Mechanism
Many individuals fail to brush their teeth properly and this tends to be a major cause for all kinds of dental problems. Improper brushing will fail to remove tartar deposits and therefore, fail to protect the teeth against gum diseases (periodontal disease in this case).
The proper brushing mechanism involves brushing back and forth rapidly right at the gumline where the tartar deposits are located. Instead of asserting pressure on the brush (would cause bleeding), the individual needs to move his/her brush rapidly across the gum line to remove the deposits. If manual brushing fails to yield positive results, it is considered wise to get an electric brush (preferably a ‘sonic’ one with soft bristles) that would effectively remove plaque deposits from the teeth, thereby treating periodontal disease effectively.
Home Made Toothpastes
Homemade toothpastes can effectively help remove plaque deposits from the teeth and take care of other dental issues that could lead to periodontal disease. Some of the more commonly used pastes include:
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil contains potent antibiotic and antiseptic properties that help to get rid of the plaque causing bacteria and reduce related infections to a great extent.
Adding a drop of tea tree oil to the regular paste would do the trick. Care must be taken as to not add to much oil as it could cause irritation.
Baking Soda
Baking Soda is a common constituent in many kinds of toothpastes. In addition to cleaning the teeth and getting rid of bacteria effectively, the ingredient can contribute to mouth freshness. Applying some baking powder onto a damp toothbrush and brushing the teeth with it twice a day can provide fruitful results quickly.
Turmeric Powder
Turmeric Powder is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. When used as toothpaste, turmeric can create an unfavorable environment for the bacteria to grow or survive in. This in turn can effectively treat/control periodontal disease.
Mixing some turmeric powder with water to form a paste and brushing with it twice a day can provide immense relief from periodontal disease and prevent recurrences.
Flossing Mechanism
Individuals with periodontal disease would need to floss regularly in order to control the condition and its symptoms. Those who face difficulties with standard flossing techniques (using the thread) can use tooth picks, water-piks or stimudents to clean the areas in between their teeth. Flossing is one of the best home remedies to treat periodontal disease and its symptoms.
Home Made Mouth Rinses
Opting for a regular mouth rinse can get rid of excess bacteria from the mouth and provide freshness for extended periods. In the absence of standard mouth rinses, an individual can opt for certain homemade rinses that are equally effective in keeping the mouth free of bacteria and other harmful organisms that could cause periodontal disease or aggravate an existing condition.
Some of the most common homemade mouth rinses for periodontal disease include:
Salt Water Rinses
Salt Water Rinses which are made by mixing a tablespoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water. Rinsing with this solution twice a day, especially after brushing can effectively reduce the inflammation caused by periodontal disease in addition to flushing out the bacteria from the abscesses.
Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide Rinses
Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide Rinses which are made by mixing Hydrogen Peroxide and water in the ration 1:2. Rinsing with this solution at least once every day would effectively eradicate the infection causing bacteria in the mouth and provide relief from the symptoms of periodontal disease.
Massaging the Gums
Massaging the gums regularly (on a daily basis in fact) can help remove bacteria from the abscesses and promote quick healing of the infected gums by increasing the blood circulation to the affected areas.
A soft toothbrush can be used to gently massage the gums at least twice every day. Alternatively, an individual can use his/her fingers to gently rub the guns for better results.
Kitchen Counter Remedies to Reduce Infection/Inflammation
Tea Bags
Used tea bags contain an ingredient called tannic acid that is considered extremely effective in treating periodontal disease and reducing the infection/inflammation related to the condition.
Placing a used tea bag (steeped and cooled) on the infected gum for about 10 minutes at regular intervals throughout the day can help reduce pain and inflammation to a great extent.
Honey
Honey contains potent anti-bacterial properties that help get rid of the bacteria causing the infection in the gums. It also contains antiseptic properties that promote quick healing of the infected area. Applying some honey over the infected gums after brushing can have beneficial effects for individuals suffering from periodontal disease.
Aloe Vera
Applying some aloe vera gel over the infected gums can help soothe the inflammation and promote quick healing. A small amount of aloe vera gel would do although it should be 100% natural for best results.
Lemon
Applying a paste of lemon juice (which contains anti-inflammatory properties) and salt over the infected gums can effectively fight off periodontal disease by getting rid of the underlying infection. The paste may sting a bit at first and can be rinsed out with cold water after about 10 minutes.
Other Useful Home Remedies
In addition to all these home remedies, there are a few lifestyle changes that if adopted, can increase an individual’s chances of fighting off the condition effectively in addition to preventing recurrences. These include stress reduction, proper diabetes control and restricted smoking, factors which if not controlled, can directly contribute to periodontal disease in individuals.
