How To Treat Gum Infections Naturally

Written By Kassandra Foreman / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Gum infections result from a build-up of plaque and germs in the mouth and along the gums. When signs of a gum infection are found they must be addressed quickly to avoid complications such as illness, receding gums, shifting teeth, and even tooth loss.

An infection within the gums can spread and enter the blood stream causing increasing illness until the infection is treated where it spread as well as in the gums where it started. Some ways to treat a gum infection naturally include mouthwash with antiseptic and antibacterial properties, oil pulling, baking soda, and essential oils.

Gum Infection Signs

Signs of gum infection include gums that appear red or purple, swelling in the gums, bad breath, odd taste, puss, receding gums, heat from the area, and discomfort or pain around the teeth.

All of these symptoms can occur when the germs build-up in and around the gums overtakes the healthy germs and an infection forms. It is important to treat the infection as soon as possible to avoid spreading and possible tooth loss.

Mouthwash For Gum Infections

Mouthwash can assist in rinsing away the germs that causes infection and an antiseptic mouthwash will also kill the remaining germs. To treat a gum infection an antiseptic or antimicrobial mouthwash can be used a few times a day after eating and before bed to get rid of the germs causing the infection.

Some mouthwash can even be made at home with natural ingredients including warm water and salt, baking soda and water, or baking soda added to an oil that is used for oil pulling.

Oil Pulling For Gum Infections

Oil pulling is the use of a food grade oil, often coconut or olive oil, to rinse around the mouth and between the teeth. The oil will loosen plaque and build-up on the teeth, as well as remove food particles and germs that are on or around the teeth and gums. The oil is moved around the mouth and between the teeth for an average of five to 15 minutes then spit into the garbage or sink.

Essential Oils For Gum Infections

Some essential oils have shown germ-fighting qualities and these can be added to an oil for pulling to increase the effectiveness and kill germs that remains in the mouth. Clove oil and tea tree oil are especially suited for this purpose as they are antibacterial and can help remove infections.

By adding these to a mouthwash, tooth paste, or oil pulling, they can address the build-up of germs and may help to remove the infection.

While minor gum infection can be fairly common, with most people having some level of gum infection or disease at some point, a larger infection as those that form around an abscessed tooth may require treatments such as draining and antibiotics.

To treat minor gum infections at home, salt water rinse, antiseptic mouthwash, and oil pulling may help reduce the infection by removing the germs build-up that caused it.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Kassandra Foreman has been writing freelance for five years now and enjoys learning about new things to write about. When not writing she teaches yoga and meditation with a focus on health and fitness.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by Kamaji Ogino from Pexels