Gum infection is primarily caused by overgrowth of harmful bacteria as a result of poor oral and dental hygiene. Gingivitis is the initial stage and if kept unchecked the gum infection can turn into more serious periodontal disease.
The best way to fight gum infections is through herbs. Herbal remedies not only fight the bacteria causing gum infections but also reduce pain associated with it. Here are some of the best herbs for treating gum infection.
Herbal Remedies For Gum Infection
Clove
Clove has been in use since time immemorial as a handy remedy for alleviating tooth pain and gum pain. It contains strong antiseptic properties and hence fight bacterial infection. One can use ground cloves or resort to clove oil that is easily available. Direct application of clove oil on the gums leaves a burning sensation. So, try diluting it with a little olive oil. You can also mix clove oil with peroxide oil and apply on gums directly.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is well known for its strong antibiotic properties and is used against various diseases. Hence, it is highly helpful in treating gingivitis. One can easily find toothpastes containing tea tree oil. Its effectiveness in treating gum infection and disease is due to its antiseptic properties that rapidly kill bacteria (much faster than living tissue does).
Since plaque (a bacteria) is the main factor behind any gum disease, tea tree oil is a useful remedy. Topical application of the oil on the infected gums eases away the pain quickly since it is a soothing herb. Besides, being an organic solvent tea tree oil dissolves WBC lumps and hence prevent formation of pus. Hence, it prevents bacterial infections like ulcers, boils, etc. by cleaning the bloodstream.
Goldenseal
This particular herb is native to North America and is popular for its antibacterial action. It is traditionally used along with echinacea (another herb with antibacterial properties). The active compound in goldenseal is berberine that is effective in killing various strains of bacteria. It is also helpful against UTIs, sore throats, sinus infections, etc. It can be used as a mouthwash. It is also good for treating canker sores.
Peppermint
Peppermint is an integral part of many mouthwash as well as toothpaste. It is traditionally used as a remedy for cold, flu, headache, upset stomach, sinus infection and infection in the respiratory tract. Owing to its strong antiviral and antibacterial properties, peppermint is widely used as a remedy for gum infections.
The active agent in peppermint is menthol that has anti-inflammatory properties and is also soothing on the gums. When combined with thyme and other such antibacterial herbs, the effectiveness of peppermint in treating toothache along with oral infections increases.
Thyme
Primarily a culinary herb, thyme is a good remedy for gum infections owing to its antifungal and antiseptic properties. The active agent in thyme is thymol, which is an important essential oil with strong antiseptic and antifungal properties. It is traditionally used for healing wounds and preventing bacterial infections. When used along with fenugreek, its effectiveness in treating bacterial infections gets doubled.
Chamomile
This particular herb is well known for its soothing properties. It contains volatile oils that are calming, nervine and analgesic that relieve from pain, anxiety and tension. It has amazing anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties owing to the presence of volatile oils such as bisabolol and its oxides, matricin, etc.
It also contains apinegin which is a flavonoid. Because of its analgesic effect, chamomile readily reduces the pain caused by gum infection. Hence, it is a good remedy for gum infections. Chamomile oil can be applied on the infected gum directly. It is easily available as chamomile mouthwash and you should gargle with it at least 4 times daily.
