Sugary foods produce acids that attack enamel and can result in tooth decay, especially in the young. As we get older, gum and periodontal diseases are the major threat. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy and looking good.
Gum Inflammation and Disease
Pressure sores and injuries from dentures, plaque and tartar can lead to gum inflammation accompanied by redness, pain, bleeding and even receding gums if left untreated.
- To disinfect and alleviate pain, put 4 drops of clary sage oil into 125ml of warm water and gargle with it several times a day, but don’t swallow it. (Note: Don’t swallow any mouthwashes containing essential oils.)
- For a simple mouthwash, dissolve 1 teaspoon of table salt in a glass of water.
- Steep 1 tablespoon of green tea in 200ml of boiling water, cool and strain. Use it as a mouthwash two to three times a day.
- Eat an apple a day to strengthen your gums.
Tooth Pain
Home remedies can alleviate the pain of a cavity, but you’ll need to see a dentist to fix the hole.
- Tooth pain improves quickly when you pour a little clove oil onto a cotton ball and hold it against the painful tooth. If you don’t have a clove oil, place a clove on an aching tooth and bite down on it carefully.
- Roll a savoy cabbage leaf with a rolling pin until soft, and then press it onto the outside of the appropriate cheek.
- Rub the gums surrounding a painful tooth with a crushed garlic clove.
- Rinse your mouth three to five times a day with an analgesic mixture of arnica, sage and chamomile. Mix together 10g of arnica, 30g of sage and 40g of chamomile. Pour a cup of hot water over 1 tablespoon of the mixture, strain and cool.
- To cool and soothe the pain, press an ice pack onto your check or suck an ice tube.
- Willow bark and meadowsweet contain substances related to the pain-killer acetylsalicylic acid (found in many synthetic pain medications). Tea made from these herbs will help relieve tooth pain.
MORE TIPS:
- To cleanse your mouth of bacteria, rinse it thoroughly several times a day with tea tree oil (3-4 drops in a glass of warm water) after brushing your teeth. Don’t swallow it – tea tree oil is poisonous.
- Massage gums regularly with your fingers to strengthen them. Apply gentle pressure and work in circular motions.
- If you’re on the go during the day and have no chance to brush your teeth, chew some special teeth-cleaning or sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production and help to remove food particles.
- Eat tooth-friendly foods. After meals, eat nuts or cheese, which counteract acidity, or a high-fibre food like celery, which removes plaque.
Aside from these home remedies, schedule a regular check-up with a dentist whom you can trust.