One of the most underrated human body parts is the mouth, although gum inflammations, cold sores, and cavities are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to “poor oral health.” Dental hygienists consider gingivitis – the bleeding of gums when brushing and flossing – to be a very mischievous oral health issue.
Gingivitis is easy to treat, reversible and not damaging to the bone and teeth structures if prevented and properly kept under control. If ignored, gingivitis can turn into a periodontal disease which, in turn, is no stranger to heart inflammation. According to specialists in the field, the link between gingivitis and heart disease is inflammation.
Gum disease affects more than half of all Americans aged 30 and older. This fact, while extremely serious, also seems to be overlooked, because few understand that untreated gingivitis can lead to a world of pain and severe health consequences. Fortunately, there are many natural and home products with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties.
How can you heal gingivitis and gum diseases using natural remedies until you manage to see your doctor? Here are some tips and tricks from experts in the field.
1. Salt
Salt is a teeth-whitener as well as a proven remedy for gum disease. It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties helping you reduce inflammation and preventing bacteria to further take over your mouth. Salt draws mouth abscess infections out and reduces the risk of developing plaque. If you experience gum swelling, bleeding, or bad breath, use salt to alleviate these gingivitis symptoms.
- Make a solution of warm water and ½ tablespoon of salt. Stir properly until the salt is dissolved. Thoroughly rinse your mouth with the liquid twice a day until the inflammation is reduced.
- You can also mix some salt into coconut oil and create a paste to rub your gums with. Coconut oil is one major natural remedy used in oil pulling routine for alleviating gum diseases. Salt will kick-start the oil benefits in case your gum diseases is more severe.
See Also: 10 Easy Ways to Whiter Teeth Without Spending Too Much
2. Garlic
It may be unpleasant, but chewing garlic can be used both as a preventative measure for oral health and as an herbal remedy to fight against gingivitis. You can ask any dental hygienist, and he will tell you that garlic has scientifically-proven health properties when it comes to gum diseases.
There are many ways to use garlic as a gingivitis healing agent, but these are dental specialists’ top favorites:
- Chew a few garlic cloves every day.
- Rub garlic cloves directly against the affected gums: you will notice quick relief from inflammation and discomfort.
- Make garlic toothpaste. Crush garlic cloves until you get a paste and use it instead of your regular toothpaste. Bbrush your teeth with at least two times a day until the gingivitis symptoms are gone.
- Mix garlic with turmeric and use as toothpaste. Turmeric has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric can also alleviate pain, eliminate plaque and stop bacterial infections.
3. Baking Soda
When it comes to baking soda, it seems that dental hygienists shook hands with cosmeticians and decided that this common home product is, in fact, a miraculous remedy used to treat various issues from gum disease to cold and flu.
See Also: Cheap Cleaning 101: Use Baking Soda
As natural remedies for gingivitis go, some dental hygienists swear by baking soda. The product has an antacid feature that regulates the pH of your mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Mix ½ tablespoon of baking soda in a little warm water to make a paste and brush your teeth with it at least three times a week until the gingivitis symptoms are gone.
- You can use the same paste to massage your gums with (for at least two minutes) – repeat 2-3 times a week.
All these products can be easily found around the kitchen so there is no reason for you to ignore gum disease symptoms anymore. They can be used not only as remedies but as a preventative adjuvant for oral health.
What you should not disregard, however, is that you still need to consult with your doctor and get a dental check-up at least three times a year. It is true that dental hygienists stand by these home remedies, but this is not a good reason for you to ignore the signs and symptoms of an unhealthy mouth.