Healthy gums can mean the difference between keeping your teeth or not. Unfortunately, one in three people over the age of 30 has some form of periodontal disease but are unaware of it because it is a problem that develops silently and painlessly. Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria in plaque infect the gums and bones that anchor the teeth. Bleeding gums, inflamed gums, loose teeth, change in bite, and recession are all indicators of periodontal disease, which accounts for 70 percent of tooth loss. Bacterial toxins are also released into the bloodstream, beginning a cascade of health problems. Recent research has revealed a relationship between periodontal infection and more serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and preterm low birth weight babies. So it’s important to do all you can to make your gums healthy. Here are some natural remedies for your gums.
GOOD TO KNOW!
It’s important to replace your toothbrush after a canker sore or cold sore episode because the virus thrives in a damp environment.
Both sage and sea salt have antiseptic properties that reduce inflammation and promote healing. They are also astringent, which helps tighten the gums. Just pour 1 cup (235 ml) of boiling water over 1 tablespoon (2.5 g) of sage leaves, cover and steep for 15 minutes, strain, and add 2 teaspoons (10 g) of sea salt. Use twice daily after brushing your teeth. Refrigerate between uses.
You can also add a drop of tea tree oil to your toothbrush on top of your toothpaste and brush as usual. Tea tree oil, derived from the leaves of the native Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree, contains antiseptic compounds which help prevent gum disease. Make sure the product label says it is 100 percent pure tea tree oil.
Chewing burdock root massages the gums and improves stomach activity. You can also massage bleeding gums with a piece of inner lemon rind. Or try my plaque fighting, gum strengthening solution:
Take 1/8 ounce of coconut oil; add 8 drops oil of myrrh, 8 drops tea tree oil, and 2 drops peppermint oil. Shake before using and massage a few drops into your gums to promote healthy teeth and gums.
Another formula to massage into receding gums to increase circulation, tighten tissues, and decrease microbes as follows:
2 parts yerba mansa
1/2 part myrrh
2 parts echinacea
2 parts prickly ash bark
For bleeding gums, you can make a mouth rinse or use herbal tea of some of the herbs mentioned above to run through a Water Pik oral irrigation type device that shoots out a gentle stream of water to clean and massage teeth and gums. This is a great way to clean out any missed places, stimulate circulation, and get an herbal treatment at the same time! Use once a day.
This how to improve gum health article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
