You can usually cure early gum disease without a dentist using tea tree oil, green tea, aloe vera, salt water rinse, and other home remedies.
Making healthy lifestyle changes like quitting smoking can also help. Since dental care is expensive, learning how to cure gum disease without a dentist is a great way to save money and time.
We will discuss the home remedies below.
But first, what causes gum disease, and how do you know that’s what you’re suffering from?
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a common oral health condition that affects the gums. If not treated promptly, gum disease can lead to tooth loss by damaging the tissue around the teeth.
Gum disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque, which accumulates over time on the teeth and gums due to poor oral hygiene. The bacteria inflame the gums, leading to pain, swelling, redness, and bleeding.
If not quickly treated, accumulated plaque can harden into tartar, which requires dental cleaning to remove. To avoid all that, good oral hygiene is your first line of defense against periodontal disease.
Although plaque is the primary cause of gum disease, other factors may contribute to it, including:
- Medications that cause abnormal growth of gum tissue or reduce saliva flow
- Family history of periodontal disease
- Cancer, diabetes, and HIV
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Hormonal changes
- Immunodeficiency
- Tobacco
Symptoms of Gum Disease
The symptoms of gum disease include pain, redness, swelling of the gums, and bleeding after brushing.
However, during the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis), there may be no clear-cut sign. At this point, the gums become tender and puffier, but you may not experience pain yet.
The severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) characterized by damaged, bleeding or swollen gums is hard to miss. Periodontitis occurs when the infection spreads beneath the gum line, damaging the tissue and teeth.
Self-Care Tips for Gum Disease
Maintaining good oral hygiene is the first step against gum disease. By brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each, you ensure you thoroughly eliminate plaque on the teeth before it accumulates and becomes an issue.
Use a soft-bristled brush and move it in cycles. Ensure that the brush reaches the gum line without hurting it.
Notwithstanding, some plaque build-up may hide between two teeth, unreachable by the brush’s bristles. This is why regular flossing is essential. Flossing helps remove plaque in hard-to-reach areas.
Even when you’re already facing gum issues, brush and floss regularly. Eliminating the bacteria can help prevent further damage.
Additionally, make antiseptic mouthwash a part of your self-care routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Natural Remedies for Gum Disease
Tea Tree Oil for Gum Disease
Tea tree oil is one of the most effective home remedies for gum disease. Its antibacterial properties can kill the bacteria in your mouth and stop the inflammation dead in its tracks.
To use tea tree oil, dilute a little in a carrier oil like coconut oil. This dilution will help prevent irritation. Then, use your fingertip to massage the oil onto your gums.
Aloe Vera
One of the best treatments for gum disease without visiting the dentist is to use aloe vera.
Its rich antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a powerful remedy. Because of its efficacy, some toothpaste companies now add it to their products.
Research has shown aloe vera to be as powerful for oral care as commercial toothpaste products.
You can buy 100% pure aloe vera over the counter or extract the gel from a fresh aloe vera leaf. Massage the gel directly into the infected gum for about two minutes. Then rinse your mouth with water.
Repeat a few times a day or as your dentist recommends.
Green Tea
Another way to treat gum disease without surgery is to drink green tea. According to research, green tea promotes oral health. Rich in antioxidants, it can help fight off inflammation around the gums.
Green tea also contains a substance known as polyphenol, which hinders bacterial growth.
So, a cup of green tea in the morning and evening can do a world of good to not just your weight and brain but your oral health as well.
For maximum effect, add honey to your green tea. Honey has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, too.
Saltwater Rinse for Gum Disease
You can treat gum disease at home without a dentist by using a salt solution. Salt creates an environment unconducive for bacterial growth.
And since saltwater is hygroscopic, it helps draw out the fluid from the gums to reduce swelling. This ultimately aids the healing process.
Even when you don’t yet have gum issues, rinsing your mouth with salt water occasionally can help hinder the growth of bacteria that contribute to gum disease.
An effortless way to give your oral health a boost.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide kills various forms of bacteria and viruses and, as such, is effective in the treatment of gum disease.
But this chemical is pretty harsh, so you don’t want to go all in. Make sure to dilute it properly. Swishing with diluted hydrogen peroxide can help remove the bacteria that cause gum disease.
A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is obtainable over-the-counter. Dilute it with 50% water.
Lemongrass Rinse
A tiny amount of lemongrass oil in water can effectively reduce bacterial plaque. Just be careful, though, as lemongrass can irritate.
Usually, 2-3 drops mixed in a glass of water will suffice. Swish the mixture in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out. If you experience no irritation, you can increase it to 2 or more glasses daily.
Oil Pulling
Swishing oil in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes is a fantastic gum disease treatment. As you swish, the oil pulls toxins, debris, and plaque from the teeth and gums. This is known as oil pulling.
Additionally, oil pulling can reduce gum inflammation and improve overall oral health.
Coconut oil, sunflower oil, and sesame oil are suitable as they’re rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties.
Sage Mouthwash
Not all mouthwashes are created equal. It would be best to speak with your dentist for recommendations.
That said, sage mouthwashes are typically a good option because they are designed to fight oral bacteria and plaque.
To create a homemade sage mouthwash, mix a few spoons of dried sage in boiling water, then wash your mouth with it when the water has cooled.
Healthy Diet for Gum Disease
Vitamin C deficiency can result in gum disease. So, you want to consume fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C and antioxidants to reverse the condition. These nutrients can help promote gum health and prevent further inflammation.
Omega-3 fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory properties and can help prevent gum disease.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Note that a sugary mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. So, if excessive snacking has always been your lifestyle, it may be time to cut it down.
Drinking water throughout the day can help flush tiny food particles and bacteria in the mouth. Water also aids saliva production, which can help neutralize acids and create an unconducive environment for bacteria.
If you smoke, one of the best steps you can take for your gum issues is to quit smoking. Not only does tobacco contribute to gum disease, but it can also inhibit the effects of other treatments you’re on.
Finally, remember that stress can weaken your immune system, making it less effective in fighting gum infections. So, managing stress can contribute to your overall dental health.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried several home remedies for periodontal disease but the symptoms persist, it’s best to visit a dentist ASAP.
You also want to seek professional care for advanced gum disease, characterized by loose teeth, gum abscesses, bleeding, persistent bad breath, and severe pain.
Additionally, regular visits to your dentist can help you catch issues early, even those that home remedies cannot solve.
If there are already hard plaque deposits, your dentist may recommend a deep-cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing to get rid of them quickly.
Conclusion and Maintenance Tips
Remember that the goal isn’t just to cure gum issues. You’ll want to prevent future reoccurrences by consistently following a good oral care routine.
With regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, you can maintain gum health and reduce the risk of gum disease in the long term.
FAQs
What’s the Fastest Way To Get Rid of Gum Disease?
Antiseptic mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide rinse, and saltwater are some of the quickest ways to treat your gum disease.
They can provide fast relief within a day or two. If you don’t already have any of these at home, which is unlikely, simply visit a nearby store.
Can I Reverse Gum Disease on My Own?
Yes, if you just started noticing bleeding without any pain, you can reverse gum disease using home treatments like aloe vera and green tea. However, if a tooth has come loose, see a dentist immediately. Loose teeth is one of the symptoms of severe gum disease.
What is the Best Toothpaste for Gum Disease?
Any fluoride toothpaste with antibacterial properties is ideal for controlling gum disease. Brush twice daily for best results.
