Natural Awakenings Twin Cities November 2021

Best Natural
Remedies for
Gum Disease
by Madelyn Pearson
Finding the best way to improve an individual’s health and immune system in the
recent health crisis creates the need for a holistic approach and one of the most effective
ways of mending is through holistic dental care. This approach is focused on
prevention and all other elements of health while treating dental issues. Hence, holistic
dentistry looks at the whole person and places a greater emphasis on the entire being. This
is based on the notion that all aspects of health, including emotional and spiritual well-being,
are interconnected. This approach is also known as natural dentistry, unconventional
dentistry and progressive dentistry, among many other alternative names.
A holistic dentist will collaborate, communicate and discuss all of the many ways
that appropriate dental care, nutrition and lifestyle changes can help in achieving greater
quality of life. By switching from a traditional to a holistic approach of dentistry, an
individual will reap a slew of advantages that will help improve not only dental health,
but overall well-being.
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Gum Disease Causes
Periodontitis, also known as gum disease or periodontal disease, begins with bacterial
development in the mouth and, if not treated appropriately, can lead to tooth loss due to
deterioration of the tissue that surrounds the teeth. Periodontitis is frequently preceded
by gingivitis (gum inflammation).
Although gingivitis does not always lead
to periodontitis, this affects the majority
of individuals at some time in their life,
and its mild symptoms make it easy to
overlook. However, if left untreated, it can
lead to more serious dental issues.
Plaque, a sticky film of germs and
food, forms around the teeth when a
person neglects and/or forgets to brush,
floss and rinse with mouthwash. The
muck produces acids which attack the
outer shell of the teeth (enamel) and
cause decay. Plaque hardens into tartar
after 72 hours which builds around the
gum line making it difficult to thoroughly
clean the teeth and gums. This
accumulation irritates and inflames the
gums over time, resulting in gingivitis after
which the rest of the damages follow.
Holistic Dentistry Natural
Remedies
Here are some common and effective
natural remedies in holistic dentistry:
1. Neem – This is an Ayurvedic remedy;
Ayurveda focuses on maintaining
good health and preventing and treating
illness via lifestyle modifications such as
massage, meditation, yoga, dietary adjustments
and the use of herbal medicines.
The neem leaf extract has antibacterial
properties that improve overall gum
health, and helps remove plaque and
tartar to prevent gingivitis. Neem extract
mouthwashes are an effective holistic
approach to protect oral health without
causing any harm to the mouth.
14 Twin Cities Edition NAtwincities.com