Holistic Health Space

Professional treatment by dental professionals is essential to controlling gum disease and treating infections. But there are natural remedies for gum disease and loose teeth that you can try. Like any disease, the faster you act at the first problematic signs, the better chance you have of keeping your teeth healthy. 

Loose teeth and swelling often indicate advanced gum disease. In some cases, over 80% of the bone may be destroyed before teeth start to move. But if you’re just starting to notice bleeding without any pain or looseness, home remedies might help control your gum disease. 

1. Green tea 

Green tea contains high amounts of antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation. Green tea can help counteract the immune system’s inflammatory response to bacteria in the mouth. This reduced inflammation helps reduce damage to the gums and supporting jawbone.  

The polyphenols can also restrict the growth of bacteria that lead to gum inflammation. Drinking green tea may help overall health, and it’s an alternative to coffee that many people enjoy.  Consider adding a couple of servings every day to your diet, but be careful if you’re sensitive to caffeine: A cup of green tea contains about 28 mg of caffeine, compared to 96 mg in a cup of coffee.1

2. Hydrogen peroxide 

Hydrogen peroxide, a mild antiseptic, is often helpful in the prevention of skin infections from minor cuts and scrapes. Swishing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide may also help relieve minor mouth irritations and kill bacteria that could lead to gum disease. Hydrogen peroxide can be purchased in 3% solution at the pharmacy and diluted with 50% water. 

Consider using diluted hydrogen peroxide in a water flosser, such as a Waterpik. These oral irrigators send a stream of water around the teeth and under the gums, which helps remove and kill harmful bacteria.  

3. Aloe vera  

Aloe vera has a long history of treating scrapes and burns on the skin, but it’s proven to be useful in the mouth, too. Research shows that it has anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis properties, and has been effective in reducing gingival bleeding.2

Aloe vera has also been shown to aid healing after gum surgery. Application with gel may result in better initial healing and reduce discomfort. If your gums are sore or swollen, you may notice relief with aloe vera. 

There are over 300 species of the plant, but only a few of them are used medicinally. It’s important to use the right type and make sure it’s 100% pure. If you’re using a rinse, swish for 30 seconds, brush, and spit. You can also apply a gel directly and gently massage around the gums. 

4. Turmeric paste 

Turmeric is a spice commonly used in curries, but research has shown that it’s capable of reducing inflammation throughout the body. In addition, it appears to have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. 

Turmeric can be used in multiple ways for health and dietary benefits. Adding the spice to food allows it to work with other nutrients. Oral supplements provide a steady amount to the body, but make sure you use a highly absorbable form for maximum benefit. 

5. Sage mouthwash 

Some types of mouthwash contain high amounts of alcohol and may even dry the mouth out and allow more bacterial plaque to form. But a rinse that contains sage can calm inflamed gums. Daily rinsing with a sage mouthwash can decrease the bacteria that causes dental plaque. 

You can make your own sage rinse at home. Add two tablespoons of fresh sage or one teaspoon of dried sage to a cup or two of boiling water. Let it simmer on low for about 10 minutes before straining it. You can store it in a bottle and rinse with a small amount twice daily for 30 seconds. 

6. Salt water 

Salt water 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 home remedy for a gum abscess, warm salt water is a good place to start. Mix 1T Salt with 1C Water;

Move the salt water in the mouth around for 15 to 30 seconds. When done rinsing, spit out the salt water. Repeat the rinsing 2 to 3 times a day. Overuse of rinsing with salt water can damage the enamel and lead to more problems.

7. Lemongrass oil 

A mouthwash containing a small amount of lemongrass oil can lower bacterial plaque levels. A wash with 0.25% lemongrass oil can reduce plaque better than chlorhexidine gluconate, a proven anti-bacterial rinse used to treat gum inflammation.3

A lemongrass oil rinse is quick and easy to create, but it can be potent. Simply add two to three drops of lemongrass oil to a cup of water, swish for 30 seconds, and spit. You may want to try just one drop at first and increase if it doesn’t aggravate the lining of your mouth. 

8. Baking soda 

Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, can be an effective ingredient to use on your teeth and gums. It works against harmful mouth bacteria, and it also neutralizes acids that cause inflammation and damage of tooth surfaces. As a bonus, sodium bicarbonate breaks down stains and can brighten teeth. 

You can make a paste by mixing a small amount of baking soda with water and gently brushing on your teeth. This slurry provides one method of cleaning, but it’s important to include other anti-bacterial compounds into your oral health regimen.   

9. Coconut oil 

Swishing your mouth with coconut oil for an extended period may help gum disease, but there’s not much credible research to support it.  

10. Daily brushing and flossing 

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing is still one of the best home remedies for good oral health. Removing plaque and disrupting bacteria that colonize the teeth and gums removes the primary cause of gum disease. Bacteria quickly reproduce in the mouth, so it’s important to make morning and night cleaning a consistent effort.