How to Treat Gum Infection (Gingivitis) Naturally

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue and is one of the most common diseases among the population. This is actually a real epidemic – about 95% adults suffer from periodontal disease of some degree during their lifetime. The source of the infection is bacteria that inhabit the oral cavity, infect the teeth (plaque), hardened and become tartar.

Gingivitis is characterized by redness and swelling in the gum tissue, bleeding while brushing the teeth, tenderness or pain in the gums, a bad taste in the mouth, bad breath, formation of pus between the teeth and gums and more.

Chronic gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which is more severe gingivitis that can lead to teeth loss and receding gums.

Periodontitis – a Silent Killer
Periodontitis is a silent disease, and frequently the only visible sign is seeing blood in the sink following tooth brushing, until the disease reaches an advanced stage when teeth move position or become mobile. Other symptoms include:

• Swollen gums
  
  
• Bright red or purplish gums
  
  
• Gums that feel tender when touched
  
  
• New spaces developing between your teeth
  
  
• Pus between your teeth and gums
  
  
• Bad breath
  
  
• Bad taste in your mouth
  
  
• Loose teeth
  
  
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  

Periodontitis is ‘kick started’ by bacterial plaque accumulating at or below the gum boundary with the teeth, which triggers inflammation both locally and in other parts of the body.

The bacteria can also enter the blood where they stimulate a protective response from the liver and also excessive release of damaging antibacterial agents from the white blood cells. Both responses aggravate the inflammation, which may damage blood vessel walls and other distant organs/tissues.

There is good evidence that periodontitis affects blood sugar levels in diabetes patients, and makes heart and kidney complications of diabetes worse.

Periodontitis is often called the silent killer as it was found that prolonged inflammation and gum infection increase the risk of:

• Atherosclerosis – The inflammation created by periodontitis can increase the build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls.
  
  
• Diabetes – periodontitis may trigger type-2 diabetes.
  
  
• Heart attacks and heart disease – The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in patients with periodontitis is 25–50% higher than in healthy individuals.
  
  
• Stroke – There is evidence that periodontitis is associated with increased risk of stroke.
  
  
• Cancer – Several studies have shown an increased risk of cancer with periodontal disease.
  
  
• Premature births and miscarriages.

How to treat the infection?
To ensure healthy teeth and gums and to prevent gingivitis or to treat it after it appeared, it is important to get rid of the bacteria that cause the inflammation, maintain high oral hygiene level and treat gum problems as soon as you notice the first symptoms.

Natural remedies for gingivitis
Saline solution
Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in ½ cup warm water, mix and rinse your mouth well with the solution for about a minute. It is recommended to repeat the treatment several times a day.


Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has many healing properties. Similar to its use on skin, aloe vera is used to cleanse and soothe teeth and gums. Apply a small amount of aloe vera with your finger on the affected area. You can use natural aloe vera gel that can be purchased at any pharmacy or the aloe vera plant itself if you have it on hand. Aloe vera is a common medicinal herb and is useful for other ailments. If you want to learn more about aloe vera as well as other herbs, you can find more useful information in my e-book the Herbal Remedies Guide. This guide will teach you how to treat common ailments using herbs.

Sage
Sage is an effective anti-bacterial herb used to treat gingivitis. Brew some fresh sage leaves in a glass of boiling water for about 10 minutes, let it cool off and gurgled the infusion around your mouth 2-3 times a day. Alternatively, rub sage leaf on the gums and focus on the area of the inflammation. See also here how to make sage and sea salt tooth powder.

Raw honey
Honey has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply a little bit of natural raw honey directly on the infection. You may also be interested to read my article about 13 ways to use honey for your health.

Garlic
Garlic is known to have antibiotic effects. Crush one or two cloves of garlic, and place them on the infected gums. If you have rock salt, add a little bit of it to the crushed garlic, and then place this mixture on the infected gums.

Coconut oil / Vitamin E oil / Olive oil / Neem oil
Virgin coconut oil has anti-bacterial properties and can be used to treat a lot of skin infections. Vitamin E oil can do a lot of the same things. Rub some virgin coconut oil, or vitamin E oil on your gums. Neem bark and its leaves have active ingredients that has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It strengthens the immune system and the body’s resistance to infections. You can also use olive oil that is anti-inflammatory due to many of its healthy components. Take one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and swish it around your mouth for a few minutes and then spit. Don’t swallow it as it contains toxins from the mouth. You may also apply it to gums and rub or massage the gums gently. For best results, repeat the process three times a day.

Clove / Tea tree essential oil
When you do the oil treatment above, you can add a drop or two of clove oil or tea tree oil to the oil you are using. Tea tree oil is highly antiseptic, and clove oil can fight infections as well. It has antibacterial properties, and is very effective in treating gum disease. If you are interested to learn more about essential oils you can find useful information in my e-book Magical Aromatherapy. This book will help you to discover the power of essential oils and the most effective ways to use them.

Chamomile / Ginger / Cinnamon tea
Ginger improves inflammatory condition, and chamomile may help soothe mouth inflammations and keep gums healthy. Cinnamon has strong anti-bacterial effects and has been known to treat infections. To relieve pain and help in the heeling process drink a lot of these teas. Make a tea, take a sip and pass on the gums. You can also gargle the tea as a mouthwash.

Apple cider vinegar + Baking soda
Add one tablespoonful of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water and use it as a rinse after brushing with baking soda. Drink the rest of the water to build up your system and fight gum disease from the inside. Don’t drink undiluted apple cider vinegar as it can erode tooth enamel.

Strawberries + Lemon juice
Strawberries are known to remove tartar due to their acid content. Apart from making the teeth cleaner and whiter, strawberries are also responsible for maintaining good health of gums. Strawberries contain a large amount of vitamin C that helps fight diseases and treat infections. Lemon juice has been known to treat infections too. Place about 3-4 strawberries in a food processor and add to it a tablespoon of organic lemon juice. Use this strawberry and lemon juice mixture to brush on your gums, using a soft toothbrush. Then rinse well and spit. To learn more about the amazing healing properties of berries, have a look at my e-book The Healing Berry Guide. This e-book will teach you how to transform your health with berries.

Plain unsweetened yogurt
A report published in the Journal of Periodontology credits probiotics as one possible champion of gum health, so eat plain white unsweetened yogurt, and rub a little bit on the gums.

Cashew Nuts
I’ve already mentioned that cashew nut can eliminate tooth decay, acne, tuberculosis and pneumonia.

Supplements
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 Has a strong antioxidant effect and improves the oxygen supply to the tissues of the gums and helps in preventing and curing gingivitis.

Chlorella
I’ve already mentioned the health benefits of chlorella. This green algae helps to relieve, heal and treat gingivitis. Chlorella contains a compound that can enhance immune function and stimulates tissue repair.

Proper nutrition
Avoid consuming simple sugars and alcohol as they increase the accumulation of plaque on the teeth and weaken the immune system. Instead, consume foods rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. The fiber doesn’t attack the bacteria on your teeth but it helps to improve your body’s immune system so you are in a better position to fight bacteria that causes gingivitis.

Brushing your teeth and flossing
Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day. Daily brushing reduces gum infections by 60%, and although you may have bleeding gums, it is important to brush your teeth thoroughly with a soft fiber toothbrush. Brush horizontally on the border between the gums and the teeth so the bristles will penetrate the space between the teeth and gums and will remove the leftover food and plaque. In addition to brushing your teeth with a brush, it is recommended to use a dental floss to clean between the teeth to prevent food from sticking between the teeth resulting in a favorite area for bacteria.

Visit dental hygienist
Visit a dental hygienist at least once a year to remove plaque and tartar. If your gingivitis doesn’t improve or getting worse, see your dentist.