Symptoms of Gum Disease
One of the first signs of gum disease is red, swollen gums, also known as gingivitis. You might notice your gums are very sensitive, sore, and may bleed when you brush or floss. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can also be indicators of periodontal disease. As the disease progresses, you might experience pain while chewing, gums pulling away from your teeth, pus between your gums and teeth, or even loose teeth.
Causes of Gum Disease and Gingivitis
Poor dental hygiene is the primary cause of gum disease. It allows bacteria to grow in your mouth, and while some bacteria are harmless, many are not. The sugar-loaded, processed foods we often consume encourage the growth of harmful bacteria in the plaque that forms between your teeth and gums. Without proper brushing and flossing, these bacteria can cause inflammation, and if left untreated, can lead to the erosion of gum tissue and bone in your jaw.
While oral hygiene is the most significant factor for gum health, certain conditions can increase the risk. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause can make gums more sensitive. High blood sugar levels in diabetes can weaken the immune system, making it easier for harmful bacteria to thrive. Smoking damages gum tissue, reducing its ability to heal. Additionally, a family history of gum disease can make you more susceptible, but this doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get it; it just means you need to take extra care of your teeth and gums. By focusing on your gum health, you might reduce the risk of serious diseases.
Natural Home Remedies for Gum Health
Natural home remedies have been used for centuries to heal gum disease. Here are five simple methods you can start using today:
Salt Water
Salt water can kill bacteria and cleanse infected areas of the gums. Mix one tablespoon of sea salt in a cup of warm water. Swish it around in your mouth for a minute or two, then spit it out.
Sage
Sage has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties, making it a popular home remedy. Chop a fresh sage leaf or use a pinch of dried sage, rub it on the infected area of your gum, and leave it for 2-3 minutes. You can mix in sea salt with the sage for additional cleaning.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. This helps cleanse wounds and encourages healing. Combine turmeric powder with water or mash up some fresh turmeric root. Brush this paste onto your teeth and gums with a soft toothbrush.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient technique used to maintain healthy teeth and gums. It involves using oil to cleanse infected areas and help the gums heal. Take a tablespoon of sesame, coconut, or sunflower oil and swish it around your mouth for a couple of minutes, focusing on the infected gum. Spit it out (do not swallow!) and rinse immediately with warm water.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a simple preventative solution. You can use a baking soda paste regularly instead of toothpaste, but be careful as it is highly abrasive and should be used gently with olive oil. If your gums get infected, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to your gums. Do this for two minutes, two to three times a week.
Ozonated Olive Oil Boosts Oral Health
In some cases, unhealthy gums may need a more powerful response, and ozonated olive oil can provide significant healing benefits. Olive oil helps clean and supply essential vitamins to the gums, and studies show that topically applied ozone improves wound healing and gum injuries without side effects. Research indicates it is effective against swollen and bleeding gums. In one clinical trial, patients using ozonated oil healed significantly faster than those using standard healing protocols. One of my clients reported that ozonated oil worked wonders for them!
How to Use Ozonated Olive Oil
Here’s how to use an ozonated olive oil like Global Healing’s Skin Therapy:
First, brush gently with a soft toothbrush and non-fluoride toothpaste. Next, floss thoroughly, ensuring you floss each side of the tooth down to the gum line to remove plaque and debris. Finally, massage the gums gently with ozonated olive oil for 10 minutes. Additionally, you can brush your teeth with ozonated olive oil as a supplementary approach. Follow these steps to experience healthier gums and improved oral health. Have you used ozonated olive oil? Share your experience with us!
