What Causes Gum Disease?
One of the primary causes of gum disease is the build-up of plaque, a sticky film that coats your teeth and contains bacteria. Other factors that could contribute to the development of gum disease include:- Hormonal changes
- Medical conditions like cancer, HIV, and diabetes
- Anticonvulsant medications like Dilantin and anti-angina drugs like Procardia and Adalat
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Poor oral hygiene practices
- A family history of dental diseases
However, mild to moderate cases of gum disease can be easily managed and even reversed using a few all-natural remedies.
1. Green Tea
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of green tea
- 1 cup of hot water
What You Have To Do
- Add a teaspoon of green tea to a cup of hot water.
- Steep for 5-7 minutes and strain.
- Allow the tea to cool a bit.
- Use a straw for drinking the tea.
How Often You Should Do This
You can drink green tea two times daily.Caution: Green tea contains caffeine, which may stain your teeth in the long run. Hence, do not consume it more than two times daily.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can reduce plaque and oral bacterial growth, which can assist in the treatment of gum disease.You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide
- ½ cup of water
What You Have To Do
- Add a tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide to half a cup of water.
- Mix well and use the solution to rinse your mouth for a few seconds.
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this once daily, preferably right after brushing your teeth.3. Warm Salt Water
Rinsing your mouth with salt water is an effective way to treat gum disease as it can help reduce plaque and bacterial growth in the mouth.You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of table salt
- 1 cup of warm water
What You Have To Do
- Dissolve a teaspoon of table salt in a cup of warm water.
- Mix well and use the mixture to rinse your mouth.
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this 2-3 times daily.4. Baking Soda
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) exhibits bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Hence, it can also help in the treatment of gum disease.You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 cup of water
What You Have To Do
- Add a teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of water.
- Mix well and use it as a mouth rinse daily.
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this 1-2 times daily.5. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling with coconut and sesame oils can be used to treat gum disease as it can help in reducing plaque build-up and inhibiting oral bacterial growth.You Will Need
1 tablespoon of coconut or sesame oilWhat You Have To Do
- Swish a tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for 10-15 minutes.
- Spit the oil and carry on with your usual oral routine.
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this once daily, preferably every morning before brushing your teeth.6. Aloe Vera
You Will Need
- An aloe vera leaf
- Water (optional)
What You Have To Do
- Extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf.
- Whisk it a little with a fork.
- Apply the gel to the periodontal pockets or inflamed gums.
- Leave it on for 5-10 minutes and rinse it off with water.
- You may also blend the aloe gel with water and use it as a mouth rinse.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this 1-2 times daily.7. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice exhibits inhibiting effects on periodontal bacteria and can thus help in the treatment and management of gum disease.You Will Need
½ – 1 cup of unsweetened cranberry juiceWhat You Have To Do
- Consume half to one cup of unsweetened cranberry juice.
- You may also use unsweetened cranberry juice to rinse your mouth for a few seconds.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this once daily.8. Guava Leaves
Guava leaves display antibacterial activities against oral bacteria and also help in the reduction of plaque . These properties can help in improving the symptoms of gum disease.You Will Need
1-2 guava leavesWhat You Have To Do
- Cut the guava leaves into small pieces.
- Chew on them for 30-60 seconds and spit it out.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this 1-2 times daily.These remedies can help you manage gum disease to a great extent. However, not all of them are safe for kids as there is a risk of swallowing.
Listed below are some easy tips that can help in managing gum disease in children and adults alike.
How Can Gum Disease Be Managed?
- Help your little one start brushing their teeth from the age of 1 year.
- Brush and floss your teeth daily.
- Visit a dentist regularly (every few months).
- Limit the intake of starchy and sugary foods.
- Brush your teeth after every meal if possible.
- Adults can also quit smoking and using tobacco products.
What Foods Are Good For Gum Disease?
The foods you eat can affect your periodontal health in more ways than you can imagine.A diet that is low in carbohydrates and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin D, and fiber can help reduce inflammation of the gums and prevent worsening of gum disease.
Hence, you may consider consuming:
- Omega-3 rich foods: Fatty fish, nuts, and chia seeds.
- Vitamin C-rich foods: Citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables.
- Vitamin D-rich foods: Fish, eggs, and cheese.
- Fiber-rich foods: Whole grains, berries, broccoli, carrots, sweetcorn, peas, pulses, and potatoes.
Try out the above remedies along with the diet and management tips and let us know how it worked for you.
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