Avoid Periodontal Disease Using These Common Items

by Stacy Nelson

Periodontal disease can cause inflamed and receding gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, and even loose teeth as time goes on. Regular cleanings and checkups at your dentist's office will help ensure that you never have to face the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease. Additionally, there are a few items you can use at home to help stop gum disease from developing. Try one or more of the following effective options:

Strawberries

You can count on strawberries to keep your teeth healthy and bright. They contain astringents that remove surface stains, but what's more important is that they're full of vitamin C which naturally cleans disease-causing plaque away. Eat them plain, put them in smoothies, or juice them. You can even make your own homemade toothpaste by mashing fresh strawberries, water, and a little baking soda together to create a paste. It should stay fresh in the fridge for about a week between uses. Just be sure to rinse your mouth with water after brushing to ensure that no small berry seeds get stuck between your teeth.

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Packed full of medicinal compunds, the antimicrobial properties of cinnamon essential oil help to fight off tooth decay and get rid of bacteria that is responsible for the development of gum disease. You can use a cotton swab to wipe a little essential oil over your teeth and gums on a regular basis, add it to a little water to make a simple mouthwash, or include it in your homemade strawberry toothpaste for awesome results. A little goes a long way, so you only need to use a few drops for each application.

Organic Oil

Oil pulling has become a popular dental care option as the process helps to pull toxins out of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Oil pulling also works to reduce plaque buildup, and may even help reverse gum disease altogether. The practice is simple – put about a teaspoon of oil into your mouth and swish it around for a minute or two without swallowing. Then spit the oil out and brush your teeth like normal. It's important to use organic oil to ensure that you aren't swishing pesticides around in your mouth. Coconut, sesame, and olive oil are excellent choices.

You should be able to find all of these items at your local grocery or health food store, which should make it easy to keep them around the house on a continuous basis. Talk to a periodontist, like those at Periodontal Specialists, to learn more.

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