Is it possible to cure gum pockets naturally?
Generally, the gum tissues are tightly attached to the teeth. When an infection occurs in the gums, a deeper space around teeth under the gum line is formed. Such pathologically deepened gingival spaces are called gum pockets.
Periodontal pockets happen due to the progression of infection in gum tissues. If left untreated, various infection-causing microbes will be trapped in these openings underneath the gum line. Consequently, the pockets become deeper, and the infection will spread to the jawbone. In such cases, the anchorage support of a tooth is compromised and even leads to tooth loss.
Periodontal pockets can be addressed with therapeutic solutions like dental scaling and root planning. Similarly, various natural remedies are available to reduce gum pockets naturally. We are going to see them in detail here.
How are periodontal pockets formed?
Poor oral hygiene is the key to most dental ailments. Gum pocket is not an exception. If you do not brush and floss your teeth properly, oral microbes mix with saliva and form a sticky plaque on teeth surfaces around the gum margins.
The bacteria in plaque irritate and inflame the gums. Over time, the gums start to pull away from the teeth, causing deeper spaces around the teeth. Besides improper teeth cleaning, several factors also contribute to developing gum pockets, as follows:
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Stress
- Dryness in mouth
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Hormonal changes that happen in stages like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause
How can you treat gum pockets naturally?
Generally, 1 to 3 mm deep gum pockets are considered normal, and 4 to 5 mm deep periodontal pockets are mild. When the depth of gum pockets becomes more than 6 mm, it indicates an advanced stage of gum infection. You should get in-office therapeutic solutions to reduce gum pockets in such cases.
Remember that the at-home remedies we suggest help treat periodontal pockets’ initial and mild stages.
- Take Vitamin C Supplements – As seen earlier, a lack of vitamin C also provokes gum pockets. Hence, it is pivotal to naturally eat fruits and vegetables like broccoli, strawberries, oranges, kiwi fruits, and others that are abundant in this vitamin to reverse periodontal pockets.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – Omega-3 fatty acids protect your gum health in several ways. Hence we advise people with gum pockets to take this macronutrient from seafood, nuts and seeds, plant oils, and spinach to reverse gum pockets.
- Oil Pulling – One of the ancient remedies suggested for various dental dilemmas. It involves rinsing your mouth with a few drops of coconut oil (Clove oil, Sunflower oil can also be used) for 5 to 10 minutes. While gargling, the coconut oil extracts infectious microorganisms from your mouth.
- Aloe Vera Gel – The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera make it effective in treating various oral complications. Applying aloe vera gel directly to the gums soothes the gums and relieves gum inflammation.
Like the natural solutions discussed, lifestyle changes are more likely to alleviate gum pockets. Here are some instances:
- Drink plenty of water
- Reduce stress
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Make bi-annual dental visits
Bottom line
Similar to other dental illnesses, periodontal pockets also begin with poor dental cleaning activities. The good news is that gum pockets can be cured with certain at-home remedies if they are diagnosed and treated in the initial stage. However, natural remedies are not helpful if the gum pockets become deeper due to the progression of gum disease.
Hence, everyone should get regular dental checkups once every 6 months. Dentists can detect such pathologically deepened gingiva sulcus if they exist during periodic checkups and can start treatments promptly.
