12 Steps to Reverse Periodontal Disease Naturally

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bones that surround and support the teeth. In its early stages, called gingivitis, the mouth can become swollen and red, and it may bleed. Periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults, and tooth decay is the biggest threat to dental health.

Gingivitis can be controlled with proper oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning. More severe forms of periodontal disease can also be treated but may require more extensive treatment, such as corrective surgery.

If you think you may be suffering from the beginning stages of periodontal disease, you could alleviate your symptoms and naturally reverse the early stages of the disease. This may be achieved by focusing on natural ways to improve your oral hygiene. With dedication and persistence, you should be able to improve your oral health before the situation worsens.

To reverse the early signs of periodontal disease and naturally reduce the severity of your symptoms, follow these 12 steps:

1. Get a New Toothbrush

Change your toothbrush at least every three to four months, and use a soft brush. Because toothbrushes only have a three-month shelf life, the American Dental Association suggests replacing your toothbrush (or brush head on an electric toothbrush) every three months. The more frequently you use a toothbrush, the less effective it becomes.

2. Brush Your Teeth Correctly

It is ideal to brush after every meal and snack, but it is advised to do so at least twice daily. The American Dental Association suggests brushing your teeth for two minutes at a time with fluoride toothpaste. You can aid in the removal of food scraps and bacterial-filled plaque by brushing your teeth. This will assist in preventing your gums from becoming inflamed and bleeding because of tartar buildup, which results in gum disease.

3. Use an Electric Toothbrush

Consider using an electric toothbrush if you're looking for a more efficient way to get rid of plaque and tartar. To help you remove plaque buildup from your teeth and gums, electric toothbrush bristles rotate or vibrate. Each time you brush your teeth, the toothbrush's vibration enables more minute movements.

4. Try Tea Tree Oil

Around the world, tea tree oil is used to treat inflammation in both its pure and diluted forms. It is also a component of many commercial products. With this in mind, it makes sense that a home remedy like tea tree oil will help with a variety of symptoms and pains.

According to some studies, using tea tree oil gel on the gums is an effective way to lessen the early signs of periodontal disease naturally. Brush for a few weeks with toothpaste that has a few drops of tea tree oil added to it. You could also purchase toothpaste that already has tea tree oil in it. It is sold in a variety of supermarkets and health stores.

5. Use an Interdental Cleaner

Use dental floss, dental picks, dental brushes, or dental sticks as an additional method of cleaning in-between your teeth after brushing. Using interdental brushes is a natural way to help reverse the early signs of gum disease by clearing away food particles and plaque from between your teeth. They have tiny bristle heads made specifically to clean between your teeth and come in a variety of widths to accommodate gaps of different sizes.

6. Use Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Alcohol-free mouthwash is a natural solution to help lessen plaque buildup between your teeth. In addition to fighting plaque and gingivitis and freshening your breath, mouthwash can help prevent cavities, tooth decay, and peeling or bleeding of the gums. Mouthwash is a real winner when considering how to reverse periodontal disease naturally because it can greatly improve your oral health.

7. Apply Aloe Vera to Gums

This plant's natural anti-inflammatory and bacterial-killing properties complement its role as a natural disinfectant. For rashes, insect bites, and minor cuts and grazes, people have used gel straight from the aloe plant for centuries. When used in the mouth, it can eliminate the germs that cause gum disease, treat mouth ulcers, and freshen breath, thus reversing the progression of periodontal disease.

Simply massage your gums with aloe gel, then leave it on for 30 minutes before washing with water. Although pure gel works better, you can also use aloe vera juice to create a similar result.

8. Use a Sea Salt Rinse

Using warm water and natural sea salt to rinse your mouth can significantly lessen gum irritation. Sea salts contain minerals like sodium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorous. When these minerals are at their purest, they lessen inflammation.

Gargling and using mouthwash as a mouth rinse both have many advantages. Mix half a teaspoon in a glass of warm water for maximum results. Until the symptoms go away, rinse your mouth thoroughly two to three times per day.

9. Apply a Turmeric and Garlic Rub

Garlic's allicin compound has been demonstrated to support oral flora balance and inhibit pathogenic bacteria. Garlic also has antiviral and antifungal properties that promote healthy gums and teeth. You can either crush garlic and combine it with turmeric powder to make a paste. Turmeric in this paste works well to reduce inflammation. Alternatively, you can just peel the garlic, cut it in half, and rub it on the affected area. Before rinsing it out, let the paste sit in your mouth for a few minutes.

10. Take Vitamin C

The benefits of vitamin C extend to your gums in addition to your teeth. Gum disease and peeling gums are two symptoms of vitamin C deficiency. This is because vitamin C supports strong, healthy connective tissues that hold your teeth in place. If you're unsure whether you should take a supplement or not, talk to your dentist or doctor. This is because some dietary supplements may interact with or interfere with some prescription medications.

11. Don’t Smoke or Chew Tobacco

Oral cancer, periodontal disease, and foul breath are all associated with smoking and chewing tobacco. Because smoking and other tobacco use prevent your bone and soft tissue from adhering to your teeth, they can cause gum disease.

Gum bleeding and peeling may also result from smoking, which disrupts the normal function of the cells in the gum tissue. By making the straightforward lifestyle decision to stop smoking, you can reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease, improve your health, and naturally reverse your symptoms.

12. Visit Your Oral Hygienist

Follow your dentist's recommended schedule for professional dental cleanings. Regular dental cleanings are especially essential for reducing or reversing gum disease. Your oral hygienist should regularly perform a deep cleaning to get rid of stubborn plaque and stop the spread of gum disease.

Why Early Gum Disease Treatment Is So Crucial

The good news is that with a commitment to proper oral hygiene and early treatment, the early stages of periodontal disease can be reversed. But if plaque is not removed promptly, it can grow below the gum line and spread. Because the symptoms can seem relatively mild at first, it might not seem like a big deal if your gums start to peel or bleed a bit.

You might, however, wake up one day and discover that your teeth have deep pockets. This is a sign of periodontitis, a more serious and challenging form of gum disease. Toxins produced by bacteria in plaque can cause gum irritation very quickly. The result is a chronic inflammatory reaction in which the body essentially rebels against itself, causing the gums and teeth to gradually deteriorate.

12 Step Summary

Final Thoughts

Early-stage gingivitis can cause gums to swell, turn red, peel, or even bleed. Try some of these home remedies to relieve gum pain and treat the early stages of gingivitis. The most effective way to reverse periodontal disease naturally is to properly brush and floss your teeth. Even if you only occasionally experience symptoms, it's critical to take charge of your oral health. Make sure to also schedule regular cleanings and a checkup at your dentist's office before the condition gets worse.

Sources and Further Reading

• Oral health: A window to your overall health - Mayo Clinic
  Find out about the connection between your oral health and overall health.
• Periodontal Disease | Oral Health Conditions | Division of Oral Health | CDC
  Periodontal diseases are mainly the results of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

© 2023 Louise Fiolek