Periodontal disease, or better known as gum problems, is an infection that revolves around the gums and its surrounding structures, such as the bone that supports the teeth and the tissues. Left untreated, it may lead to a very serious condition that could prompt falling out of the teeth.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease basically precipitates from the build-up of plaques, an inconspicuous pasty germ layer that forms normally on the teeth and gums. It is comprised of toxins emitting bacteria that destroys and irritate the gums. That is why the longer they stays on the teeth, the more harmful they are to the mouth’s health status because this can lead to gingivitis, a mild form of dental problem that can be treated though constant and everyday flossing, brushing and cleaning of the teeth by a dental hygienist. If, however, gingivitis is left untreated it will lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum problem in which the gums draw away from the teeth resulting to gaps that could become infected. The body natural response is to fight the bacteria as the plaques continues to disseminate and develop below the lines of the gums. As a result, the toxins of the bacteria and the natural response of the body to fight the infection will start to make the connective tissue and the bone that supports the teeth brittle thus damaging it to a point that the teeth will end up loose and extraction will be eventually necessary.

Symptoms of disease of the gums includes persistent bad breath (halitosis), swollen or reddened gums that is tender and bleeds from time to time, sensitive and loose teeth, drawing back of the gums making the teeth appear longer and the presence of painful chewing. Again, multiple types of bacteria resides in the mouth and so the battle of warding off plaques and tartar will always be a constant challenge. Gum problems can be an awful and troubling experience. But luckily, like most of the diseases that ever existed, natural remedies can also be utilized to prevent its occurrence or to treat the problem during the early stage of the disease.

Here are some natural remedies that actually work:

• Baking Soda

  Baking soda has an antibacterial effect and so it is beneficial for treating gum problems too. It kills bacteria and discourages further growth of harmful microorganisms. It is also an alkali which helps neutralize the acidic pH of the mouth with gum problems. Just combine a teaspoon of baking soda plus drops of water to make a paste then lather it on your gums just below the teeth. After a few weeks there will be an evident result.

• Cranberries

  Cranberries are natural remedies for gum problems too because laboratory studies found out that it deliberately destroys bacteria and viruses in the mouth. It aids in halting destructible bacteria from adhering to the teeth just below the gums, the main problem of the development of gum problems.

  A daily dose of 16 oz of premium quality cranberries minus the sugar content is essential in halting bacteria build-up. It is safe to say that it should be pure cranberry juice and not the cocktail mixes.

• Coenzyme Q10

  Coenzyme Q10 is a compound found naturally in the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell. Research shows that individual with low CoQ10 in their system is more prone to acquiring periodontal disease of all sorts. CoQ10 contains properties that contribute faster healing and repair of tissues and CoQ10 supplements are very much essential to individuals with related gum problems.

  A daily dose of 50 to 75 mg of CoQ10 can help in stopping the worsening of the gums and permits healing process to set in.

• Honey

  Ironic as it is but yes, honey is an efficient natural cure for gum disease. Research have elucidated that honey contains anti-microbial property that aids in warding off problems of the gums. Although, not all honey has equal compositions, as research has discovered, and the difference can be a hundred fold, Manuka honey from New Zealand is proven to be the most appropriate honey to use in treating gum diseases.

  Running the honey along your gums or diluting it with water and using it as a mouthwash are some of the several ways where it can be utilized for the treatment of gum problems. Honey does not just control dental plaque but it also decreases the acid production that stops bacteria from emitting dextran, the main element why plaques adhere on the teeth obstinately.

• Sea Salt

  Sea salt, or even the simple table salt, contains a potent antibacterial component and it is considered to be an old treatment for gum-associated disease. Many people could attest to have been cured from their minor gum issues such as oral thrush, gum boils and more by simply gargling warm water with salt a couple of times a day. The salt and the warm fluid aids in pulling away water from the tissues of the gums thus reducing the swelling, relieving the pain and killing the bacteria that harm the gums. It acts as an irrigating solution that flushes and delivers abrupt destruction to the bacteria that lodges on the gum lines and periodontal sacs. A mixture of ¼ glass of water and 1 or 2 teaspoons of sea salt to make a mouthwash guarantees a big difference to your mouth problems. However, if you are strictly on a no salt intake then try using baking soda as a replacement.

• Tea

  Green tea contains an anti-oxidant called catechin that is why it has the ability to decrease the symptoms of gum diseases. Studies elucidate evidence of reduction of inflammation response of the body to periodontal infections due to the anti-oxidant component of green tea. And so it is believed to be very effective in warding off and treating dental problems.

  Consumption of tea in a regular basis can decrease the chances of developing dental problems especially gum inflammation and a cup a day will make a difference in your periodontal health.

• Tea Tree Oil

  Tea tree oil contains an efficient antibiotic property that aids in healing gum infections and killing harmful bacteria and fungus. It is used in treating halitosis because of its antiseptic characteristic too.

  To use it, apply a drop of tea tree oil on your favourite brand of toothpaste every time you brush your teeth. Never use more than one drop and wait for around 15 minutes before eating or drinking something. The tea tree oil produces a numbing effect and the strong paste will disperse within a few minutes.

Sources
ehow.com
benefits-of-honey.com
umm.edu
lef.org
blog.therabreath.com