Reviewed by Dr. Kerri Font, DDS
Reading time: four minutes
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, affects the health of your gums and the bones supporting your teeth. Many people wonder if it is possible to reverse this condition naturally.
Natural remedies can support your periodontal health, but it is important to understand that professional dental treatment plays an important role in fully addressing the disease.
In this blog, you will learn about the causes and stages of gum disease, the importance of professional care, and natural methods that can support your gum health.
Table of Contents
- What Is Periodontal Disease?
- Professional Treatment: The First Step in Healing
- Natural Ways to Support Your Gum Health
- Supporting Your Gum Health with Daily Habits
- The Role of Natural Remedies and Professional Care
- Receive Personalized Gum Disease Treatment in Highlands Ranch, CO
Key Takeaway
You can support gum health naturally through proper oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and natural remedies, but it is essential to seek professional treatment for existing gum disease. Early intervention and personalized care from a periodontist are important for effectively addressing gum disease and preventing further complications.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue caused by harmful bacteria that accumulate in plaque. This sticky film of bacteria forms on your teeth when food particles and sugary foods are not cleaned properly.
Over time, plaque buildup can lead to gum inflammation, swollen gums, and eventually tooth loss.
Stages of Gum Disease
- Gingivitis: This is the mildest form of gum disease. Symptoms include redness, gum inflammation, and bleeding when brushing. Gingivitis can often be reversed with proper oral hygiene practices and professional cleanings.
- Periodontitis: If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, plaque hardens into tartar, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth. Pockets between the gums and teeth become infected, leading to bone and tissue damage.
- Advanced periodontitis: In the most severe form, periodontal disease leads to gum recession, tooth sensitivity, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss. At this point, professional treatment is essential to restore oral health.
💡Did you know? 🚭 Smokers are significantly more likely to develop gum disease. Smoking affects your gums’ ability to heal, weakens your immune system, and can mask symptoms like bleeding gums. |
Professional Treatment: The First Step in Healing
If you suspect that you have gum disease, it is important to seek treatment from a dental professional. Periodontal disease cannot be cured without a dentist’s intervention. Professional cleanings are needed to remove the plaque buildup and tartar from hard-to-reach areas, reducing the harmful bacteria that fuel the infection.
Your dentist can also assess your risk of gum diseases based on genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and medical conditions.
Why Professional Care Matters
- Early detection: Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to catch the disease in its early stages.
- Thorough cleanings: Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that you cannot eliminate with regular brushing.
- Personalized treatment: Dental professionals offer treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and the severity of the condition.
Natural Ways to Support Your Gum Health
Professional treatments are a must to cure gum disease, but you can also use natural remedies to support your periodontal health at home. These methods work to reduce gum inflammation, boost immune response, and maintain a healthy oral care routine.
Natural Remedies for Gum Disease
- Salt water rinse: Rinsing with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water can reduce gum inflammation and fight bad bacteria.
- Tea tree oil: This oil has antibacterial properties that can help combat bacterial growth in your mouth. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your toothpaste or make a homemade mouthwash with it.
- Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it a soothing natural remedy for swollen gums. Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to your gums after brushing.
- Oil pulling: Swishing sesame oil or coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes helps reduce plaque buildup and gum infections.
- Green tea: Drinking or rinsing with green tea can help reduce gum inflammation due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Supporting Your Gum Health with Daily Habits
You can effectively prevent periodontal disease, by taking control of your oral care routine. Here is what you need to do:
- Brush twice a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush thoroughly to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
- Floss daily: Clean between your teeth by flossing once a day. This will remove food particles and plaque from areas your toothbrush cannot reach.
- Use antimicrobial mouthwash: Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill harmful bacteria and protect your gums from infections.
- Eat a balanced diet: Include leafy greens, citrus fruits, and other nutrient-rich foods in your meals. Avoid sugary snacks, which encourage bacterial growth and weaken your gums.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly throughout the day to wash away food particles and bacteria, helping to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
The Role of Natural Remedies and Professional Care
Natural remedies like tea tree oil, salt water rinses, and aloe vera gel can support your gum health, but they are not substitutes for professional dental treatment. If you have noticed signs of gum disease such as gum inflammation, loose teeth, or gum recession, it is important to schedule an appointment with a periodontist.
Receive Personalized Gum Disease Treatment in Highlands Ranch, CO
If you suspect that you have gum disease, professional treatment combined with natural remedies can help restore your gum health. We offer comprehensive gum disease treatment tailored to your needs.
Want to learn more about how to cure gum disease? Schedule a consultation with our team by calling (303) 683-1144 or visit us at 9090 S Ridgeline Blvd #225, Highlands Ranch, CO
Save your gums, save your grin 😁