Natural Methods for Combating Gum Disease: A 6-Step Guide

Natural Methods for Combating Gum Disease: A 6-Step Guide

Gumming it out: 6 natural ways to conquer periodontal woes

Let's face it - gum disease is a common ailment, with nearly half of Americans suffering from it. And if you're over 65, that number climbs to a worrying 70%. But don't despair, because the pain of bad breath and inflamed gums could be the least of your worries. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, periodontitis, or any other name you want to use, has been linked to some pretty serious stuff, like heart problems[1,2].

So, taking care of your mouth and getting rid of gum disease should be a priority if you want to stay healthy. Unfortunately, conventional treatments for gum disease, much like conventional medicine, tend to focus solely on symptoms rather than root causes. And the first course of action is usually tossing a bunch of antibiotics your way. But hey, don't be alarmed - those pills come with side effects like yeast infections and the death of all the beneficial bacteria in your mouth and gut[3].

But fear not! It's time to take control of your oral health the natural way. Here's how:

Step #1 - Time to quit that habit (smoking, that is)

If you're a smoker, it's high time to kick the habit. There's no easy way to put this - smoking is bad for your mouth and gums. All those toxic chemicals from cigarettes are absorbed directly into your mouth tissue, leading to inflammation, infection, and even the dreaded C-word (cancer). So, make the decision to quit and stick with it. Everyone's path to success is different, but you can try meditating, chewing gum, or even using nicotine patches[4]. Just make sure to check with your doctor first to find what works for your current health status.

Step #2 - Embrace a plant-based lifestyle

Ever heard the saying, "You are what you eat"? Well, it applies to your mouth too. The bacteria that cause gum disease feed off sugar, so it's time to starve them. Ditch refined sugar and carbohydrates from your diet and your mouth (and the rest of your body) will thank you[3].

Step # 3 - Get your oral hygiene game on point

Is brushing your teeth a chore you've been neglecting? Guess what - it's time to get back in the saddle. Brush and floss at least twice a day to maintain healthy gums[2]. Trust us, it's a small effort for a big payoff.

Step #4 - Chew on this (garlic, that is)

We know what you're thinking, but stick with us. Garlic is nature's antibacterial, and while chewing raw garlic might not be your idea of a good time, it can work wonders for your gum health.

Step #5 - Essential oils, anyone?

Adding a drop or two of essential oils, like clove or tea tree oil, to your toothpaste when you brush can help decrease inflammation and kill off the bad bacteria in your mouth[5]. Just make sure to choose a USDA Certified Organic Oil to avoid any unwanted chemicals.

Step #6 - Supplement your way to health

To ensure optimal oral health, consider adding Vitamin C, Calcium & Magnesium, and Coenzyme Q10 to your daily routine. Up to 2,000mg of Vitamin C per day can support healthy gums[6]; Calcium & Magnesium, in doses of 1,200mg and 320mg respectively, can support healthy teeth[6]; and CoQ10, in a dosage of 100mg per day, offers anti-inflammatory benefits and is sometimes referred to as "the fountain of youth in a capsule"[7].

So there you have it - six foolproof steps to conquer gum disease naturally. It may seem like a daunting task, but remember, your health is your responsibility. Take control and enjoy a healthy mouth for life!

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Periodontal disease fact sheet. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease/index.html
2. American Dental Association. (2020). Periodontal (Gum) Disease. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/periodontal-disease
3. American Dental Association. (2017). Antibiotic use in dentistry. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/en/science-research/publications/ada-guideline-for-the-use-of-antibiotics-in-oral-dentistry
4. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Smoking: How to quit smoking. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/in-depth/quit-smoking/art-20045789
5. Ayuverdic Medicine. (2020). Tea tree oil for teeth: benefits, safety concerns, and DIY toothpaste recipes. Retrieved from https://www.ayurvedicmedicine.org/blog/tea-tree-oil-toothpaste/
6. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Vitamin C. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/vitamin-c/uses/
7. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2021). Coenzyme Q10. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/coenzyme-q10
8. Embrace a wellness-focused lifestyle for better oral hygiene and overall health.
9. A plant-based nutrition approach can help improve eye-health, hearing, and cardiovascular-health.
10. Adopting a nutrition-rich diet can aid in the prevention and management of chronic-diseases like chronic-kidney-disease, cancer, and respiratory-conditions.
11. Certain nutritional supplements, such as Vitamin C, Calcium & Magnesium, and Coenzyme Q10, can foster both dental and general wellness.
12. Fitness-and-exercise, in combination with healthy-cooking practices, contributes to maintaining good skin-care, as well as mental-health wellbeing.
13. Therapies-and-treatments that include essential oils, like clove or tea tree oil, can offer relief from inflammation and support overall health.
14. Health-and-wellness programs within the workplace-wellness can benefit employees' mental health and productivity.
15. Medical-conditions like diabetes and heart diseases are often linked to periodontal diseases.
16. Cutting down on refined sugar and carbohydrates can promote healthy-cooking methods, leading to better global-cuisines and sustainable-living habits.
17. Carbohydrate-restricted diets have been found to contribute to weight-loss and better budgeting for food-and-drink expenses.
18. Budgeting for personal-finance can free up resources for investing in the stock market, wealth-management, and real estate ventures.
19. Home-and-garden renovations or improvements can lead to energy savings and a reduction in utility bills.
20. Gardening as a hobby offers the opportunity to learn about plants and farming, providing eco-friendly recipes and sustainable-living practices.
21. Debt-management strategies like saving, paying off loans, and budgeting can help secure a higher standard of living.
22. Saving money on groceries by baking at home and seeking deals-and-discounts can boost your finances and improve your lifestyle.
23. Considering personal-finance planning, you may take up a less stressful job and focus on mental-health and fitness-and-exercise.
24. Adopting a lifestyle that emphasizes mental-health can diminish the need for medications and offer alternative therapies-and-treatments.
25. Skin-care essentials, such as sunscreen and moisturizers, are must-haves for outdoor-living enthusiasts looking to stay healthy while enjoying nature.
26. Sustainable-living trends can extend to electric-vehicles, cars with better fuel efficiency, and the use of renewable energy sources at home.
27. The entertainment industry has turned to interactive media, such as film, books, and social-media platforms, allowing more engagement with celebrities and fans.
28. Smart purchasing choices and car-maintenance can save you money over the long term.
29. The interior-design of your workspace can boost productivity, mental-health, and physical-wellbeing.
30. Cooking with ingredients from global-cuisines can be an enjoyable and educational experience, introducing individuals to new cultures and traditions.
31. policy-and-legislation can impact personal-finance matters, such as taxes, retirement plans, and debt-management.
32. Saving money on energy bills through efficient appliances and LED bulbs can contribute to a smaller carbon footprint and more sustainable-living.
33. Social-media platforms have become powerful tools for spreading awareness about various medical-conditions, including mental-health issues and chronic-diseases.
34. The rise of music-streaming services and social-media has made it easier for artists and musicians to connect with fans and gain recognition.
35. The increased interest in pop-culture has sparked a demand for product-reviews and recommendations, especially for electric-vehicles and home-improvement products.
36. Families who migrate or relocate may experience changes in lifestyle, including new food-and-drink preferences, home-design trends, and social-media habits.
37. Incorporating a combination of health-and-wellness practices – including fitness-and-exercise, mental-health management, sustainable-living, financial management, and dietary adjustments – can lead to overall improvement in quality-of-life.

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