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Alternative Cures for Gum Disease

Gum disease is the inflammation of the gum tissue caused by bacteria. This bacterium produces toxins that eventually destroy the gums. According to the American Dental Association in Chicago, Illinois, gum disease is the number-one reason that adults loose teeth. The swelling and bleeding caused by gum disease will turn into an irreversible stage that destroys bone and soft tissue if left untreated. The American Dental Association figures that three out of four adults have gum disease due to poor hygiene habits. Before gum disease reaches the severe stage, it can be cured by better oral-hygiene practices.

  1. Brushing

    • Brush three times a day for at least 3 minutes each session. Adults usually rush through an oral-hygiene routine and do not brush long enough. Nine minutes a day can be enough to reverse gum disease. You can dry brush your teeth while doing something else like watching television. This helps remove plaque. Focus your brushing on a few teeth at a time. Sweeping brush strokes that cover several teeth at a time miss large areas of plaque. Develop a routine by starting with the same section each time and moving methodically around your mouth. Lighten up on your pressure. Do not mash the toothbrush bristles onto the surface of your teeth. To use your toothbrush effectively, brush with only the bristle tips. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Hard, stiff bristles can damage sensitive gums and cause bleeding. Try a rotary electric toothbrush to ensure thorough brushing. Remember to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to cut down on the amount of bacteria in the mouth.

    Baking Soda

    • Mix 1 tsp. baking soda with enough water to form a paste. Brush once or twice a week with this paste. Baking soda is an abrasive powder that removes plaque without harming your tooth enamel or gums. Baking soda also neutralizes bacterial acid, deodorizes your mouth and polishes your teeth.

    Flossing

    • Floss your teeth at least once a day. Use wax floss because it is easier to get between the teeth without getting stuck. Flossing is the only way to dislodge the food particles and bacteria that hide between your teeth and gums. Remember to be gentle with gums affected with gum disease. Do not force the floss into your gums and cause bleeding.

    Rinsing

    • Rinse your mouth at least once a day. Mouthwashes that contain alcohol can kill bacteria. Fewer bacteria living in the mouth mean that less plaque will form to damage the gums. Rinsing is not a substitute for brushing and flossing regularly. Mix ½ tsp. salt with 4 oz. of warm water. Swish the saltwater around in your mouth for 30 seconds. Spit out the saltwater. This solution will soothe your gums and kill bacteria. Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide with water. Rinse for 30 seconds and then spit out. This will disinfect your gums.

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