5 Natural Remedies for Healthy Gums
5 Natural
Remedies for Healthy Gums
A number of natural remedies may help
you achieve healthy gums, an important part of your overall wellbeing.
When
added to an oral hygiene routine that also includes
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day,
- flossing often, and
- visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups, these natural remedies may help fend off gum disease.
Why
Natural Remedies Are Sometimes Used
In your mouth, bacteria are
constantly forming a sticky substance called plaque on your teeth. Brushing and
flossing can help you get rid of plaque, but the substance can also harden and,
in turn, form another substance called tartar.
In many cases, the buildup of plaque
and tartar can lead to the development of gingivitis, a condition marked by inflammation of the gums.
When left untreated, gingivitis can progress to
periodontitis (meaning "inflammation around the tooth").
Not only
known to cause tooth loss, periodontitis has been linked to heart disease in a
number of studies.
Although no natural remedy has been
found to treat or prevent gum disease, certain remedies may help fight plaque
buildup and keep your gums healthy.
Here's a look at five natural remedies said to promote healthy gums.
Neem:
Another ayurvedic remedy, neem is a plant found to possess
antibacterial properties.
Research on neem and gum health
includes a small study published in the Journal of Traditional and
Complementary Medicine in 2014. For this study, 105 children
(ages 12 to 15) used mouthwashes containing neem, mango, or chlorhexidine (an
antiseptic found in many types of mouthwash) twice a day for three weeks.
Results revealed that all three types of mouthwash
were effective in reducing plaque and inhibiting gingivitis.
Tea
Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil may aid in the treatment of
gingivitis, according to report published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews in
2006.
If you're thinking of using tea tree
oil for gum health, choose a toothpaste that contains this essential oil as an ingredient. Ingesting
undiluted tea tree oil (or using homemade tea tree oil tooth remedies) can be
toxic.
Cranberry:
Some research shows that cranberry may help thwart gum disease by
preventing bacteria from sticking to your teeth.
What's more, a preliminary study
published in the Journal of Periodontal Research in
2013 suggests that compounds found in cranberry may help regulate
periodontitis-related inflammation.
Vitamin
C:
There's some evidence that vitamin C could play a role in protecting
gum health. In a study published in the Journal of Periodontology in
2000, for example, researchers analyzed data on 12,419 adults and found that
those who consumed the least vitamin C had the greatest risk of periodontal
disease.
For help in filling up on vitamin C,
include foods such as grapefruit, oranges, kiwi, mango, papaya, strawberry, red
pepper, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cantaloupe in your diet.
Oil
Pulling:
A remedy long used in Ayurveda, oil pulling involves swishing a
tablespoon of oil (such as coconut oil or sesame oil) around your mouth for
about 15 minutes at a time.
Research on oil pulling's health
effects is limited, but several small studies (including a clinical trial
published in the Indian Journal of Dental Research in
2009) have indicated that oil pulling may reduce plaque buildup and offer some
protection against gingivitis.
Before using any type of natural
remedy for healthy gums, remember that no remedy should be used as a substitute
for standard oral care.
Along with brushing, flossing, and
having your teeth professionally cleaned, you can preserve your oral health by
following a diet high in calcium-rich foods and low in sugary foods and
beverages.
Several lifestyle practices may also
help enhance your gum health. For instance, avoiding smoking can significantly
lower your risk of developing gum disease. There's also some evidence
that managing your stress can help keep your gums
healthy.
If you're experiencing symptoms such
as bleeding gums, pain while chewing, or sensitivity in your teeth, it's
crucial to consult your dentist rather than attempting to self-treat gum health
issues with natural remedies.
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