How to Use Holistic Treatment for Gum Disease

Holistic periodontal treatment or holistic treatment for gum disease means using daily self care and natural, home remedies for gum disease. Periodontal disease or gum disease is caused by bacteria. You normally have colonies of bacteria in the mouth. These feed on sugar and food particles and create plaque. If plaque isn't removed through daily brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar. If this happens below the gum line, the bacteria can form pockets or colonies and lead to gum disease. Red, swollen, inflamed or bleeding gums are symptoms that the disease has progressed to the point of needing professional dental treatment. If you don't treat gum disease, you can lose your teeth or weaken the supporting structures around the teeth. You can do a lot at home using holistic treatment for gum disease to both prevent and treat conditions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Toothbrush, preferably an electric one with rotating head
• Tea tree oil based toothpaste
• Mouth wash containing hydrogen peroxide
• Dental floss
• Vitamin C tablets
• Multivitamin
• Probiotics, such as yogurt or probiotic supplement

1. Always see a dentist if you think you have gum disease or periodontal disease. He or she can diagnose it properly and advise on a course of treatment. If you know you already have gum problems, follow these steps for holistic periodontal treatment.

2. Daily brushing is a must. You probably already brush your teeth, but there are two products that are thought to help with periodontal and gum disease problems. First, invest in an electric toothbrush with a rotating or oscillating head. These are under $10 at most pharmacies and clean the gum line better than manual toothbrushes.

3. Tea tree oil is a powerful antibacterial oil obtained from the tea tree of Australia. Never use tea tree oil directly in the mouth. Instead, find a tea tree oil toothpaste. You can find them at pharmacies and health food stores nationwide. Tea tree oil research shows it can improve gum disease and provide holistic periodontal treatment.

4. Floss daily. There are new gadgets to help you floss between back teeth. One is a toothbrush like handle with a plastic attachment at the end holding a piece of floss. Ask your dental hygienist to show you how to floss if you're not sure.

5. Use a mouth wash containing hydrogen peroxide. Numerous studies indicate that hydrogen peroxide may be an effective holistic periodontal treatment. Follow package directions. Never use hydrogen peroxide directly in the mouth.

6. Some vitamins and supplements help build your immune system which fights bacteria. Vitamin C tablets taken daily may help. A good multivitamin ensures that you do not have any vitamin deficiencies. Probiotic supplements provide so-called "good" bacteria to the body, which can also boost resistance. Eating yogurt does the same thing.

7. Take steps to care for your own dental health using holistic remedies. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and can prevent tooth decay, painful gum conditions, and the expense associated with multiple dental visits.

Tips & Warnings

• NEVER use tea tree oil or hydrogen peroxide directly in the mouth. Use only dental products containing these substances.
• See your dentist if pain persists or if you have ongoing periodontal issues.
• This advice should never take the place of advice from a qualified dentist.
• Holistic dentistry may provide more holistic remedies for periodontal and gum disease.
• Sudden pain is an indication of something wrong. Be sure to see your dentist immediately.

Resources

• About natural remedies for gum disease.
• Stages of periodontal disease.

[edieness]

on 6/7/2009 Great article 5* and REC

[writedesign]

on 6/7/2009 Great tips on fighting gum disease. 5*rec