12 Common Home Remedies For Gum Disease That Work Naturally

Updated: 07/24/2019

Overview

Teeth – an important part of the body that can partly decide the outlook of a person. For that reason, people often care a lot about their teeth and sometimes, forget another important part of the teeth health, which is gum. As gum is mostly hidden behind the lips, it does not receive the attention frequently. In fact, your mouth health is not only about how bright your teeth are or how stunning your smile is but also about how healthy your gum is. Believe it or not, gum diseases may cause plenty of troubles for our general health and particularly for our mouth. Even if you brush your teeth every day or you are cavity-free, your gum is still vulnerable to diseases. As some diseases are painless and unnoticeable, most people don’t know that they are in trouble until it’s getting too late. Therefore, knowing about home remedies for gum disease is essential for you to treat your gum properly. In this article, we will suggest you a list of reliable, effective remedies that will work well on the gum diseases. Let spend some minutes to learn how to protect your gum.

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I. What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease affects 20% – 50% of people worldwide^[1]. It occurs when the tissues around the teeth get inflamed, mostly due to poor dental hygiene. If your gum gets red or swollen and bleed easily when brushing teeth, there must be something wrong with your gums. Gum disease happens quite commonly and varies in severity, which makes it more difficult to control.

II. What Causes Gum Disease?

The most common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene that gives bacteria and calculus opportunities to remain on your teeth and then infect your gums. However, even with proper oral hygiene, gum disease still may appear as a result of other reasons:

• Alcohol consumption that may negatively impact oral defense mechanisms
• Frequent chewing tobacco and smoking
• Diabetes mellitus
• HIV/AIDS
• Rotated, overlapping or crooked teeth. This creates a lot of areas for calculus and dental plaque to build up, which makes it more difficult to keep your teeth clean.
• Infrequent or improper dental care
• Poor saliva production
• Cancer and cancer treatment
• Stress, especially chronic stress. It may aggravate periodontitis^[2]
• Mouth breathing
• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. More specifically, hormone increase makes the blood vessels around the gum more vulnerable to bacterial and chemical attacks. The prevalence of gum disease at puberty is between 70% – 90%.
• A poor diet with high sugar and carbohydrate content and insufficient water intake^[3]: Also, the lack of important nutrients like vitamin C will slow down the healing process.
• Medications, such as antiseizure medications

III. Common Symptoms Of Gum Disease

Even though gum disease is not always easy to be noticed, there are still some symptoms that can warn you about your health condition.

• Swollen, red gums that easily bleed during flossing and brushing
• Uncomfortable mouth odor or a bad odor
• White plaques and spots on the gums
• Gums that seem to be dragged away from the teeth
• Pus between teeth or gums
• Spaces between teeth get larger, or there are changes in the way your teeth fit together

As stated before, sometimes, gum disease appears without any signs and symptoms. Therefore, regular dental checkups are important in figuring out whether there is something wrong with your gum or not. A dentist will provide primary care for the mouth and give you the reliable information needed on your condition. The early diagnosis will prevent gum disease from getting worse and leaving terminal impacts on your teeth and mouth.

IV. Natural Home Remedies For Gum Disease

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is well-known for its healing power and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it one of the effective home remedies for gum disease. Moreover, aloe vera may also act as an antimicrobial agent to kill off bacteria, causing gum disease in your mouth. This remedy can be used to treat bad breath and also heal mouth ulcers. According to a study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology in 2011, Aloe vera gel is used to improve periodontal condition^[4].

Directions:

• Use fresh Aloe Vera gel to massage your gum, let it leave there for at least 30 minutes
• Rinse off with water and repeat several times per day

Alternatively, you can swish your mouth with aloe vera juice a few times and spit it out. Drinking 2 teaspoons of aloe vera every day will also help to ease the gum disease naturally at home. No matter which way you choose, follow it at least several weeks on a daily basis.

Note: Excessive aloe vera intake can lead to the laxative effect.

2. Cranberry Juice

Thanks to the high content of vitamin C, cranberry juice is a good option for dealing with infection and gum disease. A study published in 2016 has shown that the lack of vitamin C intake can be the cause of many health problems including malaise, spots on the skin, lethargy and periodontal diseases like bleeding, painful gum^[5]. According to a 2016 study, cranberry juice also has a positive effect on inhibiting periodontal bacteria, which helps to treat and manage gum disease^[6]. Cranberry juice may help to ease the bleeding and inflammation related to receding gums. To increase the vitamin C intake, you can also add more foods with a high content of vitamin C to your daily diet; such as kale, broccoli, oranges, red peppers, and Brussels sprouts. To use this tip, you can drink two tablespoons or about 4 ounces of cranberry juice every day to prevent bacteria from damaging your teeth.

3. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is actually an excellent traditional Ayurvedic technique for oral care. This technique is believed to strengthen the gums and teeth, treat bad breath, and reduce dental plaque. Moreover, oil pulling may also benefit overall health by removing toxins.  There are two typical oils that are highly recommended to use for gum disease, which is coconut oil and Arimedadi oil. According to a study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine in 2011, oil pulling is highly beneficial for oral health^[7]. Another study shows that oil pulling can help to reduce plaque buildup and inhibit the growth of oral bacteria^[8].

3.1. Coconut Oil Pulling

Coconut is a rich source of lauric acid, which contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. According to a study available in 2015, the application of coconut oil using the oil pulling technique may reduce dental plaque and the symptoms of gum disease like gingivitis^[9]. Other benefits of coconut oil pulling include:

• Whitening teeth
• Freshening breath
• Clearing sinuses
• Relieving headaches and tension

To use coconut oil for pulling, you need to:

• Prepare 2 teaspoons of fractionated (liquid at room temperature) coconut oil and put them into your mouth
• Keep the coconut oil around your mouth for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Do not allow the oil to touch your throat’s back
• Spit the coconut oil out when the time is up
• Rinse off your mouth with water
• Spit the water out before drinking a cup of water.
• Brush your teeth

When used with baking soda, coconut oil can provide natural treatment for gum disease due to its antibacterial properties. Also, baking soda contains bactericidal and anti-inflammatory activities that aid in relieving plaque and gingivitis^[10], and it may neutralize the acids in the mouth.

• Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda and the same amount of coconut oil
• Use this mixture as your toothpaste at least two times per week on a regular basis

3.2. Arimedadi Oil Pulling

Besides coconut oil, Arimedadi oil can also be used to deal with gum disease. This oil has been proven to restrain the development of dental plaque and heal the symptoms of gingivitis^[11]. Moreover, Arimedadi oil can also:

• Reducing swelling
• Healing mouth sores
• Strengthening gums and teeth
• Relieving pain

So, how to use Arimedadi oil for your gum disease?

• Wash your mouth with one tablespoon of the oil you choose (make sure that the oil goes through your teeth and covers the gum)
• Washing for 15 minutes
• Spit the oil out and rinse off your mouth with water
• Repeat the technique every day for about a month

Note: Do not swallow the oil as it may cause side effects for your health. You also are not recommended to use this oil if you are suffering from sinusitis.

4. Myrrh

The next home remedy that offers impressive effects on treating gum disease is myrrh. Its astringent, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties can not only ease the symptoms of gum disease but also maintain proper oral hygiene^[12]. This oil is often applied by herbalists to treat sore gums and traditionally used to prevent infection due to its antifungal benefits. Using myrrh as a mouthwash may also ease the inflammation caused by gum diseases such as mouth ulcers or gingivitis.

• Mix 10 drops of myrrh oil with a glass of warm water to make a mouth rinse or with a salt water rinse
• Use this mouth rinse 2 times per day for several days

Alternatively, you can mix echinacea and myrrh tinctures and use this mixture as your daily mouth rinse until the symptoms of gum disease disappear.

5. Tea Tree Oil

There are a lot of home remedies for gum disease, but we highly recommend using tea tree oil. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that may help to soothe inflamed and irritated gums. Studies have found that the application of tea tree oil gel may ease gingivitis, reduce gum bleeding^[13], and treat chronic periodontitis^[14]. Besides, this oil is also used to treat other dental problems such as thrush, oral herpes infections, and bad breath. A study shows that brushing the teeth twice per day with a gel having tea tree oil as may reduce gingivitis and inflammation in the gums because of not cleaning the teeth regularly^[15].

Directions:

• Mix t3 drops of tea tree oil with a glass of warm water
• Use the solution to swish your mouth for half a minute.
• Spit it out and wash off with water
• Practice this tip two to three times a day

Alternatively, you can add some drops of tea tree oil to your toothpaste to brush your teeth two times per day. Continue applying this tip for several weeks until the gum disease gets better.

Note: Remember not to swallow the oil

6. Tea Bags

Containing tannic acid, tea, especially green tea, is very helpful in easing pain and deal with inflammation and improve the attachment of the gums to the teeth. The antioxidants found in tea make it effective in fighting against infections. Green tea extract may offer various effects on periodontal tissues and periodontal pathogens^[16]. It may also help to promote periodontal health and prevent further disease by interfering with the inflammatory response of the body to periodontal bacteria^[17].The evidence shows that drinking green tea daily is beneficial in preventing and treating chronic inflammatory diseases, including periodontitis^[18].

Directions:

• Prepare a tea bag and steep it in hot water for about 10 minutes before allowing it to cool
• Use the tea bag to place on the affected area for about five minutes
• Repeat this tip a few times per day until your disease gets better

7. Chamomile Tea

Another effective method in the list of home remedies for gum disease is chamomile tea. This tea is well known for its antiseptic and inflammatory properties, which make it a perfect choice for easing pain and inflammation related to gum disease. According to a study, Matricaria chamomile L. mouthwash may help to reduce biofilm buildup and gingival bleeding in people with gingivitis thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties^[19]. Another study shows that using German Chamomile mouthwash may offer benefit in reducing dental plaque and gingivitis without causing any significant side effects on tooth staining^[20].

Directions:

• Prepare a few teaspoons of chamomile flowers and mix them with one glass of hot water
• Steep this chamomile flowers for 10 minutes before straining and allowing it to cool
• Use this tea to replace your mouthwash a few times per day until your gum disease gets improved

8. Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass oil is a generous source of vitamin A, C, and E. Its antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-infectious properties offer various benefits for our overall health, including treating gum disease. This oil is believed to reduce the bacteria developing from the oral cavity and protect teeth and gums from being infected. Lemongrass oil is often used in mouthwash to prevent dental plaque^{[21] [22] [23]} and inhibit caries formation.

Directions:

• Put 2 to 3 drops of lemongrass oil (essential form) in a glass of water to dilute it
• Use the solution to swish in your mouth for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out
• Repeat this process two to three times every day

Although lemongrass oil is safe to apply, it’s still potent. Therefore, it is necessary to dilute the oil to prevent further irritation.

9. Sage

Sage is one of the other home remedies for gum disease that you should know, as it may significantly reduce the number of bacteria causing dental plaque when used as a mouthwash^[24]. As a rich source of antioxidants and potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, sage is considered as an effective option for healing swollen gum and improving oral health^[25].

Directions:

• Boil about 2 cups of water and put 2 tablespoons of fresh sage or only one teaspoon of dried sage on the water
• Allow it to simmer about 5 to 10 minutes
• Strain the mixture before letting the water cool
• Rinse your gum with the solution two to three times every day until the disease gets better

10. Guava Leaf

Guava leaves are another home remedy that is highly recommended for gum disease. Studies have proven that these leaves contain antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that help to fight against oral bacteria and to reduce the buildup of plaque^[26]. Other benefits of guava leaf also include:

• Reducing gum inflammation
• Relieving pain
• Freshening breath

To make a mouthwash with guava leaves, you need to:

• Crush about 5 guava leaves with a pestle and mortar
• Put the crushed leaves on one cup of boiling water and simmer for 15 minutes
• Let it cool and add a little salt to this solution
• Use the lukewarm mouthwash to swish in your mouth for half a minute.
• Repeat the process 2 to 3 times per day.

11. Clove

Clove is the next remedy that has been proven to treat plaque and gum disease at home effectively. The antioxidant and antiviral properties^[27] contained in clove help to ease inflammation. Plenty of studies have proven that clove oil may reduce the bacteria leading to gum disease and balance oral biome. This oil is also effective in preventing bad bacteria from moving into your arteries and leading to a stroke or even heart disease. Clove possesses antibacterial properties, and it is used in many dental creams, mouthwashes, toothpaste, and throat spray to kill bacteria. Also, it is used to relieve pain related to sore gums and improves your dental health^[28].

Directions:

• Grind one teaspoon of cloves
• Use a damp cotton ball to dip into the ground cloves and get as much as possible
• Rub the clove-covered ball gently onto your gums
• Let the cloves stay on your gums for one minute
• Wash your mouth with water to remove all the cloves

Note: Do not use a large quantity of clove or using it for a long time to avoid unexpected effects.

12. Turmeric Gel

A study published in 2015 has shown that turmeric gel could work well to prevent plaque and gingivitis thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. With its antimicrobial and antifungal effects, turmeric is also used to heal the redness and bleeding of the gums. More specially, turmeric is a generous source of curcumin, a key constituent that helps turmeric to ease pain and inflammation associated with gum^[29] [30]. By preventing the production of a gene creating gum-irritating chemicals, turmeric is an excellent option for treating gum disease at home.

Directions:

• Brush your teeth before rinsing thoroughly
• Apply the turmeric gel to your gums
• Let the gel stay there for 10 minutes before washing off all of the gel by swishing water around your mouth
• Spit the water out and reapply two times per day

V. Prevent Gum Disease From Recurring

Keep your oral hygiene daily by brushing your teeth at least two times a day^[31]. It is advised to brush your teeth after each meal.

• Using an electric toothbrush can maximize the cleaning potential
• Make sure to choose the toothbrush having soft or even extra-soft bristles
• Change your toothbrush every 3 months
• Floss daily to keep your teeth clean
• Choose a natural mouthwash to use for your mouth
• Visit your dentist and have your teeth checked at least once per year
• Stop smoking and tobacco. Smoking is a risk factor for tooth loss, bone loss, and gum disease^[32].
• Eat foods containing lots of calcium such as salmon, tofu, dairy products, and cereals.
• Provide your intake of vitamin D to relieve the problem.
• Limit sugar intake

Gum disease is undoubtedly very common in our daily life. Vary in forms and levels of severity, gum disease may lead to permanent effects on your teeth and on overall health if proper treatment is not carried out on time. Having knowledge of gum disease in general and knowing how to treat it will be the best way for you to protect your gums and teeth from the bad bacteria and inflammation. By taking advantage of natural herbs, you can treat gum disease in a safe yet effective way. In this article, 12 reliable home remedies for gum disease have been suggested for you to try at home. Let us know how effective they are in your own condition. If you have any more ideas on home remedies for this disease, please share with us. For more information, please visit the main Home Remedies page.

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