Periodontitis is a serious dental condition that affects the gums and can lead to tooth loss. It is caused by bacteria that accumulate in the pockets between the teeth and gums, leading to inflammation and damage. While professional treatment is necessary, there are also steps that you can take at home to help manage and prevent periodontitis. In this guide, we will explore the causes and symptoms of periodontitis and the best home remedies and treatments available.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a gum disease that affects the tissues that support the teeth. When bacteria build up in the pockets between the teeth and gums, it can lead to inflammation, damage, and, eventually, tooth loss.
Various factors, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetics, and certain medical conditions like diabetes, can cause periodontitis. It is important to address periodontitis immediately to prevent further damage.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of periodontitis include:
- inflamed or swollen gums
- discolored plaque or tartar on the teeth
bleeding while brushing or flossing- halitosis, or bad breath
- pain when eating or chewing
- sensitive teeth
- receding gums, which make the teeth look longer
- extra spaces between the teeth
- pus between the teeth and gums
- a metallic taste in the mouth
- loose or lost teeth
- changes in the way the teeth feel when biting
- changes in the fit of partial dentures
Symptoms may not appear until a person is in their 40s or 50s. By this time, periodontitis may be advanced, and the person may have irreversible damage.
At-Home Remedies for Periodontitis
While it is essential to visit your dentist for professional treatment, there are also steps that you can take at home to help manage periodontitis. Here are some home remedies that can help:
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice involving swishing oil around your mouth to help remove harmful bacteria. Coconut oil is a popular choice for oil pulling, as it has antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
To try oil pulling at home:
- Choose high-quality, organic coconut oil.
- Take a tablespoon of the oil and swish it in your mouth for 15-20 minutes.
- Spit the oil out into a trash can to avoid clogging your sink.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water and brush your teeth as usual.
Saltwater Mouthwash
Saltwater has natural antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. A saltwater mouthwash can help kill harmful bacteria in the mouth and promote healthy gums.
To make a saltwater mouthwash:
- Mix one teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water.
- Swish the mixture around in your mouth for 30 seconds.
- Spit the mixture out into a sink.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water and brush your teeth as usual.
Hydrogen peroxide gargle
Hydrogen peroxide, a mild antiseptic, is often helpful in preventing skin infections from minor cuts and scrapes. Swishing 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 a 3% solution at the pharmacy and diluted with 50% water.
Consider using diluted hydrogen peroxide in a water flosser, like a Waterpik. These oral irrigators send a stream of water around the teeth and under the gums, which helps remove and kill harmful bacteria.
Aloe vera teeth and gum massage
Aloe vera has a long history of treating scrapes and burns on the skin, but it’s also proven useful in the mouth. Researchers showed that aloe vera was just as effective as two commercial kinds of toothpaste at reducing disease-causing bacteria.
Aloe vera has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that help to heal after gum surgery. Application with a gel may result in better initial healing and reduce discomfort. You may notice relief with aloe vera if your gums are sore or swollen.
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 ensure it’s 100% pure. If you’re using a rinse, swish for 30 seconds, brush, and spit. You may also directly apply a gel and gently massage the gums.
Baking soda as toothpaste
Sodium bicarbonate can be an effective ingredient for teeth and gums. It works against harmful mouth bacteria and neutralizes acids that cause inflammation and damage to 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 your teeth. This slurry provides one cleaning method, but it’s important to include other antibacterial compounds.
Essential Oils
Essential oils like tea tree oil, peppermint, lemongrass, and clove oil have natural antibacterial properties that can help fight inflammation and reduce bleeding gums. These oils can be added to mouthwash or used in homemade toothpaste.
To use essential oils for periodontal disease:
- Add a few drops of essential oil to a cup of warm water.
- Swish the mixture around your mouth for 30-60 seconds.
- Spit the mixture out into a sink.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water and brush your teeth as usual.
Professional Treatment for Periodontitis
While these home remedies can help manage symptoms of periodontitis, it is important to seek professional treatment from your dentist. Here are some professional gum disease treatment options that may be recommended:
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gum line. This procedure is usually done using local anesthesia to make you more comfortable.
Periodontal Surgery
Periodontal surgery may be recommended if scaling and root planing are insufficient to treat periodontitis. This surgery involves removing damaged tissue and reshaping the gums to promote healing.
Antibiotics
In some cases, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help treat periodontitis. Antibiotics can help kill harmful bacteria and reduce gum inflammation.
Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Problems in your mouth can profoundly affect other parts of your body. Most of the 700 types of bacteria found in your mouth are harmless, but some are the type that causes tooth decay or gum disease. If left to multiply and grow, those same bacteria can cause redness and swelling—typical signs of inflammation and infection. When that happens, the bacteria can enter the body and reside in the heart and lungs. The following diseases have been linked to oral infections:
- Atherosclerosis and heart disease: Gum disease can increase the risk of damaged arteries and cardiovascular disease and worsen existing heart disease
- Stroke: Gum disease can increase stroke risk from blocked vessels
- Diabetes: People with diabetes and gum disease can struggle more to control their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums
- Respiratory disease: Gum disease may initiate lung problems and worsen existing lung conditions if mouth bacteria migrate downward
Prevent gum disease and periodontitis
The best way to treat periodontitis is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing periodontitis:
- Maintain good oral hygiene and brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
- Use a mouthwash to kill harmful bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Quit smoking, as smoking increases the risk of periodontitis.
- Visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
Conclusion
Periodontitis is a serious condition that requires professional treatment, but there are also steps that you can take at home to help manage symptoms and prevent further damage. By using home remedies like oil pulling, saltwater mouthwash, and essential oils and seeking professional treatment like scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery, and antibiotics, you can effectively manage the condition and keep your mouth and overall dental health in tip-top shape.
Remember, prevention is key – be sure to brush and floss regularly, visit your dentist for regular checkups, and quit smoking if necessary to help prevent periodontitis from occurring in the first place. With these tips, you can effectively manage periodontitis and maintain a healthy smile for life.
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/242321
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354479
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/gingivitis-home-remedy
https://www.guardiandirect.com/dental-care/10-home-remedies-gum-disease
