Periodontal Disease Home Remedies: Gum Disease Symptoms, Risk Factors

Oral hygiene is critical in preventing periodontal disease, which in some cases is responsible for tooth loss. Periodontal disease affects individuals after the third decade of their life and is more common in males compared to females. Milder forms of periodontal disease may be observed among teenagers.

Causes And Risk Factors Of Gum Disease

Bacteria are responsible for formation of plaque which in turn can result in periodontal disease.

Though brushing can help get rid of plaque, excessive accumulation of plaque may result in formation of tartar which can be only removed by professional cleaning done by dental hygienist or dentists.

Risk factors of periodontal disease

Some of the leading risk factors associated with the development of periodontal disease include,

• Smoking is considered to be as one of the leading risk factor for development of periodontal disease. Further evidence suggests that smoking lowers the changes of successful treatment of periodontal ailments
• Hormonal changes are another factor that is responsible for development of gum disease especially among adolescent females and women
• Diabetes has also been identified as a high risk factor for development of periodontal ailments, due to lowered immunity and increased susceptibility to infections
• Certain medications tend to interfere with the production and flow of saliva in the mouth.
  Saliva tends to have a protective action of the oral cavity and is crucial in prevent bacterial infections. Abuse of over the counter medications is considered to increase the risk of developing periodontal disease
• Genetic factors are also believed to be responsible for periodontal ailments

Symptoms Of Periodontal Disease

Depending upon the severity of the condition, periodontal disease may manifest in different formats.

• In conditions associated with mild form of inflammation of the gums, the gums are often red and swollen.
• Halitosis or bad breath from the mouth, due to bacterial infection is one of the most common symptoms associated with periodontal disease.
• Pain while brushing, flossing or even biting food is a common indication of periodontal disease
• Bleeding is often associated with periodontal ailments, which might occur especially while brushing the teeth
• In severe cases of periodontal disease, the teeth may become lose and may often be required to be removed due to damage to the tissue holding the teeth in place

Home Remedies For Periodontal Disease

• Vitamin C enhances immunity and the ability of the body to fight infection. Vitamin C is also beneficial in reducing bleeding gums. Increase the intake of foods rich in Vitamin C namely mango, strawberry, cantaloupe, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, etc. Antioxidant property of Vitamin C can reduce the damage caused to the gums by the bacteria
• Gargle using sea salt. Sea salt is alkaline in nature and helps restore the alkalinity of the oral cavity which in turn helps destroy the bacteria and aid in removal of plaque
• Black tea is also considered to have beneficial effect for management of periodontal disease. Tea contains tannic acid which reduces swelling and inflammation of the gums and provides relief.