Home Remedies and Herbs for Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis)

Gum disease is a condition that affects the tissue inside the mouth. Milder cases involve red, swollen gums that bleed easily.¹ This stage of gum disease is referred to as gingivitis and can be treated through proper oral care, such as daily brushing and flossing and routine dental cleanings.¹ The more serious form of gum disease is called periodontitis, which occurs when the gums and teeth separate and create pockets that can easily become infected.¹ In serious cases, tissue and bone damage can occur, as well as the loss of teeth.

What Causes Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis)?

Gum disease often starts as a result of poor dental hygiene. As plaque builds up on your teeth, it turns into tartar, which is a hardened form of plaque that collects bacteria.² This leads to inflamed gingiva, or the area of your gums surrounding the base of your teeth. In time, this inflammation can cause swelling, bleeding, and tooth decay.² If not treated, gingivitis worsens and leads to the more serious form of periodontitis.³

Aside from poor dental hygiene, gum disease risk factors may also include:^2,3

• Older age
• Dry mouth
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Poor fitting dental restorations
• Crooked teeth that are hard to clean
• Poor nutrition
• Certain medications
• Genetics
• Hormonal changes
• Viral or fungal infections
• Substance abuse
• Obesity

Gum disease causes can also be tied to certain medical conditions. This may include those that lower the immune system, such as HIV or AIDS, leukemia, and cancer treatments. Patients with diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis are also at higher risk of developing gum disease.³

Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis) Symptoms

Gum disease symptoms can range from red, swollen gums to bad breath and receding gums.⁴ In severe cases, gum disease symptoms can also include loss of teeth. Gums may also be tender or bleed easily, and you may notice pain when chewing.^2,3 In severe cases, pus may form between the gums and teeth, and you may notice that your teeth have shifted and don’t fit together the way they used to.³

Gum disease can be prevented through proper oral hygiene. It’s recommended to:

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Replace your toothbrush every 1-3 months
• Floss
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Schedule regular dental visits
• Avoid smoking

In many cases, gingivitis can be prevented or treated by daily brushing and regular cleanings. Your dentist may recommend a professional deep cleaning to remove tartar from between your teeth and gums.⁴ Oral antibiotics or various gum disease herbal remedies may be used to help kill bacterial infections. In severe cases, surgery may be required.⁵

References

1. https://medlineplus.gov/gumdisease.html
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/symptoms-causes/dxc-20305810
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/dxc-20315543
4. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/periodontal-disease
5. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20315565