23 Home Remedies For Gum Disease For Children & Adults

updated: 07/1/2019

Are you suffering from gum pain? Are you searching for natural treatments for this issue instead of using expensive medications? You are in the right place. Before taking a deep look at the best natural home remedies for gum disease for children and adults, we are going to obtain some basic information about this problem first. 

Related articles:

• Home remedies for periodontal disease pain relief
• Home remedies for bleeding gums while brushing
• Home remedies for gingivitis pain relief

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums, which can progress to affect the tissues surrounding your teeth. The cause of the disease is due to the bacteria in the plaque, which is a colorless, sticky plaque formed continuously on your teeth. If it is not removed daily by oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, plaque builds up and bacteria will not only affect the teeth and gums but also even affect the gum tissue and bone of supporting teeth. This causes the teeth to become loose, fall out or need to be removed.

There are 3 stages of gum disease:

• Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease, the inflammation of the gums, caused by the plaque that forms on the gingival margin. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, toxins from the plaque will irritate the gum tissue, which causes gum inflammation. You may notice bleeding while brushing and flossing. At this early stage, the injury can be healed because the bones and connective tissue supporting the teeth have not been affected.
• Periodontitis: At this stage, the bone and ligaments supporting the teeth have been irreversibly damaged^[1]. Your gums can begin to form a pouch beneath the rim, which is where food and plaque accumulate. Proper dental treatment and improved home care regimen can help prevent further damage.
• Periodontal Disease Progresses^[2]: This is the last stage of gum disease, ligaments and supporting bone damage that causes your teeth to be raised or shaken, or can be moved. Periodontal disease is generally because of bacteria in the mouth that affects the tissue around your teeth and chewing.

What Are Common Causes Of Gum Disease?

• Improper Oral Hygiene: Plaque is a reservoir of dangerous bacteria in the mouth. Improper oral hygiene will facilitate the retention of plaque in the teeth, which in turn generates mass multiplication, gingivitis, and other dental diseases are unavoidable.
• Bad Eating Habits: Sweet, sticky foods are one of the most common causes of dental disease, including gum disease. Sugar in sweets is a good source of food for bacteria, sticky substances in foods such as candies will make plaque easily formed on the teeth.
• Weakened Immune System: People with a weakened immune system due to genetic factors are more likely to develop gum disease than normal people.
• Diseases: Some diseases such as diabetes, cancer, etc. cause the immune system weakened and the gum disease too.
• Smoking: In tobacco, there are up to 4000 toxic substances which not only affect the lungs but also cause dental diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease
• Side Effects Of Some Drugs: Due to the side effects of some antihistamines, antidepressants, etc. which reduces saliva secretion – playing an important role in cleaning bacteria. This can facilitate the growth of bacteria.
• Calculus (Dental) Or Tartar: Calculus (dental) or tartar is a plaque, which formed by calcium compounds in saliva, usually concentrated in the teeth. The rugged surface of tartar is the ideal place for bacteria to grow. If left untreated, the tartar grows in size, spreading to the bottom of the tooth, lowering the gums, gradually causing disease around the root, and tooth loss. Usually, plaque should exist in the mouth for about a week to turn into tartar.
• Dry Mouth
• Poor Nutrition
• Endocrine Changes: People who are in pregnant, menstrual cycles or using birth control pills are likely to get infected with gum disease.

• Several diseases and conditions such as Down syndrome and other diseases affecting one's resistance to infection increase susceptibility to periodontitis.

What Are Symptoms Of Gum Disease?

• Redness, swelling, or irritation of gum while brushing teeth
• Bleeding gums: Gum disease makes the gums hurt and easily bleed by external effects such as brushing, flossing with a toothpick.
• The upper part of the teeth looks longer because your gums are down
• The gums are detached from the upper part of the teeth, forming pocket the teeth’s root
• Fitness among teeth fluctuates when biting
• Having tartar, plaque
• Bad breath or halitosis or frequent discomfort in the mouth: Gum disease causes changes in the oral cavity. Plaque and food are trapped in the mouth for a long time, which will produce unpleasant odors when we communicate or when breathing out through the mouth.

When To See A Doctor?

When your body experiences these symptoms of gum diseases listed above, you should go to dental clinics for timely diagnosis and treatment. Once gingivitis is left long, uncured and repetitive occurrence, it does not only will cause tooth loss, but it also causes some complications related to cardiovascular and pulmonary.

However, most people with gingivitis initially have no symptoms or symptoms that are difficult to detect, only until the disease develops to a severe stage, patients begin to see the disease. At this time, the treatment process will be more expensive and effective recovery is not high. Therefore, you should periodically check your dental health, even if there are no signs of dental disease.

Top 23 Home Remedies For Gum Disease For Children And Adults

1. Turmeric

Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which is called curcumin. Curcumin has the function to remove plaque on the teeth while reducing pain and swelling^[3]. In addition, it inhibits the activity of bacteria, making gingivitis disappear quickly.

Mouthwash contains turmeric extracts that are used as an adjunct, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial^[4]. The effect of mouthwash contains turmeric may have the same effect as the mouthwash contains common chlorhexidine compounds (this is an antiseptic against bacteria)^[5]. Using turmeric is regarded as one of the most effective home remedies for gum disease you should not miss. 

Method 1: Turmeric With Salt

• Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder with about half teaspoon of salt.
• Apply the mixture to your teeth and gums
• Massage gently
• Repeat this process twice a day

Method 2: Turmeric With Vitamin E

• Mix ½  teaspoon of turmeric with a little water
• Add a drop of vitamin E oil to it
• Apply a thin layer of finger to the gum.
• Wait for 10 to 15 minutes for the mixture to penetrate into the affected area
• Wash your mouth clean with lukewarm water
• Repeat this process at least once a day
• It can be done regularly once a week to see the best effect.

Method 3: Turmeric Toothpaste

• Blend a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little water to form a paste
• Use this mixture to brush your teeth after cleaning your teeth with regular toothpaste
• Do it at least twice a day for several weeks to achieve the best results.

2. Apple

The list of the best home remedies for gum disease should include apples. Apple contains plenty of water and antioxidants, which are useful for purifying food residue and bacteria in the mouth. These properties are very beneficial to treat gingivitis and reduce the bad smell. They are also abundant in vitamin C, which helps to keep your gums healthy. Your gums become more prone to infection, gum disease, and bleeding without this vitamin.

Chewing the fibrous texture of an apple and its skin can encourage your gums, increase saliva flow, and reduce cavity-causing bacteria. This fruit may also gently eliminate plaque trapped between teeth^[6].

Cut a piece of apple and chew after each meal. If being infected with gum disease, you can eat apple 4-5 times a day.

3. Garlic

According to many studies, garlic contains a lot of antibiotics allicin, which helps against high pathogenic viruses. Along with that, when crushing fresh garlic, substances such as azenes, diallyl disulfide, diallyl-trisulfide, and other sulfur active ingredients may help suppress more than 70 kinds of bacteria^[7] [8]. All these advantages make many people choose to treat gum disease with garlic at home.

Method 1: Garlic & Salt

• Crush some cloves of garlic with some salt
• Put this mixture on the affected area on your mouth
• Repeat this method every day to relieve from gum disease and heal the infection
• Additionally, every morning after waking up, chewing a clove of garlic, your teeth will be stronger than ever.

Method 2: Garlic, Salt, And Fresh Ginger

Ginger in this remedy contains terpenes, oleoresin, and zingiberene, all of which are a very effective pain reliever.

• Take from 3 to 4 cloves of garlic
• Peel off the garlic’s skin
• Crush the garlic to form a paste
• Add a little salt and the grinded garlic into a bowl
• Remove the ginger skin and wash thoroughly
• Cut the ginger into slices and put them into the bowl
• Mix everything well
• Apply this mixture directly to your infected gum and leave it for 5 minutes
• Redo 2 times a week for best results.

4. Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a nutritious fruit but not everyone knows adequate benefits of it. According to many research, grapefruit contains lots of fiber, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B2, vitamin P, carotene, and insulin and trace elements such as potassium, calcium, iron, etc. which are beneficial to the body. Having just two grapefruit per day can push up vitamin C levels in your body and stop bleeding gums^[9].

People can take advantage of this fruit for home remedies for gum disease by eating directly 1 or 2 grapefruits per week or make grapefruit juice, depending on your preference.

5. Cucumber

Cucumber contains many nutrients which are good for health. Additionally, this food contains most of the natural vitamins and minerals you need to get into your body daily including vitamin C, fiber, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamins V3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, etc. in which not all foods can have. Therefore, eating cucumber daily will be the best method, the most effective and simplest way to provide nutrients to your body, especially its supply of vitamins and minerals are very rich and necessary for improving the immune system.

Besides, phytochemicals in cucumber may help you kill the bad bacteria that cause bad breath^{[10] [11] [12]}.  It further helps the tissues absorb and relieve pain

Method 1: Eat Raw

• Take 1 to 2 cucumbers and wash them thoroughly
• Slide some pieces of cucumbers
• Eat raw with a little salt

Method 2: Cucumber Juice

• Place a few slices of cucumber on your affected area
• Leave it there for 10-15 minutes before rinsing and removing it
• This will help soothe the gums and relieve the pain. 

Caution: Eating too much cucumber will cause side effects such as toxicity, impotence, kidney damage or not good for the heart.

• Major harm of eating too much cucumber is that you will be at risk of dehydration and get an imbalance in the body. According to Oriental Medicine, cucumbers are cold and when you eat a lot, you will urinate a lot and are likely to get the risk of impotence
• Cucumber core is rich in vitamin C or caffeic acid. When consuming too much cucumber will cause excess vitamin C, it will be transformed into a pro-oxidant that promotes the growth of free radicals and cells that damage the body under certain conditions.
• Increases the risk of premature aging: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that also plays an important role in preventing gum disease and is a powerful antioxidant. However, excessive consumption of vitamin supplements has the opposite effect against the antioxidant nature, causing the growth and spread of free radicals.

6. Lemon

The anti-inflammatory properties in lemon juice are effective in treating gum disease. In addition, lemons contain vitamin C, which may help prevent periodontal gums^[13]. It additionally plays a vital role in removing bad breath. 

Follow these steps to make use of lemon for gum disease:

Method 1: Lemon With Salt

Salt has high antiseptic properties, healing wound naturally. Salt has been used to brush their teeth to strengthen their teeth in the past^[14] [15].  Salt combined with lemon has become an effective oral cavity remedy, especially gum disease. 

• Mix a little salt with a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
• Gently put this mixture on the gums.
• Keep it for a few minutes and rinse your mouth thoroughly with lukewarm water.
• Repeat this process 4-5 times a day to see the effective results

Method 2: Lemon With Water:

• Dilute half a lemon with water
• Use this mixture to lightly rub on the teeth after having cleaned the tooth with toothpaste.
• Apply this method twice a day to prevent root canal bleeding and gum disease

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains antimicrobial and antifungal compounds that may deal with gum disease^[16] [17]. It can prevent the accumulation of plaque-causing bacteria leading to gum disease. In addition, aloe vera may reduce pain and relieve inflammation at the site of inflammatory gums^[18].  

• Cut off a fresh leaf from aloe vera plant
• Wash the aloe vera leaf through and through
• Slit it to draw out the gel inside
• Apply this gel directly to your affected area in the mouth
• Leave it for an hour before rinsing off with water
• Redo the process two to three times per week to have the best results

8. Baking Soda

Baking soda helps neutralize the acid in the mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. It also acts as a natural antiseptic to help prevent infection more effectively. According to a 2017 study, baking soda contains antibacterial and biofilm-disruptive activities, which have a great effect on gingival health^[19]. It may be effective for plaque removal^[20]. 

Method 1: Raw Baking Soda

• Mix 1/4 tablespoon baking soda with a little warm water
• Apply this mixture gently to the gums
• Hold for 1 to 2 minutes and then thoroughly clean your mouth with warm water
• Apply this method two to three times a week

Method 2: Baking Soda Works As A Toothpaste

• Mix a little baking soda in a glass of warm water
• Dip the toothbrush into the solution and then brush the teeth

9. Ginger

Ginger is a precious medicine in medicine. It is warm and mild pungent, which has antibacterial, inflammatory and analgesic properties. Therefore, ginger is used to support many diseases such as headache relief, diabetes control, food poisoning, stomach disorders, etc. including gingivitis^[21]. It is well known for its gingerol that has been reported to have antimicrobial and antifungal agents, and several pharmaceutical properties. It may help to prevent the growth of oral bacteria related to periodontitis^[22].

Method 1: Fresh Ginger

• Peel off the ginger’s brown skin
• Grate ginger flesh
• Mix the grated ginger with water to form a liquid
• Strain the ginger milk by putting this solution into a cloth
• Apply this solution directly to your infected mouth
• Leave it for 35 minutes until the oil of ginger is out completely
• Follow it several times a day until the disease is gone

Method 2: Ginger Tea

• Take a small piece of dried ginger or some fresh ginger slices
• Prepare ½ liter water
• Get the water boiled
• Steep the fresh ginger in the boiled water for at least 20 minutes.
• Use the ginger tea to rinse or drink every day
• Be patient until your gums and swollen gums are tender

Caution: Fresh ginger is one of the foods that make spices and has therapeutic effects, especially for treating gum disease. However, you also need to know the side effects of ginger on health:

• In the second half of pregnancy, ginger should be limited because it can cause high blood pressure. And during breastfeeding, ginger should not be eaten as it can be excreted in human milk causing insomnia in children.
• People with stomach pain, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer avoid using ginger because in the composition of ginger there are mainly active substances on the gastric lining. Consequently, the mucous membranes are irritated, abrasive and cause ulcers.

• Ginger can fit and interact with certain medications. However, there are some exceptions, so if you want to use ginger, consult your doctor.

10. Tea Bag

The amount of tannic acid in the used tea bag can reduce gum inflammation very effectively. According to a study in 2012 published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, green tea may enhance periodontal health by decreasing inflammation, inhibiting bone resorption and preventing the growth of certain bacteria linked to periodontal diseases^[23].

What you need to do is:

• After soaking tea bags in boiling water, let it cool slightly.
• Place a cool tea bag on the affected gums for 5 minutes or longer.
• This simple remedy will help prevent gum inflammation effectively.

11. Honey

Honey has been scientifically proven to be one of the best natural home remedies for gum disease, a common disease that causes bleeding gums, bad breath and losing teeth^[24].

Thanks to its antibacterial properties, honey is used to treat gum disease. Honey contains an enzyme capable of producing antibacterial hydrogen peroxide, which may inhibit the growth of plaque bacteria, reduce the amount of acid produced, and prevent bacteria that produce dextran, a component that causes plaque – stubborn attachment^[25].  For this remedy, you can rub a small amount of honey into the gum area (gum) after brushing your teeth with usual toothpaste.

12. Onion

Onion is known as the role of raw materials for the processing of delicious food daily, however, onion has many surprises in the protection of health and treatment of some minor illness^[26]. It also contains an antimicrobial property that helps to destroy bacteria, including several specific strains that contribute to gum disease.

Method 1:

• Wash an onion thoroughly and grate or crush it.
• Marinated 1 teaspoon of sugar for 40 – 60 minutes.
• Grind the onion with enough water to make a liquid.
• Put this liquid into a bag or cloth.
• Squeeze it to extract the onions milk.
• Store in a bottle and keep it in the fridge until it is cold enough.
• Drink one teaspoon each 2 to 3 times per day.

Method 2:

• Wash the onion skin well and put the barks of onions the pot
• Crush or grind the dried garlic
• Add a bowl of water to the above mixture
• Boil the mixture for 10 minutes
• Let cool and squeeze the lemon.
• Store the mixture in the refrigerator and drink several times a day to eliminate gum disease.

13. Blueberry

Blueberry is a great solution for gum disease, which you can try it right away^[27]. Blueberries, according to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, is a type of raw material that makes as an effective home-based treatment for gum disease because it contains a natural antibacterial component against gum disease and blocks the bacteria that form plaque on the teeth – one of the main causes of gum disease^[28]. Hence, you should regularly eat blueberries to treat and prevent this disease.

14. Black Tea

In the East, black tea consumption is less common than in western countries. In China, black tea is known as “red tea” due to its red color. Like green tea and other herbal teas, black tea is also known as camellia sinensis^[23]. However, unlike teas such as green tea and others, black tea contains a multitude of oxidizes. The English commonly use black tea for morning beverages while the Irish having breakfast and drinking in the afternoon. Many black tea blends have fruit flavors, spicy flowers or flowers. It can be mixed with classic flavors including bergamot or citrus essential oil.

According to Chinese experience, black tea was used thousands of years ago, not only used as an attractive drink but also as a treatment for many diseases, especially gum disease because it contains properties that have the effect of cleaning and reducing swelling in the gum tissue^[29].

• Take a warm black tea bag
• Apply it to the affected area.
• This will temporarily relieve pain and soothe areas that are swollen

15. Tomato

Thanks to anti-inflammatory substances such as carotenoids and bioflavonoids, tomatoes can reduce chronic pain. The lycopene present in it may be effective in treating and inhibiting gingivitis^[30]. A study program showed that drinking a glass of tomato juice a day could reduce TNF-alpha levels in the blood, an inflammatory killer. Tomatoes are good for people with gum disease. You can eat raw tomatoes with bread, or make the tomato salad, smoothies or even soup.

Additional Tips

1. Supplement Vitamin C

Since the 18th century, the relationship between vitamin C and gums has been proven^[31] [32]. Vitamin C supplementation is useful in the treatment of gum inflammation, which is essential for repairing connective tissue and promoting bone regeneration. Consequently, people should eat foods rich in Vitamin C such as orange, grapefruit, mango, papaya, etc or drink orange juice, lemon juice. Avoid taking vitamin C medicine because it contains acids that can wear enamel.

2. Supplement Vitamin D

Boston University has made a study on the relationship between vitamin D and gum disease. From the analysis of the data from the study, they concluded that people with high vitamin D have less bleeding than those with low vitamin D. Vitamin D is very effective in fighting inflammation and reducing sensitivity. The vitamin also contains anti-inflammatory agents that have been indicated to likely decrease inflammation in the gums^[33]. You can add vitamin D from foods such as milk, mushrooms, egg yolks, fish oil, etc. You can also take vitamin D supplements, but before using it, consult your doctor.

3. Remove Calculus (Dental) Or Tartar

One of the main reasons causing the gum disease is tartar. Hence, getting your teeth tanned is the best solution. Removing calculus (dental) or tartar is also the removal of pathogenic bacteria existing in the teeth, under the gum^[34]. When the gums are damaged, tartar will cause bleeding and aches for a while. The procedure to remove tartar is very simple and only takes place within 15-30 minutes, ensuring safety so you do not have to worry.

4. Regular Check-Ups

Periodontal examination every 6 months to remove tartar, clean the plaque on the teeth, timely detection of disease to early treatment. When the first signs of gum disease appear, you should go to a dental clinic quickly to see the dentist early and treat the disease promptly.

5. Limited Use Of Toothpicks

If toothpicks are not done carefully, they can affect gums, causing bleeding, worn enamel. Instead, you should take the habit of using floss for yourself, which does not only limit the damage of the gums but also contributes to the removal of bacteria, reducing the odor in the oral cavity.

6. Oral Hygiene

Clean oral hygiene by brushing with a soft bristle brush. You must remember to replace toothbrushes every 3 months to limit bacteria. In parallel with brushing, you need to rinse your mouth with diluted saline, which enables to remove the leftovers from your teeth, preventing bad breath, and making your teeth and gums stronger.

7. Ice Pack

You should try to overcome gum disease by rubbing small ice into the jaw bone area for 5 – 7 minutes. The cold will temporarily numb the anesthesia and cause a rapid loss of sensation. Apply cold surround the cheeks. Use cold ice on the sides of the face where the affected gum exists to relieve pain and swelling.

The above mentioned home remedies for gum disease are claimed to be able to reduce the symptoms of this problem. Choose some of them and alternate them in your treating to see how effective they are.  Do you know other natural home remedies for gum disease? Feel free to share with us by leaving your comment in the box below. Take care!

• Dental Health
• Inflammations