How to cure Gum Disease without seeing a dentist
Gum disease affects a significant portion of the population at some point in their lives.
It ranges from simple gum inflammation, known as gingivitis, to more severe forms like periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if untreated.
If you think you suffer from gum disease, it’s extremely important to get help from a professional dentist, however, at Nova Smiles, we understand that getting access to good dental is not always easy.
Several factors such as cost, lack of time and the fear of seeing the dentist can put people off from booking an appointment.
That’s why, even though to cure gum disease you need have a proper investigation and assessment by a dentist, we have created this guide to help you manage your gum disease at home if seeing a dentist is not possible.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on teeth and gums. If not adequately removed, it can cause inflammation of the surrounding gum tissues, leading to gingivitis.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
Bleeding gums
Movement of your teeth
Loose teeth
Pain and aching from your gums and teeth
Gum recession
Bad breath
Bad taste in the mouth
Pus coming from the around your teeth
If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, where gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. This stage can lead to bone and tooth loss.
Our full guide on gum disease.
The Role of Oral Hygiene in Preventing Gum Disease
90% of treating and curing gum disease is in your hands. Good home care and oral hygiene habits are essential to cure gum disease.
Regular and Proper Brushing: Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque. Use a soft-bristled brush and gentle circular motions to avoid damaging the gums.
Inter-dental cleaning: Cleaning in between your teeth is essential to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line, areas your toothbrush can't reach.
Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Using mouthwash such as Corsodyl during the day at a different time than brushing can help reduce plaque and remove remaining food particles after brushing and flossing.
Our advice would be to invest in a good electric toothbrush and a set of interdental brushes to clean in between your teeth.
If you have active gum disease your teeth will likely bleed when you brush them. If that’s the case make sure you get in there and clean those areas thoroughly and over time you should see the bleeding reduce as the gums get healthier.
Don’t let the bleeding put you off!
Our recommended toothbrushes and oral care products.
Natural Remedies and Home Care
On top of regular excellent oral hygiene, there are some home remedies you may read about that help with gum disease. Now, feel free to give these a try, but most of these methods have not been scientifically proven to work.
Saltwater Rinses: A natural disinfectant, saltwater can help reduce bacteria, soothe inflamed gums, and heal mouth sores. Mix 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and use as a mouth rinse.
Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil: Swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil around the mouth for 15-20 minutes can reduce bacteria and plaque. Spit it out afterwards to avoid ingesting the toxins pulled from your gums and teeth.
Herbal Remedies: Applying aloe vera gel, turmeric paste, or rinsing with green tea can reduce inflammation and support gum health due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamins C and D: These vitamins are essential for gum health. Vitamin C helps in the formation of collagen, a part of the gum's connective tissue. Vitamin D can reduce the risk of gum inflammation and disease.
Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments
Diet plays a crucial role in oral health. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can support gum health.
Avoid sugary snacks and acidic beverages that can erode tooth enamel and irritate gums.
Smoking and tobacco use significantly increase the risk of gum disease, so quitting can markedly improve oral health.
Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help cleanse the mouth of food particles and bacteria.
When to See a Dentist
Despite your best efforts at home, some situations require professional intervention. It's crucial to recognise the signs that indicate a need for a dental visit:
Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth, which could indicate bacterial infection.
Gums that bleed extremely easily, even with gentle brushing or flossing.
Swollen, red, or tender gums that don't improve with home care.
Gums that have pulled away from the teeth, creating a receding gum line.
Loose or shifting teeth, which can indicate bone loss from advanced gum disease.
Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite, a possible sign of tooth movement due to bone loss.
Dentists can remove tartar (hardened plaque that can't be removed by brushing or flossing alone), check for signs of advanced gum disease, and provide treatment options that may not be available at home.
An easier way to get professional help
At Nova Smiles, we are passionate about providing high-quality dental advice to those who are anxious or can’t get to a dentist in person. Our online dentists are available to help for free and give you advice on how to manage your gum disease at home.
Get in touch by clicking this link here and your Nova dentist will be in touch.
Conclusion
Managing gum disease at home involves a combination of good oral hygiene practices, natural remedies, and lifestyle adjustments.
Regular brushing, flossing, and the use of antimicrobial mouthwash form the cornerstone of gum disease prevention. Home remedies like saltwater rinses, oil pulling, and the application of herbal gels can provide additional support.
However, it's essential to maintain a balanced diet, avoid harmful habits like smoking, and stay hydrated to support overall oral health.
While these measures can significantly contribute to gum health, they do not replace the need for professional dental care.
Early detection and treatment of gum disease can prevent its progression to more serious stages that can lead to tooth loss and other health complications. Therefore, regular dental visits are crucial for a comprehensive approach to oral health.
If you can’t get to a dentist in person, feel free to speak to our online dentists who are available to help as best as they can.
