Herbal Treatment for Gums

The last thing you want is gum disease, or periodontal disease (PD.) Literally the word periodontal means “around the tooth.” PD is a long-term, low-grade bacterial infection of the gums, bone, and ligaments that support the teeth and anchor them in the jaw. It is usually very serious bacterial infections that destroy the supporting bone and attachment fibers that hold your teeth in your mouth. The bacteria are normal inhabitants of the mouth, but when allowed to overgrow, they form plaque and tartar, and produce toxins that provoke the body's immune response. When this progresses, the disease destroys the supporting structures of the teeth, and when left untreated, these diseases can lead to tooth loss. The good news is that now, when you have sensitive teeth or gums, or minor discomfort from dental work, all-natural herbal treatment for gums can help restore your body’s natural balance and promotes oral health.

Today, Americans spend more than $40 billion a year to treat and slow the degeneration of their dental health. Even though teeth are designed to last a lifetime, today an increasing percentage of Americans, who are living longer lives, wear dentures. According to the dental profession, between 80 and 90 percent of our population has some gum disease. Gum disease could already be in the advanced stages by the time you experience pain. So be sure to see a doctor, even if the pain seems to go away. If your gums are red, tender, discolored or bleeding. If the pain persists, it is probably time to get to your dentist.

Chinese herbal treatment for gums can be integrated with advanced modern scientific techniques to prevent disease before it occurs. Some people use a regime of nightly gum packs made from herbs rolled in gauze, tucked into the corners of the mouth comprised of a combination of turmeric, aloe, willow bark, powdered alum and vitamin E.

Since tooth brushing is the most basic process in oral care. Traditionally people from all over the world use natural tooth brushes made from twigs and healing plants. These primitive brushes actually work well, providing a natural-bristle, disposable brush with healing herbs. These twigs contain volatile oils which stimulate blood circulation, tannins that tighten and cleanse gum tissue. To maintain healthy gums. Try Bay, eucalyptus, oak, fir, and juniper all work well for this. In Asia, people often use twigs of the neem tree.

Noted British herbalist David Hoffmann (The New Holistic Herbal; Element, 1983), suggests using the roots of marshmallow, licorice, alfalfa, or horseradish. Herbal medicine abounds with herbal treatment for gums including natural tooth powders which are warming, removes plaque, and promotes circulation in the gums.

One classic Ayurvedic combination contains two parts powdered potassium alum, an astringent, and one part powdered salt. North Americans use prickly ash bark and myrrh gum is widely used in the Middle East. Diluted tea tree oil also stimulates circulation and kills germs.

Most herbalists and natural healers recommend using warming, astringent, connective-tissue-healing herbs for oral health. These herbs can be used as a rinse or applied as packs (a pinch of powder, wetted to a mush with a liquid such as water or vitamin E, and tucked next to the teeth).

Herbs such as amla that support the healing and development of connective tissue when taken internally will always benefit the gums. Just remember that since they must saturate the whole body in order to work on the gums, the healing effect of these tonics tends takes longer to become apparent. The results, however, are more lasting. Hawthorn berry and bilberry fruit help to stabilize collagen, while strengthening the gum tissue. Licorice root helps promotes anti-cavity action, reduces plaque, and has an antibacterial effect. The tooth sockets are joints, and the teeth are essentially bones. Herbs that treat the skeleton and the joints when taken internally are good bets for long-term tooth health. Standouts include yellow dock root, alfalfa leaf, cinnamon bark, and turmeric root.

Whole body healing along with a local herbal treatment for gums can dramatically reverse PD. Look for herbal supplements that provide fast-acting relief and helps to restore internal balance to support healthy teeth and gums.