Proper nutrition and good oral hygiene can certainly help protect your gums and support them if you are already dealing with gum disease.
Having healthy gums is very important to oral health and to overall health too.
Gum problems are very common. According to the CDC, nearly half of American adults aged 30 and older show signs of gum disease, and many of them have mild to severe periodontitis. Because the early stages are often painless, many people do not notice the problem or do not look for a solution, which may lead to other health problems over time.
Take care of your health and learn more about gum care. The following is a list of 10 home remedies that many people use to support their gums in a natural way. They are meant to go alongside regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups, not to replace them. If your gums bleed, hurt or stay swollen, see your dentist.
10 Home Remedies for Gum Care
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is often found in commercial products designed for bleeding and swollen gums.
You can use Aloe Vera in its natural form by rubbing Aloe Vera gel on the gums and leaving it there. Many people repeat this two times a day for as long as the gums feel sensitive.
2. Baking Soda
Use baking soda in combination with water to create a paste, and rub this paste on the gum line with your fingers.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is known for its antiseptic properties. Some people massage their gums with a small amount of diluted tea tree oil to keep them clean and to ease the discomfort of irritated gums. Do not swallow tea tree oil.
In addition, you can use toothpaste that contains tea tree oil.
4. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is traditionally used in home gum care. In addition, lemons are packed with vitamin C, and this vitamin plays an important role in keeping the gums strong.
Simply squeeze one lemon and add a small amount of salt to the juice. Mix these two ingredients and try to make a paste (it won’t be thick). Use this paste on the teeth and leave it for a couple of minutes. After that, gargle with water and rinse well, because acid left on the teeth for too long can wear down the enamel.
5. Mustard Oil
Mustard oil is a common ingredient found in many households. It is widely used for cooking and is a traditional home remedy as well. Mustard oil contains vitamins and antioxidants. Take ½ teaspoon of raw mustard oil in your hand. Use your finger to rub the oil on your gums (try to massage this area). Use warm water to rinse when done.
A gentle massage like this may support blood flow in the gums and ease discomfort. Many people use this oil on a daily basis.
6. Clove Oil
This oil is used in several different natural remedies for the relief of bleeding gums. Many alternative medicine practitioners suggest rubbing a little clove oil directly on the problematic gums, but warn people that they may experience a burning sensation.
The good news is that this sensation lasts for a short period of time.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric is a very popular ingredient found in almost every household. It has been used for centuries in traditional practices to soothe irritated tissue. Mix one teaspoon of turmeric with honey in order to get a thick paste.
Use this mixture on the gums and teeth. Leave it for about three minutes. Use lukewarm water to rinse it. Many people find that their gums feel calmer and less sensitive afterward.
You can repeat this procedure daily before bedtime.
8. Sesame Oil
Sesame oil can be used in a few different ways, but the most popular way to use it for your oral health is as a mouthwash. This traditional practice, known as oil pulling, is used to help loosen food residue and plaque that accumulate around the gums.
Just take ¼ cup of sesame oil and rinse your mouth with it, then spit it out. Some people believe that, over time, the oil leaves a protective coating on the gums and teeth.
9. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties, which make it a popular natural remedy for gum care. Use some raw coconut oil and rinse your mouth with it right after you have finished brushing your teeth, then spit it out.
Many people use it this way to help keep germs and food residues away from the gums and teeth. Coconut oil can be used on a daily basis. Some people report noticing a difference after a short period of time, but results vary.
10. Myrrh
Myrrh is a type of resin that comes from trees, and it is traditionally used in the care of irritated gums. Many people use it to support strong gums.
Myrrh can be used in two ways – as a toothpaste or powder, and for rinsing the mouth.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.