Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Gum Disease Home Remedies

If your gums bleed every time you brush your teeth, or if your gums are swollen and painful, you likely have gum disease, or gingivitis. Gingivitis is a serious condition that may lead to infection and tooth loss, so you should seek treatment from a dentist if you believe you may have it. However, you can use home remedies for gum disease to begin the healing process or to supplement the treatment that the dentist prescribes.


Instructions


1. Develop habits that support good overall health. Start with your diet, and make sure you're eating enough fruits and vegetables each day, including raw veggies, as well as plenty of calcium. Then, be sure you're getting enough exercise and enough relaxation. Home remedies that target your gum disease won't work unless the rest of your body is in top shape, and sometimes just following these guidelines and practicing good oral hygiene can clear up your gingivitis.


2. Add green tea and fresh ginger to your daily routine. Drinking a few cups of green tea a day will soothe your gums, while eating small pieces of fresh ginger neutralizes mouth acid and can help both heal and prevent gum disease.


3. Rinse your mouth with bacteria-busting essential oils like clove, peppermint and sage on a regular basis as part of your home remedy for gum disease. Add a few drops of the essential oils to water or to your regular mouthwash and rinse for 60 seconds.


4. Mix a one to one solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Rinse your mouth with it for 30 seconds to get rid of bacteria and heal your gums. Use this rinse no more than three times a week.


5. Apply baking soda, a time-tested home remedy for gum disease, to your gums. First, mix it into a paste with a little water. Then, rub it along your gum line with your fingers, working with a small section at a time. Rinse your mouth and then work on the next section. Your gums will be soothed and you'll remove the bacteria that makes gum disease worse.


6. Massage your gums to improve circulation, which will help heal the bleeding and swelling that gum disease causes. To massage, use your thumb and forefinger to hold your gums, placing your thumb on one side and your finger on the other side. Massage lightly, especially if your gums feel painful.








7. Change to an electric rotary toothbrush if you don't yet use one, and brush thoroughly at the gum line rather than just focusing on your teeth. Gingivitis occurs when bacteria gets underneath the gum line, and focusing on this part of your mouth will help both heal and prevent gum disease.

Tags: your gums, your mouth, Rinse your, Rinse your mouth, your gums, both heal