Gum disease is the term used to describe several oral health issues such as gingivitis, periodontitis, halitosis, plaque, tartar and gum inflammation. A mild form of gum diseases known as gingivitis can be remedied by brushing the teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and avoiding sugar. However, in chronic cases, this is not enough. Chronic cases of gum disease may require a dentist to help remove tartar or even suture the gum line in place. If you’re in need of a dentist you can find a holistic dentist near you by clicking here. If you’re looking for a natural home remedy for gum disease try the remedy listed below.
How to eliminate gum disease:
An astonishing 75-95% of people have some form of gum disease. If you’re already brushing twice a day, flossing, using a tongue scraper, and using mouthwash and your still suffering from gum disease try using cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper, also known as capsicum, is known for it’s many health properties including it’s ability to help stop a heart attack. A lesser known use of cayenne is it’s ability to help eliminate gum disease. Cayenne increases circulation in the gums to help push out bacteria and toxins not reached by brushing or flossing alone. For mild cases of gum disease such as for slight gum inflammation or gingivitis, use a small pinch of cayenne powder on your toothbrush. Don’t add toothpaste, simply douse the toothbrush in water and sprinkle the cayenne pepper on. Brush twice a day using cayenne powder for at least 2 weeks. You will feel a slight burning and tingling but that’s normal since cayenne is a pepper; the sensation will dissipate after about 5 minutes. If you like, you can read more about the benefits of cayenne pepper. Buy cayenne pepper here.
Symptoms of gum disease:
- Red gums
- Tartar
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Discolored gums
- Pain when brushing
- Pain when chewing
- Receding gums
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Tooth sensitivity
- Loosened teeth
If you suspect you may have gum disease, it is important that you seek a remedy immediately. Gum disease can become chronic very quickly. It is also important that you avoid the following, as it can worsen gum disease: smoking, drinking, certain medications, sugar, sticky foods, acid-forming foods, and junk food.
For advanced gum disease
If gingivitis is left untreated, it turns into a more advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. When this occurs, the gums pull away from the teeth and pockets are formed between the teeth and gums. This space is perfect for bacteria to live and grow. Advanced periodontitis can lead to bacteria spreading below the gum line. This can cause the breakdown of connective tissue and bone until the teeth become loose and fall out. For advanced gum disease use goldenseal along with cayenne pepper. Goldenseal is a powerful antibacterial that can help kill bacteria in the gums. Additionally, goldenseal is an antiseptic, cell proliferate, blood cleanser, and can help tissue heal more quickly. To use a combination of goldenseal and cayenne, mix equal parts of each in powder form. Sprinkle a pinch of the mixture onto a wet toothbrush and brush twice a day or up to once every two hours. Buy goldenseal here.
For chronic gum disease
In the case of chronic gum disease, the same combination of cayenne and goldenseal can be used. Simply add myrrh as part of the blend to make a “paste” and use three times a day. It’s important to use a soft toothbrush when brushing more than twice daily. In cases of chronic gum disease, brushing with this herbal blend every 2 hours is best to help heal gum infections, bleeding gums, swollen gums, plaque, halitosis, and other symptoms of chronic gum disease. This herbal trio can also help the gums reattach themselves to the teeth. It’s a slow process but it is possible when using the herbal blend to brush the teeth, flossing regularly, using a tongue scrapper, and avoiding sugar. Buy myrrh here.
In cases of chronic gum disease, diet should also be moderated to avoid sugar and foods that can easily lead to plaque build up. Sugar not only feeds bacteria but it also causes inflammation in the body since it is acidic in pH. Avoiding sugar, is a major part of eliminating gum disease at any stage but even more crucial in cases of chronic gum disease. Cheese and other sticky foods should also be avoiding in cases of chronic gum disease because they can easily cause build up of plaque, the sticky white film that forms on teeth. Plaque is an ideal environment for bacteria to proliferate. Additionally, plaque turns into tartar, which can only be professionally removed.
Use the herbal combination above as needed and brush as often as once every 2 hours if necessary. If you experience pain when brushing, add clove to the blend to help ease the pain. In cases of chronic gum disease, most individuals notice a difference within 24 hours when using this natural remedy. In less serious cases, the progress is less noticeable especially in the first few days but this should not discourage you to discontinue it’s use.
Oral health and heart disease
Gum disease may not sound very scary to some people but heart disease is a serious issue. According to a recent study, the two may be linked. Chewing and tooth-brushing releases bacteria into the bloodstream in people with periodontitis. Some species of periodontitis-causing bacteria have been found in the atherosclerotic plaque. This plaque is mainly found in the arteries of the heart and can lead to cardiac arrest. The immune system’s response to bacteria is inflammation. In cases of periodontitis, bacteria causes constant inflammation of the gums, inflammation can speed to the arteries and possible cause a heart attack or stroke. Individuals already suffering from periodontitis should brush their teeth and floss after every meal.
Nature’s mouthwash
Chlorophyll is a great natural mouthwash that can also help naturally remedy gum disease especially when combined with the herbal remedy mentioned above. Most people know chlorophyll as the green substance that gives plants their color but it’s much more than that. Chlorophyll is available in many forms including liquid and gelcaps. In liquid form, it can be used to rinse with as mouthwash.
Chlorophyll has a long list of properties that can help eliminate gum disease. For starters, it’s an antioxidant, antiseptic, and helps fight inflammation. Chlorophyll also helps eliminate germs, deodorizes the body, removes heavy metals, promotes good digestion, and helps alkalinize the body. It can also bind to carcinogenic molecules to prevent the body from absorbing them, according to “Chlorophylls and Bacteriochlorophylls: Biochemistry, Biophysics, Functions and Applications”.
WARNING: Cayenne pepper should not be mixed with certain medications such as blood thinners. Please consult with your doctor before using cayenne pepper.
Disclaimer: Our services and information do not diagnose or prescribe for disease conditions. Individuals are encouraged to seek competent medical help when those services may be indicated. Individuals accept total responsibility for their own health care and maintenance.
Updated: 5/12/17
Sources for this article include:
Lalitha Thomas, (1996). Cayenne. 10 Essential Herbs (2nd ed.) (pp. 45-46). Prescott, AZ: Hohm Press
Lalitha Thomas, (1996). People Paste. 10 Essential Herbs (2nd ed.) (pp. 328-329). Prescott, AZ: Hohm Press
www.nidcr.nih.gov
http://holisticdental.org
www.health.harvard.edu
www.dailymail.co.uk