How to Cure Gum Disease Without a Dentist: 7 Natural Steps

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a common oral health issue that can have serious consequences if left untreated. While seeing a dentist is the most thorough way to diagnose and address gum disease, there are steps you can take at home to improve your symptoms and support gum health. This article will cover 7 research-backed natural treatments, home remedies, and good oral hygiene habits to help cure gum disease without immediately visiting a dentist.

What is Gum Disease and Why Should it be Treated?

Gum disease occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on the teeth. This bacterial plaque causes inflammation and can infect the gums and bone structures that support the teeth. As the disease progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming spaces called pockets that become infected

• Early stage gum disease is known as gingivitis. Symptoms include:
  • Red, swollen, tender gums
  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• More advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. Additional symptoms include:
  • Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away
  • Loose or separating teeth
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Receding gums

If gum disease worsens without treatment, the infected pockets can continue to deepen. Ultimately this can lead to tooth loss and other health issues like heart disease or stroke.

That’s why it’s so important to treat gum disease promptly, even without a dentist through natural home remedies. Catching gingivitis early and taking steps to manage periodontitis can help cure gum disease, prevent additional tooth and bone loss, and maintain your oral health.

7 Natural Remedies to Cure Gum Disease from Home

While professional dental cleaning and planning are considered the most effective gum disease treatment, several home remedies can also help halt or reverse gingivitis and periodontitis between dentist visits. Here are 7 natural ways you can work to cure gum disease without immediately seeing a dentist:

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is the foundation for treating gum disease at home. Here are some best practices:

• Brush Teeth Twice Daily – Brush gently in circular motions at a 45 degree angle to the gums with antibacterial toothpaste. Take at least 2 minutes each brushing.
• Floss Daily – Use proper flossing technique to remove debris between teeth. For wider gaps, use interdental picks.
• Use Antiseptic Mouthwash – Look for antibacterial ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride or essential oils. Swish for 30-60 seconds after brushing.
• Saltwater Rinses – Gargle with warm salt water to help reduce inflammation and disinfect.
• Monitor for Symptoms – Regularly check your gums for changes like swelling, redness, or bleeding.

2. Incorporate Herbal Remedies

Herbal extracts like green tea, aloe vera, turmeric, clove, and oak have been studied for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory abilities to combat gum disease and support oral health

• Green Tea – Rinsing with green tea or applying soaked bags directly to infected gums may suppress periodontal bacteria.
• Aloe Vera Gel – Massaging infected gums with pure aloe vera gel helps reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Turmeric – Creating a paste with turmeric powder and water/honey and massaging onto gums has antibacterial effects.
• Clove Oil – Considered a topical anesthetic and antiseptic for gum pain and inflammation. Use very diluted with water or carrier oil.
• Sage Oil Mouthwash – Contains thujone to combat oral bacteria. Mix 5 drops oil into 1 cup warm water and swish for 2 minutes.

3. Support Gum Health Through Diet

Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and micronutrients has been shown to improve periodontal disease severity by:

• Reducing inflammation
• Neutralizing damaging free radicals
• Boosting the immune response

Emphasize these gum-healthy nutrients

• Vitamin C – citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli
• Vitamin D – fatty fish, eggs, fortified milk
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – organ meats, fish, nuts
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – salmon, tuna, olive oil

And limit sugar intake that feeds the plaque bacteria causing gum disease progression.

4. Consider Lifestyle Adjustments

Certain lifestyle factors directly impact gum health. Making adjustments in these areas can help cure gum disease:

Quit Smoking – Smoking raises risk for periodontal disease by enabling growth of more plaque bacteria while lowering the ability to fight infection

Manage Chronic Conditions – Poorly controlled diabetes and heart disease put you at higher risk. Keep sugar levels and blood pressure in check.

Reduce Stress – There appears to be a link between chronic stress and gum inflammation severity. Practice stress-reducing activities like exercise, meditation, or yoga

5. Try Oil Pulling

The ancient Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling is growing in popularity for oral health benefits. Try swishing coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes, then spitting out. This is believed to help clean the mouth of harmful bacteria that contributes to plaque and gum disease

6. Apply Other Home Remedies

Additional home ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or lemon grass oil could also help cure gum disease when applied directly to problematic gums:

• Hydrogen Peroxide – Rinse diluted hydrogen peroxide for its antiseptic properties
• Baking Soda – Make a baking soda paste with water and gently rub on inflamed gums
• Lemongrass Oil – Contains citral to reduce gum swelling and oral bacteria

7. See Your Dentist if Symptoms Persist

While these 7 natural gum disease cures can be attempted from home before visiting a professional, it’s crucial to see your dentist promptly if symptoms like swollen, bleeding gums persist or worsen. A dentist should examine your mouth to determine the extent of infection and damage. From there they can offer advanced gum disease treatments like:

• Deep dental cleanings
• Laser therapy
• Bone grafts
• Flap surgery on infected tissue
• Medicated chips placed in gum pockets
• Tooth removal if beyond saving

Though unpleasant, these professional treatments are often necessary to stabilize advanced gum disease and stop further decay. Trying too long to cure gum disease exclusively through natural home remedies can cause you to miss the window where dental interventions may have saved more teeth.

---

Conclusion

Catching gum disease like gingivitis or periodontitis early and taking prompt steps to manage it – whether through excellent oral hygiene, natural remedies, or professional treatment – gives you the best chance of successfully curing gum infections without tooth loss. Utilize this guide covering 7 natural ways to cure gum disease without immediately seeing a dentist – and seek professional advice if symptoms persist or worsen. Maintaining diligent oral health habits can help keep gum disease at bay for the long run.