“How To Cure Gum Disease Without a Dentist”- We get asked this question a lot here at CALLNATURE
Gum disease is a serious condition that requires professional treatment. If you have symptoms such as bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. These self-care steps can help prevent and manage gum disease, but they should not be used as a substitute for professional treatment:
- Avoid SLS
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a common ingredient found in many toothpastes and mouthwashes. It is a foaming agent that helps to create a lather and can help clean the teeth and gums. However, when you have gum disease, it’s best to avoid toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain SLS.
SLS can cause irritation and dryness in the mouth. It can also cause the gums to become more sensitive and inflamed, which can make the symptoms of gum disease worse. Some studies have suggested that SLS may also cause an increase in the level of bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to the development of periodontitis.
Additionally, when you have gum disease, you should choose toothpastes and mouthwashes that are specially formulated to help alleviate the symptoms of gum disease. These products may contain ingredients such as chlorhexidine, essential oils, or enzymes that can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
In summary, when you have gum disease it’s important to avoid products that can cause further irritation and dryness to your gums and to choose products that have been specially formulated to help alleviate the symptoms of gum disease, to help you manage it properly. - Switch to a soft or ‘super soft’ bristle toothbrush
Using a toothbrush with soft bristles is important when you have gum disease because it’s a lot gentler on the gums.
When you have gum disease, your gums are already inflamed and sensitive, and using a toothbrush with hard bristles can further irritate and damage them. Hard bristles can also cause receding gums, which can make the problem even worse.
Soft bristles are also less likely to cause irritation or damage to the gums, and are gentle enough to clean around sensitive areas without causing pain. They can also help remove plaque and bacteria without causing trauma to the gums.
Additionally, using an electric toothbrush with soft bristles can be more effective in cleaning teeth and gums, as they can oscillate or rotate-oscillate, which helps to remove plaque and bacteria more effectively and gently. This is especially important for people with gum disease as they need to be extra gentle with their gums.
It’s important to note that when you have gum disease, it’s not just about the toothbrush bristles but also the technique of brushing. You should also brush gently and avoid using excessive force, as this can irritate the gums and make the problem worse. - Floss or clean between the teeth daily
Flossing or using an interdental cleaner is important when you have gum disease because it helps to remove plaque and bacteria from the spaces between your teeth, where a toothbrush just can’t reach. This is particularly important because plaque and bacteria can accumulate in these areas and contribute to the development of gum disease.
When you have gum disease, your gums are already inflamed and sensitive, and the accumulation of plaque and bacteria can make the problem a lot worse. Flossing or using an interdental cleaner can help to remove this, which can reduce inflammation and help to prevent the progression of gum disease.
Flossing will help to remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth and along the gumline, which can reduce the risk of cavities and gingivitis. Interdental cleaners, such as water flossers or small brushes specifically designed to clean between teeth, to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.
Flossing and using interdental cleaners can also help to stimulate the gums and increase blood flow, which can promote healing and help to keep the gums healthy. It’s also important to note that flossing or using interdental cleaners can help to remove food particles that can become lodged between the teeth and cause bad breath. - Switch to ‘alcohol free’ dental products
When you have gum disease, it’s important to use alcohol-free dental products and mouthwash because they can be less harsh and less drying to the gums and the oral mucosa (the soft tissues that line the inside of your mouth).
Alcohol is a common ingredient in many dental products and mouthwashes, and it can be very drying to the gums and the oral mucosa. When you have gum disease, your gums are already inflamed and sensitive, and using products that contain alcohol can further irritate and dry out the gums, making the problem worse.
Alcohol-free dental products and mouthwash can help to reduce inflammation and dryness in the mouth, which can help to alleviate the symptoms of gum disease. They can also help to kill bacteria in the mouth, which can help to reduce the risk of cavities and gingivitis.
Additionally, some studies have suggested that alcohol-free mouthwash can be more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis than mouthwash with alcohol.
It’s important to note that some alcohol-free mouthwash still contains antimicrobial ingredients that can help to reduce bacteria in the mouth. And it’s always important to read the label and check the ingredients in the products you’re using, so you can make sure that they are appropriate for your needs.
In summary, using alcohol-free dental products and mouthwash is important when you have gum disease because they can be less harsh and less drying to the gums and the oral mucosa, reducing inflammation and dryness, and they can also be more effective in reducing plaque and bacteria in the mouth, helping to alleviate the symptoms of gum disease. - Go electric
An electric toothbrush can be better than a manual toothbrush when you have gum disease for several reasons:
Better Plaque Removal: Electric toothbrushes can be more effective at removing plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums than manual toothbrushes. They have a rotation-oscillation or sonic technology that can help to break up and remove plaque and bacteria more effectively than a manual toothbrush. This can be especially beneficial for people with gum disease, as they need to be extra careful to remove plaque and bacteria that can cause inflammation.
More Consistent Brushing: Electric toothbrushes have timers and pressure sensors that can help you to brush your teeth for the recommended 2 minutes and with the right pressure. This can help to ensure that you are brushing your teeth and gums effectively and consistently, which can help to prevent the progression of gum disease.
Gently massaging the gums: Some electric toothbrushes come with special attachments for gum massage. This can help to increase blood flow to the gums and promote healing.
Convenience for people with disabilities: Electric toothbrushes can be easier to use for people with disabilities, arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to brush with a manual toothbrush.
It’s important to note that regardless of whether you choose to use a manual or electric toothbrush, it’s important to use a toothbrush with soft bristles, and brush gently to avoid irritation and trauma to the gums, especially when you have gum disease.
In summary, when you have gum disease, an electric toothbrush can be more effective at removing plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums, more consistent brushing, gently massaging the gums, and can be more convenient for people with disabilities, helping to prevent the progression of gum disease and promoting healing. - Ditch the Soda
When you have gum disease, it’s important to avoid or limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks because they can contribute to the development and progression of the disease.
Sugar and acid can cause tooth decay and can also contribute to the formation of plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that can accumulate on the teeth. Plaque can lead to the development of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, if not removed by regular oral hygiene.
Acidic foods and drinks can also erode tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. This can be especially problematic if you already have gum disease, as it can make your gums more sensitive and vulnerable to irritation and inflammation.
Additionally, consuming high amounts of sugar can increase the levels of bacteria in the mouth, which can worsen gum disease.
In summary, when you have gum disease, it’s important to avoid or limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks to help reduce the risk of tooth decay, plaque formation, and erosion of tooth enamel, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent the progression of gum disease. - Quit smoking or using tobacco products
When you have gum disease, it’s important to stop smoking or using tobacco products because they can greatly increase your risk of developing the condition, as well as make it more difficult to treat.
Smoking and the use of tobacco can cause a reduction in the blood supply to the gums and can also impede the healing process of the gums. This can make it more difficult to treat gum disease, and increase the risk of it becoming more severe.
It can also increase the risk of oral cancer and other oral health issues. They can also cause bad breath, discoloration of teeth, and a decrease in the sense of taste and smell.
Additionally, smoking and tobacco products can also increase the risk of complications after dental procedures, such as surgery or periodontal treatment, and can make it more difficult for the gums to heal properly.
If you are unable to quit, switching to vaping is the next best alternative
In summary, when you have gum disease, it’s important to stop using tobacco products because they can greatly increase your risk of developing and making it more difficult to treat gum disease, as well as increase the risk of oral cancer and other oral health issues, making it harder for the gums to heal properly. - Supplement with Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that is important for overall health, including oral health. It is believed that Vitamin C can be beneficial for gum disease in several ways:
Collagen Production: Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, which is a protein that helps to form the structure of the gums and other tissues in the body. Collagen is important for maintaining the strength and elasticity of the gums, and a deficiency of Vitamin C can lead to weak and bleeding gums.
Antioxidant Properties: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals can damage cells and contribute to the development of gum disease. By neutralizing these free radicals, Vitamin C can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the gums.
Immune Support: Vitamin C can help to support the immune system and can help to fight off bacterial and viral infections. This can help to reduce the risk of gum disease, which is caused by bacterial infections in the gums.
Wound Healing: Vitamin C is important for the wound healing process and can help to reduce the healing time of gums after periodontal treatment.
For most people supplementing with 500-1000mg of Vitamin C each day will provide optimal health for your teeth and gums
It’s important to note that while Vitamin C is an important nutrient for oral health, it should not be used as a replacement for professional treatment or a good oral hygiene routine. A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as supplements if necessary, can help to ensure that you are getting enough Vitamin C. Additionally, it’s important to consult with your dental professional or a healthcare provider before taking any supplements, especially if you’re taking other medication or have other health conditions. - Natural Treatments: There are several herbal and natural remedies that may help with gum disease, Here are a few:
-Dental Pro 7: Dental Pro 7 is the Rolls Royce of the natural dental world, it’s SLS free, Alcohol free, contains potent healing extracts and is proven to kill the ‘bad’ bacteria in your mouth that causes gum disease
-Clove oil: Clove oil is great for temporary pain or toothache relief, this is not for long term use though, don’t use for ay longer than 2-3 days
-Oil pulling: Oil pulling is an ancient practice that involves swishing oil around in the mouth to remove bacteria. Some people claim that oil pulling with coconut oil can help improve the health of the gums.
-Salt water rinse: Salt water can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth. Lots of people swear by his method but in trails the results have been inconclusive so far - If all else fails…
Go and see your dentist
If gum disease is still present after trying these steps, consult a dental professional for further treatment options.
