Take it from us – gum disease isn’t pleasant. If you’re not staying on track with your brushing routine, gum disease can cause some serious damage to your oral health. Wondering how to cure gum disease without a dentist? While we always recommend paying us a visit, here are some of our top tips and remedies.
Green tea Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest too. Green tea is packed with beneficial antioxidants that can significantly reduce inflammation around the gums. The polyphenols that are in green tea also slow down the growth of certain bacteria in the mouth that can end up leading to gum disease.
A cup of tea in the morning and evening is brilliant for your general mental and physical health too. Salt water Salt is another back-to-basics remedy that could help to reduce your chances of gum disease. The mineral is a natural disinfectant able to heal inflamed gum tissue and eradicate any bad bacteria in your mouth.
- Grab some sea salt, mix it with boiling water and, after it’s cooled down, give your mouth a rinse.
- This is a good way of keeping your oral health a boost outside of your regular flossing and brushing too.
- Consistent brushing routine As with any other part of your dental health, keeping up a consistent brushing and flossing routine is vital.
Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time has a huge impact on your chances of getting gum disease. If you already have the early signs, there are a variety of effective toothpastes that can give you a helping hand. Don’t forget to floss either! Flossing once a day is one of the best ways to keep your gums healthy.
Sage mouthwash Picking the right mouthwash is key if you want to fix your gums. Many mouthwash brands contain high amounts of alcohol, which dry the mouth out and therefore encourage more bacteria to grow. In contrast, sage mouthwashes are able to decrease the bacteria responsible for dental plaque and gum disease.
It’s easy to make your own sage mouthwash too! Simply add a few spoons of dried sage to boiling water, wait for it to cool and wash your mouth out. Regular hygienist appointments While home remedies are always useful, there’s no replacement for the dentist to prevent damage to your gums.
Contents
- 1 Does rubbing salt on gums help?
- 2 What kills gum disease?
- 3 When is it too late to reverse gum disease?
- 4 Can you reverse stage 4 gum disease?
- 5 Is it OK to rinse with salt water every day?
- 6 What not to do with gum disease?
- 7 Can you reverse gum disease yourself?
- 8 Can gum disease be restored?
- 9 Can I leave gum disease untreated?
Can you fix gum disease without the dentist?
Can Gum Disease Be Cured Without A Dentist? (Updated 2022) July 2022 (updated) October 2018 (original) If your gums are irritated and swollen or your brushing routine is filled with streaks of red from a bleeding gum line, you may be dealing with a form of gum disease.
A number of things can lead to gum disease, but it begins with bacteria settling on and in between your teeth. Whether you’ve noticed severe symptoms or your dentist has confirmed the presence of the disease, you may consider whether gum disease can be cured without dental care. In order to answer that question, let’s walk through the different causes, treatment options, and what to do once gum disease is detected.
What Is Gum Disease? Gum disease begins with bacteria buildup along the gum line, which causes inflammation and, when left untreated, can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. The three stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.
Loose (adult) teeth Continuous bad breath, stale taste in the mouth Gums that recede or move away from teeth Swollen, red, tender, or bleeding gums Visible infection around teeth and gums
How To Prevent Gum Disease More than 40 percent of Americans over 30 have some form of gum disease. In order to not become a statistic, proper oral care is a must. is the main way to prevent gum disease. Flossing daily, brushing after each meal, and using an antibacterial mouthwash to kill bacteria will deter gum disease from settling into the areas surrounding your teeth.
Visiting your dentist twice a year for is also a good place to start. Addressing like tooth decay and cavities will weaken gum disease causes. Even with aggressive oral care, though, you may still develop gum disease. The only way to know if you have it is by visiting your Bridgeport or Shelton dentist.
How To Treat Gum Disease There is no cure for gum disease, but periodontal treatment aims to control the infection in the gums and stop the disease from progressing. While a strong dental care regimen at home is important, it is not advised that those suffering from gum disease rely solely on their own care.
Flossing : Removes tartar and plaque between teeth (the main causes of gum disease) Brushing : Removes surface buildup from teeth Rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash : Helps cleanse the mouth of unwanted bacteria Scheduling a hygiene appointment : Allows a dental professional to evaluate the condition and recommend further treatment
While you can take action to prevent gum disease and manage it in some ways, gum disease cannot be confirmed or cured without guidance and treatment from your dentist. at least twice a year (four times a year if you know you have gum disease) at one of our offices in Bridgeport /Trumbull Line or Shelton so you can receive a thorough cleaning and take the best care of your teeth.
Can salt water treat gum disease?
What Symptoms Indicate I May Have Gum Disease? –
Bleeding, inflamed, or tender gums.Gums that recede or pull away from your teeth.Persistent bad breath.Sensitivity to hot and coldTeeth are loose or shifting out of place.
To help fight gum disease you can use a salt water rinse at home every day. Mix a teaspoon of salt water into a small glass of warm water. Do not swallow the water, but gently rinse the water around the mouth for between 15-30 seconds. When you are done spit the water out and repeat the process at least 3 times a day.
- Never rinse more than a few times a day.
- Over rinsing can cause the salt to damage the enamel on your teeth.
- Salt water can help to remove the plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
- Salt has healing properties that can treat and heal inflamed or swollen gums caused by gum disease.
- Even though salt water is extremely effective in helping to treat gum disease, salt water cannot cure gum disease.
If you feel you have symptoms of gum disease, we recommend contacting our office and between professional help, and good oral hygiene habits, we can help you treat your gum disease quickly.
Does rubbing salt on gums help?
How Can Salt Water Help? – The use of salt for medicinal purposes dates back to 1600 B.C as it is believed that it could dry out and disinfect the wounds. A recent study reported that rinsing the mouth with salt water can help with your oral health. Salt is a natural disinfectant that helps with gum disease in a few ways:
It removes loose debris and cleans the teeth and gums Reduces inflammation and swelling and soothes the gums It helps to get rid of decay and plaques Relieves bad breath
To use salt effectively, mix a ½ teaspoon with lukewarm water then swish it in the mouth for 30 seconds, and repeat two to three times a day. But, take note, using saltwater too often could have negative effects on the enamel. It can erode the teeth making them thin and prone to decay.
What kills gum disease?
6. Saltwater – Saltwater is a natural disinfectant that can eliminate bacteria that causes gum disease and help heal inflamed mouth tissue. Salt causes fluids to move away from the swelling. If you need a gum abscess home remedy, warm saltwater is a good place to start.
When is it too late to reverse gum disease?
Is it too late for me to have treatment? – It’s never too late to seek treatment for gum disease, and the degree of treatment you require will depend on how advanced it is. If your hygienist diagnoses you with periodontitis, they may do one or more of the following:
Collect diagnostic information, including measurements of the depth of the gaps between your teeth and gums with X-rays. Perform root planing treatment (a deeper version of a traditional scale and polish) to remove the extreme buildup of plaque and tartar. This will likely be performed over multiple appointments to allow your hygienist to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar in difficult-to-access areas.In very severe cases, advanced gum disease causes tooth loss. After examining the health of your gums, if you have very loose teeth, we may decide that an extraction is in the best interests of your future gum health. Here at our Hammersmith dental practice, we offer a variety of tooth replacement treatments, including dental implants, which are considered the gold standard.
Before any extraction, we will always take you through your options for replacing the missing tooth or teeth, advise you on what we believe would be in the interests of your smile, and listen to what expectations are. All restorations are made by an experienced dental technician who will create crowns, bridges and dentures that will look and feel authentic.
How long does gum disease take to heal?
Turmeric gel application – The results of one 2015 study suggest that turmeric gel is able to effectively prevent plaque and gingivitis. This could be due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is also antimicrobial and anti-fungal. It can help to heal bleeding and reddening of the gums.
- Brush your teeth.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Apply the gel to your gums.
- Let the gel sit for 10 minutes.
- Swish water around your mouth to collect all of the gel.
- Spit the water out.
- Repeat two times a day.
The sooner you treat your gingivitis, the better your chance of making a quick and full recovery. If left untreated, gingivitis can cause serious damage to your teeth. It can also lead to other health problems. See your doctor or dentist if you have:
- severe tooth pain
- extremely bad breath
- gums that bleed a lot
- extremely swollen or inflamed gums
Your dentist may clean your teeth, and you may be referred to a periodontist. In some cases, they may prescribe medicated mouthwash or antibiotics. The dental hygienist can teach you to use dental tools and products to keep your gums healthy. Your dentist may also call you in for additional cleanings and provide further guidance on how to practice good oral hygiene.
Rarely, surgery may be necessary to help heal your gums. You can expect to see improvements after a few days of treatment, but it may take a while for symptoms to go away completely. In most cases, gingivitis usually clears up within 10 to 14 days. If your gingivitis is more serious, it could take longer to treat.
Take charge of your dental health to prevent it from recurring. If you have medical conditions that make gingivitis more likely, stay in close contact with your dentist so that they can monitor any change in symptoms. To ensure good dental hygiene, it’s recommended that you go to the dentist at least once a year.
- Brush for at least two minutes, twice a day.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Use a natural mouthwash once or twice a day.
Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can also help prevent gum disease and other oral conditions.
Can I recover from gum disease?
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you might attribute it to using too much pressure when cleaning your teeth. Unfortunately, it’s the first symptom of gum disease. Although it’s preventable, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least 50% of Americans have the infection.
Can you reverse stage 4 gum disease?
Reversing Gum Disease – The key thing to reversing gum disease is removing the tartar that’s present on both the root of your teeth and under your gum line. Periodontitis can’t be reversed, only slowed down, while gingivitis can be reversed. This is why it’s important to catch it in its early stages and prevent it from moving on to periodontitis.
Below are some ways you can reverse gingivitis so it doesn’t progress into something more serious. Practice Good Oral Hygiene Make sure you brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day. Electric toothbrushes are better than manual ones since they can get rid of plaque more easily. Also, floss after eating.
Bacteria feed on the food stuck in your teeth, and by flossing, you remove their food source. Consider using dental picks, as not only can they remove bits of food, but they can also stimulate your gums to make them healthier. Using mouth wash can be a good idea as well, since it can kill the bacteria in there.
It can also help to loosen any leftover food particles. Schedule Regular Dental Visits Preventative care is essential when it comes to gum disease. Not only can the dentist check for cavities and other issues, but they can also get rid of tartar that your toothbrush isn’t able to remove. Quit Smoking or Chewing Tobacco Tobacco use can irritate your gums, which can increase the symptoms you’re feeling from periodontal disease.
Quitting can be good for your health in multiple ways; not only can you reverse gum disease, but you can also reduce your risk of cancer. Laser Dentistry Laser dentistry can preserve your gum tissue and help build your bone back through the stimulation of the stem cells there.
Is it OK to rinse with salt water every day?
How to do a saltwater rinse – To make a saltwater rinse, add ½ a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Swish the rinse around your mouth for ten to twelve seconds, then spit it out. Make sure you don’t swallow the saltwater, as all that salt can be dehydrating and isn’t healthy to ingest! After brushing and flossing, you can use a salt rinse three to four times a week.
How long does it take for salt water to work on gums?
How Long Should I Rinse with Salt Water for Swollen Gums? – You should rinse with salt water between 15-30 seconds, and you’re not supposed to swallow it. When you’re done, spit the water out and repeat this process at least three times a day. However, you’re not supposed to rinse more than a few times a day. You should do that until your gums are healed.
Does mouthwash help gum disease?
MOUTHWASH FOR GUM DISEASE – Using mouthwash makes up part of a healthy oral hygiene routine that can work to prevent tooth decay and help protect against gum disease. It rinses your teeth, gums and mouth to kill harmful bacteria that could cause gum disease.
- You should still brush and floss your teeth thoroughly as part of an effective routine.
- LISTERINE® Advanced Defence Gum Treatment mouthwash is clinically proven to treat gum disease for healthier gums in as little as 2 weeks.
- Rinse your mouth with it twice daily to form a protective shield that stops plaque germs attaching to your gums, so they can repair themselves more easily.
Explore the full range of LISTERINE® products,
What is the best natural antibiotic for gum infection?
Home Remedies For Common Oral Infections – Salt water rinse happens to be the universal medicine for gums’ pain! One of the most straightforward and accessible hacks on our list, salt water not only targets the origin of pain but also acts as an antibiotic for gum infection.
As a result, it helps reduce the pain and spread of disease. Therefore, the next time you have an oral infection or swollen gum, try mixing salt with warm water. Besides killing off some bacteria, salt water helps break down excess abscesses and pus surrounding the tooth. Essential oils have long been associated with natural antibiotics for tooth infections.
However, their medicinal properties have been an ordinary gum swollen remedy. Since they’re processed from plants, these oils promote healing by alleviating pain. So the next time you find yourself thinking about how to cure gum disease without a dentist, try remembering a few of the names from the list below:
Oregano oil Clove oil Lavender oil Tea Tree oil Lemongrass oil
While these were some primary ones, you can also access other essential oils that have proven successful in gum infection treatment. Using them is as simple as putting a couple of drops in a cotton swab or cotton ball and applying them to your tooth. Lastly, when using essential oils, ensure they’re therapeutic grade and are stored in a cool and dry place.
- Herbal teas are another time-tested remedy if you want to get rid of swollen gums, among other ailments.
- Interestingly, planting that specific plant in your garden could give you a forever supply of this tea.
- Or, you could buy the leaves and stem of these herbs and put them in hot water to prepare some tea.
Fenugreek and Goldenseal are the two most effective and healthy choices for tea as they help alleviate any symptom of a tooth infection. In addition, both the plants have immunity-boosting antibiotic properties and can be found easily across grocery stores.
Try this swollen gums home remedy by mixing your tea bags in warm water and drinking at least three cups daily. This will help you knock out the sharpest gum pain. Next on our list we have garlic, one of the most common names on the list of home remedies for abscessed teeth. It is both practical and inexpensive and helps heal in no time.
Finally, a compound called Allicin in fresh, raw garlic has significant antibacterial and pain relief properties to help eliminate tooth infection. The next time you suspect a tooth infection, try peeling a clove of garlic and biting it using your infected tooth.
Or, you could also leave a piece of garlic clove against your tooth for a few minutes to get the best of its medicinal properties. Last on our list, we have the cold compress, another proven home remedy for swollen gums or the face due to your tooth infection. While other treatments may work on the pain, it is the best-proven method that works on the swelling.
To keep yourself well suited, you might want to buy one of the cold packs that are commercially available in the market. Or, you could make your ice pack and apply it around your eyes and neck.
What does gum disease look like?
Symptoms – Healthy gums are firm and fit snugly around teeth. The color of healthy gums can vary. They may range from light pink in some people to dark pink and brown in others. Symptoms of periodontitis can include:
Swollen or puffy gums. Bright red, dark red or dark purple gums. Gums that feel tender when touched. Gums that bleed easily. A toothbrush that looks pink after brushing your teeth. Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing your teeth. Bad breath that won’t go away. Pus between your teeth and gums. Loose teeth or loss of teeth. Painful chewing. New spaces that develop between your teeth that look like black triangles. Gums that pull away from your teeth, making your teeth look longer than usual, called receding gums. A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
Can I use table salt for gums?
Why Himalayan Salt? – Rinsing with warm saltwater can help relieve tooth pain and offer many other benefits. But what kind of salt is best for a mouth rinse? Table salt can help in a pinch, but Himalayan salt is the far superior choice. Himalayan salt actually has properties that you won’t find in table salt.
- While Himalayan salt is chemically similar to regular salt, it also contains many beneficial natural minerals, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
- These minerals aid in fighting bacteria and easing inflammation.
- All these helpful minerals are part of the natural process of mining Himalayan salt.
Originating in Pakistan, this pink salt is almost always sold naturally, without any fillers or excess chemicals. There are few purer things you can buy at the grocery store.
What not to do with gum disease?
Foods to Avoid for Receding Gums – When you have receding gums, you should seek treatment and maintain excellent oral hygiene. Additionally, avoiding certain activities that can worsen the condition or symptoms is essential. Below are key foods to avoid to prevent or reduce the symptoms of gum recession: Acidic items like soda, apple cider vinegar, and limes can irritate the inflamed gums and contribute to more gum recession and irritation.
Sweets and other sugary items
Almost all sugary items are bad news for your teeth and gums. Sugary items promote the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, worsening gum recession or causing decay. Avoid donuts, candy, energy drinks, cake, and chocolate. Since gum recession exposes the tooth’s roots and nerves, extreme temperatures from ice cubes or popsicles can cause your gums to be more sensitive.
Can you reverse gum disease yourself?
If you have gum disease in Baltimore, you may be wondering if you can completely eliminate it. Is it possible to restore your oral health and completely reverse gum disease? The answer is “yes,” but there’s a catch. Only the first stage of gum disease, known as “gingivitis” can be reversed.
Can gum disease be restored?
Can receding gums grow back? The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it’s not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can’t be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
Can I leave gum disease untreated?
What is Periodontitis? – Periodontitis (also called periodontal disease ) is gum disease. This infection damages the soft tissue around your teeth and wears away the bone supporting them. If left untreated, the disease eventually ruins the bone, loosening the teeth and causing them to fall out.
When you eat, drink, and talk, harmful microorganisms settle on teeth and gums. If you don’t get rid of them quickly enough, they can seep through the pockets surrounding the tooth or cuts in your gums left by vigorous brushing. Left in a favorable environment, bacteria multiply. As your body reacts to fight it, inflammation occurs.
The most common cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque that develops on the surface of your teeth. If not removed with regular cleaning, the plaque can harden and turn into tartar and calculus. A diligent approach to oral health can help prevent periodontitis.
Can gum disease be healed?
Can I cure gum disease without a dentist? – Gum disease isn’t curable. It’s only manageable. But you can’t successfully manage gum disease without the help of a dentist or periodontist. This is because bacteria seep way down under the surface of your gums, where brushing and flossing can’t reach.
Can you permanently get rid of gum disease?
What Happens if Gum Disease Isn’t Treated? – Neglecting the early signs can cause more damage to the gums. It can spread into the bones and cause severe damages. It may also increase the risk of other diseases like diabetes and cancer. The gum diseases cannot be cured in any other stage and can only be managed through dental procedures.