Interesting article we came across today:
http://complete-health-and-happiness.com/gum-disease-silent-killer-7-hom...
The site listed the following as remedies to cure gum disease:
- baking soda
- aloe vera
- lemon juice
- tea tree oil
- clove oil
- mustard oil
- tumeric
- coconut oil
Although the above listed ingredients are good for our general well being, Concord Dental Practice does not support the recommendations provided in this article - which, at the end of the day, is based on personal opinions. As yet, there are no clinical or scientific studies to support that any of these home remedies assist in the treatment of gum disease.
Gum disease (i.e. gingivitis and periodontitis) is caused by the accumulation of plaque bacteria along gum margins. In the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis), bacterial build up found in plaque and calculus, cause irritation to the gums, making them inflamed and bulbous - this is why they bleed easily when we brush and floss. During the early stages, the supporting structures of the teeth ( the surrounding bone and periodontal ligaments) are unaffected. Gingivitis can be reversed with thorough tooth brushing, flossing and professionally cleans with a dental hygienist.
When gingivitis is left untreated, it may advance into periodontitis (later stage of gum disease). The irreversible process of periodontitis occurs when the toxins produced by the bacteria, as well as the body’s enzymes, attempt to fight the infection – consequently, this response starts to break down the bone and periodontal ligaments that hold the tooth in place. As the infection progresses, the bacteria destroys the bone supporting your tooth, to form deeper “pockets” underneath the gums. These larger spaces between the tooth and the gum accumulate more bacteria, which cannot be cleaned out with regular homecare. Tooth-brushing and flossing will only reach about 2-3mm below the gum line, therefore a deep professional clean is necessary to remove all the bacteria and plaque build up from these pockets so that the gums can heal.
So where do these natural oils, lemon juice and tumeric fit into this equation? The simple answer is, they don't.
At Concord Dental Practice, in order to diagnose, treat and prevent gum disease, we carry out a gum and bone chart during your initial appointment. Based on the findings of the gum and bone assessment, we will determine whether you will need a general clean to remove calculus deposits adhering to your teeth or deep cleaning to remove bacterial deposits much deeper underneath the diseased gum tissue. For further information, you can contact us at Concord Dental Practice on 9743 4001.