The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Bob (Denver, Colorado) on 10/29/2009
★★★★★
Coconut Oil and gum disease
I tried Coconut oil pulling for gum recession. After having two expensive surgeries my gums continued to recede. After using Coconut oil for about a year my 7 pockets are now 4 and my dentist believes I no longer need to be concerned about receding gums. I credit the Coconut Oil used in oil pulling for the improvement. Thanks for a great site for alternative remedies.
Propolis and Oil Pulling
Posted by Coho (Eureka, Ca.) on 11/18/2009
In regards to gum disease, gum disease has multiple causes it is not only bacteria getting under the gums and nutritional deficiencies, but also can be an immune response to collegenase and other enzymes caused by bacteria. It can also be caused by spirochetes not just strep mutants. Natural Cox inhibitors like tumeric, green tea, (many herbs are cox inhibitors)can all be beneficial taken on a daily basis along with good dental hygene and nutrition. If you have taken antibiotics and it hasn't helped much you may have spirochetes. Sarsparilla (smilax) is a specific for spirochetes. it needs to be taken as a tea as well as a rinse to see benefits.
You can purchase on line dental irrigators that get below the gum line into the pockets. Rinsing under the gum line frequently with baking soda, sea salt, HP, can help heal infection and also break up the irritating enzymes lurking under the gums. I have actually beaten a full on tooth ache by rinsing under the gumline. this was a toothache I was sure needed a filling or root canal. Going thru a half cup at a time repeatedly rinsing and also taking 1/2 teaspoon of echinacea tincture on the hour and drinking lots of fluids till it subsides then continuing taking a tsp echinacea 2xs per day for a week. I later had it checked out by my dentist and I had no infection and did not need a root canal or filling and had no gum infection. For toothache make a strong tea of meadowsweet and hold in your mouth for a few minutes also drink a cup. This works better for me better than any other pain killer.
Propolis in its raw form can be used as a temporary filling as well as for gum problems. I prefer raw or powdered propolis to tinctured because of the sticky gunk left on the teeth. I agree oregano oil and tumeric are good topically, but work better for me if i take it internally too.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Jake (Chicago, IL) on 12/27/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I want to warn everyone against using hydrogen peroxide orally. I brushed my teeth more than 6 months with it and wound up with 11 deep cavities that nearly cost me several teeth - I don't believe in root canals for the health disadvantages. I went on line and was shocked to read of a study that suggested the h2o2 penetrated the tooth enamel. Wish I'd read the study earlier. Yes, the h2o2 kills germs, but apparently there's no end of germs available in the mouth and they apparently are transported into the teeth where they grow cavities.
My son who followed me in this misguided endeavor, whose gums are not receded as mine are, and who never gets cavities, had two cavities at this time as well. A word to the wise is sufficient.
Oregano Oil
Posted by Cheri (Florida) on 07/24/2020
Hi, doesn't the oregano oil burn your mouth?
Turmeric
Posted by Mary Kate (Alburq, NM) on 03/23/2008
★★★★★
I have suddenly developed gingivitis over the past few weeks. Bad breath when I normally don't have any, and then my gums were bleeding like crazy after flossing, also unusual. I looked up remedies on Earth Clinic and decided to try the turmeric. After 3 days, bleeding gums reduced by u, after 5 days no more bleeding or bad breath. The plaque from my teeth didn't smell quite so foul either. This is a stellar remedy!
What I did:
After first brushing and flossing, I took a toothbrush (don't use the expensive kind that you use on an electric toothbrush because it will stain yellow after the first use) and dipped it in turmeric. I brushed my teeth and gums vigorously, adding as much turmeric as possible 2-3 times to the toothbrush. After brushing with turmeric, I rinsed out my mouth well and then swished (as in oil pulled) more turmeric in water for a good 2-3 minutes. I am very curious now to see what would happen if I added turmeric to my oil pulling regime. It does not stain the teeth, but you might need to be careful with crowns or dentures. My teeth do look remarkably whiter for some bizarre reason after brushing with the turmeric. My mouth feels oh so fresh, I may start to forgo the toothpaste and just brush with tumeric. Ra ra ra TURMERIC!!!
Oregano Oil
Posted by Rob (Manhattan, New York) on 03/30/2009
also, I have coated my floss with it & seem to get positive results. Just put a couple drops on the index & thumb finger and run the floss through it. Again, diluted with olive oil, as full strength burns the lips.
Turmeric
Posted by farhad (canada, ontario) on 02/09/2008
★★★★★
in the past few years my gums changed colour to a darker colour and my dentist told me my gums are receding my white teeth were yellow due to smoking .2 weeks ago i was told to use tumeric powder with my tooth paste when brushing since then my darker gum is changing colour to pink again in most spots and my teeth including 2front venirs are bright it strengtens gums and teeth but stains my hands only after brushing.no product did what a $2 tumeric powder has done for me.thank you.
Avoid Fluoride in Water and Toothpaste
Posted by Renee (El Dorado, Kansas) on 05/27/2007
★★★★★
I've had gum disease for about 20 years even though my dental hygene is good. Nothing helped. All of my molars are now loose.
Anyway, for years the gums around several of these now loose teeth became inflamed and it felt as if my teeth were rotting from the inside out. I also had constant pain and swelling in my neck glands and ear pain on the inflamed side.
Several months ago I became aware of fluoride being a poison and ceased drinking fluroidated water and my tooth paste is now baking soda and water or peroxide.
All the pain and inflamation as went away. There have been two times I was out of baking soda and brushed my teeth with regular tooth paste and within several hours all the old symptions returned.
Avoid Fluoride in Water and Toothpaste
Posted by Rich (Boca Raton, Fl) on 02/12/2009
As for the fluoride, apparently 30% of americans have some dental fluorosis. Gum disease is very common as well. I suspect Fluoride may not be so good for dental stem cells. Iodine displaces fluoride, and seems to be a nice treatment for gum disease.
Providone Iodine and baking soda seems like a nice treatment... the fda approved treatment is chlorhexadine, but this may stain teeth. Here are a couple of medical articles and a patent discussing this remedy.
DENTAL CONSUMERS' PERIODONTAL DISEASE SELF TREATMENT REGIMEN
http://www.periodontaldiseasetreatmentguide.com/
TREATMENT OF MOUTH AND URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Povidone-iodine as a periodontal pocket disinfectant
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/mksg/per/2003/00000038/00000003/art00013
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Cynthia (Fayetteville, Arkansas) on 05/15/2007
★★★★★
I was reading on here about cures for laryngitis and went on to read about hydrogen peroxide. I use the low grade peroxide you can buy at any store. Whenever my gums and teeth begin to hurt, I simply put one or two capfuls into my mouth and hold them there for about a minute. The pain and ache go away and usually stay away for quite some time.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Elle (PNW) on 08/26/2021 73 posts
3% HP should always be diluted 50/50 with water. Do not use straight.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Pam (Ca) on 12/15/2017
A.C.V for tooth care should only be used once every 3 weeks. Had bleeding gums so put baking soda on them, waited couple of minutes, swished with water and swallowed. My gums don't bleed anymore.
Bee Propolis
Posted by Vicki (Tallahassee, FL) on 03/21/2009
I was wondering if Nina from Tallahassee was able to find bee propolis? I too am anxious to try it for my gums -- my dentist has referred me to a periodontist, but I can't afford it and am looking for alternatives. The propolis seems to be something that could actually turn my gum disese around. I found some Royal Jelly at our local health food store which contains propolis. I'm using it, but don't know if it's doing any good. I've got several sensitive teeth and the Royal Jelly really hurts when it hits those sensitive spots! Any suggestions on where I might get pure bee propolis? I read the post where it was suggested to use a "30%" propolis -- can I order from the internet?
Thanks so much for this site -- I've turned my whole family on to it and all are reporting success with the remedies they've tried! It's my new "daily read.
Bee Propolis
Posted by Sarah1of4 (Belfast, Northern Ireland) on 05/15/2009
hey, iv got a gum infection at the minute and have just been resarching about natural remedies tonight. im gona give bee propolis a try and was able to buy 30ml of the liquid off ebay, theres loads there. also i was looking at white oak bark, or something similar, they also sell that on ebay, unfortunatly for me they only hav it in the usa and im in ireland, but you could give that a try?
sarah
Bee Propolis
Posted by Tavora (Brooklyn, NY) on 05/16/2009
You could also try rinsing your mouth w/ Oil of Oregano and water - 3 drops in 4-6 ounces. I cleared up or (kept at bay) a potential infection around the gum of a root canal cap/crown and after rinsing and also brushing my teeth with baking soda - the reddish appearance of the gum started to subside and now looks much healthier and cleaner. Believe it or not - oil pulling has also helped strengthen and (could it be true?) re-grow my receding gum line. Best of luck!
Bee Propolis
Posted by Sunny (Bellingham, Wa Usa) on 01/10/2010
Anna from London asks if Propolis tastes like honey because she dislikes the taste of honey. I'm using it for abscessed gums (along with all the other wonderful suggestions from Earth Clinic - you've been my 'doctor ' for years - thank you for offering such a fabulous resource!) In any event,the taste of Bee Propolis tastes NOTHING like honey. It is bee harvested tree resin. I purchased a liquid herbal extract and have been drinking 34-40 drops in a small amount of water. Just now I used it full-strength and swished it around for a few minutes before swollowing it. Wow! Way to go imho.
Bee Propolis
Posted by Linda (New York, Ny) on 01/12/2010
I just started using bee propolis this weekend. First, couple drops to see if I'm allergic, I don't think I am but just checking. Then half a dropful one night then for 2 nights I've had a full dropful. I've had gum recession but noticed it much more when I went to the dentist in recent months for a cleanup. No doubt the gadget the dentist used scraped away some gum tissue. Here's to hope for gum regrowth. Propolis does not taste like honey at all. I got mine at VitamineShoppe with organic bee farm no alcohol, picture says 30% and bottle label doesn't say 25% or 30%.
Bee Propolis
Posted by Anna (London, England) on 01/23/2010
★★★★★
I bought bee propolis tincture at 10% concentration, (made in switzerland), that's what I found at my health food store. Before bed I now do the following: I pour a few drops of the tincture into the lid. I dip the special toothpick that my dental hygenist recommended into the tincture as I clean my teeth. Then I dip a q-tip in the propolis in the lid and paint my gums. When I wake up in the morning, my gums are completely pink!! They are pinkish during the day. Before I started, they were bright red.
I am also oil pulling. I can feel the difference on my teeth. They constantly feel like I've just had them cleaned, instead of feeling furry like they usually do.
In a few months I'll go back to the dentist and see if I still have periodontal pockets. In the meantime, the results seem positive.
Bee Propolis
Posted by Rachel (Napier, New Zealand) on 05/24/2012
Update. I went back to my hygienist after 5 weeks, of using bee propolis, q10, ratania mouthwash and oil pulling. The dentist said there has been a cosiderable improvement in my gum health. I didn't tell her what I had been doing but she was pleased. She said if I continue on this way, instead of needed to see me every 4 weeks, we could get to the stage of twice a year. I am so pleased, although as I have been doing so much I am unsure as to what is working. However, no change to the gap in my front teeth at this point. But I found this site - a life saver
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Liz (Killeen, Texas) on 04/26/2006
★★★★★
For years, when I get sensitive gums, bleeding or otherwise inflamed, I rinse my mouth with HP. After the rinse I also brush my tongue while the HP is still bubbling in my mouth. Mouth sores disappear in about a couple of days.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Capt. Randall (Gainesville, Fla, Usa) on 10/17/2011
Vitamin C/bicarbonate to bowel tolerance 4-5x/day.
Start w 4-10gms (heaping tsp) and 2-5gms baking soda in 4oz water, fizz, drink. Use peroxide mouth soaks for 3-5min. Brush w a drop of essential oil, clove/cinnamon/peppermint.
Vit C/bicarbonate is universal element of 11 step protocol for disease and bad aging; oxidative stress, see www.forbiddenhealingforum.com.
Millions of teeth could be saved every year!
Best regards to Ted and Earth Clinic. Their stuff really works!
LED Lights
Posted by Mhairi (Select) on 11/03/2025
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Missm (New York) on 08/12/2020
I would try the following:
1. Get teeth cleaned.
2. Use mouthwashes with salt water, or hydrogen peroxide diluted. There are other mouthwashes botanic that you can use as well.
My husband had old crowns and he had to have them replaced. I can say honestly the new ones are very good.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by J (Ny) on 03/07/2017
★☆☆☆☆
Apple Cider Vinegar. I kept reading about how healthy it is. I have problem with gum recession, when I was taking ACV it would make my gums hurt like crazy and further recede.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Posted by Fran (London, Uk) on 02/16/2017 5 posts
I have gum disease and my teeth are starting to become loose. I started food grade hydrogen peroxide with a bit of baking soda. My tongue has turned black. Is this normal and am I doing it the right way. Thank you.
EC: Hi Fran, can you please tell us what percentage of food grade you used and whether you diluted it or not.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Isabel (Fl) on 07/18/2017
Try oregano oil and apply it directly on the teeth. Do it several times a day. Also take 1 tbs of baking soda and 1 tbs of sea salt mixed very good and after you brush your teeth put the tooth brush on that solution and brush your teeth, it will take about 3 weeks to see some changes, make sure to dilute oregano oil with olive oil.
Horsetail
Posted by Patricia (Downsville) on 07/07/2016 42 posts
★★★★★
During the middle of the night my tongue found a huge deformation in the upper gum on the left in the back. Didn't know what it was but upon thinking that I have had recent occurrences of my upper tooth being loose, I sensed it was an inflamation/swelling of the gum. It was hard to the touch of my tongue. I knew that equesitum hyemale had strengthened the bond of tooth to bone before so I thought that it would possible take that down if it was swelling. I had 1tsp of horsetail powder by the name above mentioned in a tea bag soaking over night in a mug of water and had already drank some. I in the past took it into my mouth and held it there for as long as I could. Last night I did that for about ten minutes and spit it out. I thought the swelling had gone down a bit. So I did it again. I went to sleep and this morning I know it was swelling because it was completely gone. I have been taking the horsetail not religiously to get sillica into me and organic grass fed beef bone and organic chicken bone broth, which ever bones I had, also for the silica content, religiously every day at least 2 cups per day.
I hope this helps. It is the direct application (transdermal) that works the fastest. I have also been taking borax 3 times a day 3 tsp (1tsp in a liter of water solution) sometimes with food sometimes with juice or water. I noted it in a recent post and reported that I was still alive.
My pet Babe, my only living heir, has had a growth on her chest inside her left leg and she is getting borax 1/4 tsp 3 times a day with a little sardines. I had been giving her tallow with olive oil on it and nothing was happening so I thought that I may have been nourishing the growth. Two days ago I began applying the borax solution with a cotton swab and today it is much reduced. I find it problematic applying the borax liquid and was wondering if something like DMSO would get it in deeper. I read that lanolin is a carrier (getting a substance in sub cutaneously). Anyone with carrier experience, please help.
Patricia
Hydrogen Peroxide and Flossing
Posted by Jillery (Rawlly, Nc) on 01/18/2016 83 posts
★★★★★
I had been getting Astilin pellets put into my gums for the pockets around my gums by the dentist... like pockets of 5 to 9. I started using those plastic picks to floss with and when I was done I swished peroxide around my mouth. I HAVE NO MORE POCKETS AND MY GUMS ARE GREAT!!!! My current dentist says to keep what I am doing as he saw the old records and cannot believe what healthy gums I have now.
Sage
Posted by Clematis (Cape Town, South Africa) on 09/26/2015
Try using sage as a mouthwash for bleeding gums. I buy a toothpaste which has sage in it. It stopped my gum disease and it helps heal bitten lips. Bites took me 4-7 days to heal as it swole up and kept on being bitten... Now I know I've bitten myself 'cuz it hurts but that's the last I know about it! I know it also sooths and heals the gastrointestinal tract. Good luck.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Larry (Fairfax, Va) on 09/22/2015
Ken: Do you dilute the drugstore bought H2O2 before rinsing your mouth? Tx, Larry
Activated Charcoal
Posted by Cajun (Opelousas) on 06/13/2016
Be aware that Activated Charcoal absorbs impurities and MEDICATIONS that are in your system as well... so use at your own discretion.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Kay (Jax) on 03/06/2014
Back in January 2014, I wrote of my success in oil pulling, baking soda and rinsing with Hydrogen Peroxide. I since than have had deep gum scaling by a general dentist and had my teeth cleaned. Went back to dentist today and most all my gums have shrunk their deep pockets approx one mm. However, I have a bad case of Piarhea on my two front teeth which were an 8 and now are a 7. The front teeth have moved causing a large gap. Dentist told me today, I will need to pull these teeth as basically no hope. The rest of the teeth they are positive they can save as they are now at a Gingivitis level. Before I have these teeth pulled I will continue to do my oil pulling, etc. Has anyone ever had a diagnosis like this and beat the system without having teeth pulled? Just curious.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Nanowriter (Hotspot, Texas) on 03/06/2014
Sorry, no direct experience, but if the gum pockets on your front teeth are actually improving why does the dentist still want to pull them? I would try large amounts of vitamin C and maybe a "bone health" mineral supplement and maybe give it a six month trial to see if they keep improving--if there is no actual danger.
Advanced Gum Disease Remedies
Posted by Katzie (Calgary) on 08/22/2022
Sorry, there is no such thing as plant-based collagen. It's a protein found in humans and animals. Peptides are also animal based. If it says hydrolyzed, they could have used hydrochloric acid to break down the collagen into peptides. The plant-based ones are typically called a collagen builder. If it says plant collagen, there is simply no such thing.
Trimethylglycine
Posted by Aurora Johnson (Mason City, Ia) on 01/25/2015
Fiona, did you ingest this or rubbed on the gums?
Was it in powder form? or? sorry about all the questions, my gums have been infected or swollen for a long time, dentists just want to pull teeth out, which I did but the problem is still there. Thanks for the info, I would like to try this.
Gum Brushes
Posted by Joyce (Lansdowne, Pa ) on 10/23/2013
★★★★★
Go the pharmacy to the dental hygiene section and look for interplax brushes. The come in narrow, medium and large. There are some that are replaceable and some that you throw away when you are finished with it. Buy the size depending on the space between you teeth, use it to brush between your teeth on a daily basis. My gums used to bleed and flossing did not help until I saw these brushes and began to use them. After a while my gums did not bleed and my dental hygienist said my gums were so much better. There was no bleeding when I went in for my regular cleaning in August. I use these brushes instead of flossing.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Krystle (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 01/17/2016
Where do you find these tinctures? Extracts for tea? Like bark! And are they affordable? Thanks in advance!
Goldenseal and Cayenne
Posted by Phyllis (Tuscumbia, Alabama) on 01/24/2015
Hello Henrietta,
Try colloidal silver. You can take it orally and soak a bit of cotton ball and hold it to the abcess for a bit.
Goldenseal and Cayenne
Posted by Donna (Colorado Springs, CO) on 01/24/2015
I cured a painful tooth infection by taking 100mg of Iodoral a day. I don't know if you can start the iodine protocol at a dose this high though...I was already taking 50mg a day when I doubled it for the infection. The pain stopped completely on the 3rd day. That was a couple of years ago. I hope this helps someone.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 02/27/2013 2041 posts
Vit-E plus CoQ10/Ubiquinol are also recommended for gum disease.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Grahopper (Australia) on 12/20/2014
Try gumtone... its an ayurvedic tooth powder or can be toothpaste...
Aloe Vera
Posted by Rok (Bali) on 12/24/2015
One head's up about aloe Vera juice: a lot of them sold in stores contain quite a lot of sugar, which is definitely NOT healthy...
Bee Propolis, Coq10, Oil Pulling
Posted by Rich (Springfield, MA) on 06/02/2012
★★★★★
I was very worried that I had gum disease so I began to research and I came across this site. I read all the reviews and settled on the remedies of BEE PROPOLIS, CoQ10, and Oil Pulling. A week later and my teeth/gums/mouth have never felt better. I really didn't think it was going to work at first and figured I would have to tell my family and go to the doctor/dentist. The first thing I do when I wake up is swish around a teaspoon of sesame oil for 20 min in my mouth. I then brush my teeth, floss, and rinse my mouth with mouthwash. I take the CoQ10 on an empty stomach before I eat breakfast. I try to drink a lot of water and chew sugar free gum as much as I can during the day. At night I repeat the brush, floss, and rinse. And when I am done I apply the bee propolis. After a week I have noticed the difference. The space between my teeth and gum are becoming tighter. My gums are changing from a dark red/purple to a regular red/pink. My teeth no longer feel like they are going to fall out. And most importantly I have no sores or cuts around my mouth. I think this remedy saved my mouth from gum disease and saved me from the embarassment. If you are worried or just want something different try these 3 things.
Silica Toothpaste
Posted by Joan (Sa) on 12/26/2011
★★★★★
The best thing I have done for my teeth and gums is change to a silica toothpaste. I had receding gums, sensitive teeth near my gums that would feel like an electric shock when I brushed my teeth. I also had bleeding gums if I did not religously floss my teeth every night. Since changing, the sensitivity has gone, and my gums don't bleed even when I don't floss every night.
Ozonated Olive Oil
Posted by Angela (Seattle, Wa) on 07/20/2011
★★★★★
Hello -
Please post this as applicable. I would suggest it be added to the Gum Disease category.
I went to my dentist about my a painful spot on my gums. He said I had some inflammation there, and he prescribed me to apply a bit of ozonated olive oil to that spot using a dental stick. It worked very well! The ozone kills any bacteria and the pain was gone within days.
