3 Ways To Treat Gum Disease Naturally

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all Americans have gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, this oral condition can lead to severe complications, including tooth loss. Gum disease has also been associated with other conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. If you are one of the many Americans who struggle with gum disease, there are some noninvasive things you can do to manage, and even reverse this oral health issue.

Here are three ways to treat gum disease naturally.

1. Brushing Your Teeth

One of the most effective ways of staving off and reversing gum disease is to brush your teeth on a regular basis. Brushing your teeth is the best way to remove bacteria and plaque, which can turn into tartar, the hard calcified deposit that irritates the gums and leads to tooth decay. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should brush your teeth twice a day.

You should be aware that when brushing your teeth, it does matter how long you brush for, and the technique you use. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for two to three minutes each time you brush. For the best results, you should tip your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline.

2. Flossing Your Teeth

Flossing is another habit you should get into if you want to naturally reverse gum disease. The ADA strongly recommends flossing at least once a day to maintain optimum oral health. Flossing helps to remove plaque in hard-to-reach areas of your teeth, including in between them. In fact, flossing is the only effective way to get rid of plaque that builds up between the teeth.

There are many types of products that can help you to easily floss your teeth. Some of these products include:

• Dental floss
• Pre-threaded flossers
• Water flossers
• Dental picks

It doesn't matter when you floss, as long as you do it at least once a day.

3. Eat the Right Foods 

There are certain foods that can actually help to treat and reverse gum disease. Some of these foods include:

• Wild-caught fish, such as salmon and sardines
• Fresh vegetable juice
• Raw fruit, especially apples

You may also want to try a chewing gum that contains a sugar alcohol called xylitol, which can help to prevent the build-up of bacteria in the mouth. Besides eating the right foods, you should also avoid certain foods such as processed sugar, fruit juice, and hydrogenated oils.