7 natural remedies for healthy gums

Neem, tea tree oil, and cranberry are some remedies that may help you improve your gum health naturally.

If you try them, they should be added to an oral hygiene routine that also includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing frequently, and seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.

This article examines the causes of gum disease and discusses some of the natural remedies and lifestyle strategies that can help keep your gums healthy, according to some studies.

Please note that these are not substitutes for standard oral care. They also require consistent use. no treatment can strengthen your gums overnight.

Causes of gum disease

In your mouth, bacteria constantly form a sticky substance called plaque on your teeth. Brushing and flossing can help get rid of plaque, but the substance can also harden and, in turn, form another substance called tartar.

In many cases, plaque and tartar build-up can lead to growth gingivitisa condition characterized by inflammation of the gums.

When left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis (inflammation around the teeth). Periodontitis can cause tooth loss and has been linked to heart disease in a number of studies.

Neem

Neem extract from an evergreen tree native to India has been found to possess antibacterial properties. Research on neem and gum health includes a small study published in Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine in 2014.

For this study, 105 children (ages 12 to 15) used one of the following mouthwashes twice a day for three weeks:

• Neem, a solution containing powder extracted from branches of neem trees
• Mango, a solution containing powder extracted from branches of mango trees
• Chlorhexidine (CHX)an antiseptic found in many types of mouthwashes

The results showed that all three types of mouthwashes were effective in reducing plaque and inhibiting gingivitis. However, more studies are needed to confirm the oral health benefits of neem and mango extract mouthwashes.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil may help treat gingivitis, according to a 2022 review of the existing literature. The researchers concluded that tea tree oil was superior to CHX in reducing inflamed gums, while CHX was more effective in inhibiting plaque formation.

If you are considering using tea tree oil for gum health, choose a toothpaste that contains this essential oil as an ingredient. Ingesting undiluted tea tree oil (or using tea tree oil home remedies) can be toxic.

Cranberry

Some research shows that cranberry can help prevent gum disease by preventing bacteria from sticking to your teeth.

A 2018 study in the journal Nutrition ResearchFor example, he found that drinking a liquid containing cranberry extract improved gum health in people with gingivitis who were also being treated by a periodontist.

Additionally, the researchers noted that drinking does not promote dental cavities.

Vitamin C

There is evidence that vitamin C could play a role in protecting gum health, according to a 2019 review of existing studies that looked at the relationship between blood levels of vitamin C and periodontitis.

Patients with lower blood levels of vitamin C showed greater progression of periodontal disease than those with higher levels of vitamin C.

To help fill up on vitamin C, include foods such as grapefruit, oranges, kiwi, mango, papaya, strawberry, red pepper, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cantaloupe in your diet.

Ask your healthcare professional for advice on whether you should take supplements.

Oil pulling

A long-used remedy in Ayurveda, oil pulling involves swishing a tablespoon of oil (such as coconut oil or sesame oil) in your mouth for about 15 minutes at a time.

2019 study at Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that oil pulling with coconut oil appeared to inhibit plaque growth as effectively as CHX. In addition, it caused less tooth staining than CHX.

A 2022 meta-analysis, however, concluded that oil pulling with coconut oil had no significant effect on gum health or plaque prevention.

Diet

Along with using good oral hygiene practices, you can maintain your oral health by eating a diet rich in calcium-rich foods and low in sugary foods and drinks. Sugary foods attract bacteria that can lead to gingivitis.

Drinking water with and after a meal can help reduce this build-up of bacteria.

Lifestyle

Avoiding smoking (and any other form of tobacco use) can significantly reduce the risk of developing gingivitis. Smoking and secondhand smoke have negative effects on all aspects of dental and oral health, including contributing to receding gums.

There’s also some evidence that managing your stress can help keep your gums healthy. It is believed that stress can alter the immune response and affect the body’s ability to fight the build-up of bacteria.

Summary

Some research has shown that certain natural substances, including tea tree oil and vitamin C, can contribute to gum health and help prevent gingivitis and periodontitis.

However, these methods should not replace tried and true oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly.