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4 Scientifically Proven Remedies for Gum Disease

| Modified on Jan 21, 2023
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Supplements for Gum Disease.

Art Solbrig's Protocol to Fight Gum Disease, Reduce Tartar, Remineralize Teeth, Fight Plaque, and Help Prevent Cavities.

by Art Solbrig
Published October 30, 2020
Updated November 07. 2020

There are many causes for gum disease and it doesn't matter that the teeth themselves are very healthy as gum disease can cause them to fall out anyway.

I am thinking that multiple supplements may be useful to help protect the gums, but in this post, I will limit it to three supplements and 1 home remedy that are likely to improve your gums' health if you can tolerate them.

Anyone considering these supplements for the purposes mentioned below should consult their dentist to make sure it will be safe for them.

1. Zinc

The first supplement is zinc. Based on the following article, zinc is perfect for the gums to fend off the multiple issues that can damage the gums.

Here is a quote from the abstract: "Thus taking a note of its potentials, it can be concluded that zinc is a precious element for the maintenance of oral health."

Here is a link to the abstract:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27524540/

The next study suggests that zinc deficiency in children can lead to gingivitis.

Here is a quote from the abstract: "Children with systemic zinc deficiency have a higher caries prevalence and poorer gingival health compared to their zinc-sufficient counterparts."

Here is a link to the abstract:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23211913/

This next study abstract suggests that zinc deficiency leads to a higher copper level and the higher copper level leads to gingival epithelium's permeability, allowing entry of harmful bacteria. Here is a link to the abstract:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8502198/

2. Xylitol

The next supplement is xylitol, one of the healthier and better-tasting sugar substitutes.

This abstract clearly shows that xylitol chewing gum significantly reduces both plaque and gingival index scores and lower multiple inflammatory mediators in the mouth while also lowering numerous inflammatory mediators and considerably reducing the bacterial count of Streptococcus Mutans, all in just 3 weeks!

 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32729244/

The following research shows how chewing gum containing xylitol can reduce cavities in adults who are at high risk for cavities:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5693987/

The next study discusses xylitol's potential to remineralize teeth, fight gingivitis, fight cavities, fight periodontitis, fight bad breath, inhibit the formation of calculus or tartar, help reduce plaque, as well as many other health benefits not related to gums and teeth.

https://jpma.org.pk/article-details/7870?article_id=7870

Finally, xylitol can act as a humectant, allowing the mouth to retain moisture better. Dry mouth is a contributing factor to tooth decay.

3. Melatonin

The third supplement is melatonin, and it has multiple benefits when it comes to the gums and teeth. Melatonin is well known for its potent antioxidant effects, its potent anti-inflammatory effects, and antiapoptotic effects.

This first link expands on the multiple ways that melatonin can be beneficial in the oral cavity which are very likely to be additive to the effects of zinc and xylitol :

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24665831/

This next abstract of a study suggests that melatonin may have a protective role against periodontal disease :

 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20151807/

This next study shows that periodontal disease tissue and saliva show decreased melatonin levels in the gingival crevice fluid, while aggressive periodontal disease shows the lowest level of melatonin.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23033974/

This last melatonin study shows even more benefits of melatonin in the oral cavity that are significant.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3731095/

4. Sea Salt

Although I said three supplements, I am adding sea salt, which I don't really consider as a supplement, but it has good effects in the oral cavity that are likely to be additive to the 3 supplements!

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23697295/

Salt Water Rinse

Regarding the salt water rinse, using Himalayan Pink salt in warm water, I/8th teaspoon of the pink salt in a shot glass of warm water and mix until the salt is dissolved and swish this liquid around in the mouth for a minute and spit it out.

You can pre-make a larger amount in a bottle that you can refill the shot class with for convenience. Add a level teaspoon of salt for every 8 ounces of water.

Instructions

  1. Take a zinc lozenge in the morning and let it dissolve as slowly as possible. 
  2. An hour later, take a xylitol lozenge. You can use more xylitol lozenges if you like.
  3. Repeat in the late afternoon.
  4. After brushing your teeth before bed, rinse for one minute with a shot glass or ounce of the saltwater.
  5. Follow this with the melatonin lozenge dissolved on the tongue and spread it around the mouth as much as possible applying to teeth and gums.

The reason you want these oral remedies to dissolve slowly is to improve local absorption as much as possible, as opposed to systemic absorption which will occur more readily if the lozenge is chewed up quickly and then swallowed.

The frequency can be reduced to two or three times a week once improvement is established. You can also use the saltwater rinse in the morning after brushing your teeth if you want .

Where to Buy

1. Xylitol Breath Mints

Here is a link to breath mints with xylitol in it:

Epic Dental 100% Xylitol Sweetened Breath Mints, Peppermint Flavor, 1000 Count Bag

2. Zinc Lozenges

Here is a link to zinc lozenges:

Cold-EEZE Cherry Flavored Cold Remedy Lozenges

3. Sublingual Melatonin

Here is a link to a 1 mg melatonin sublingual :

Source Naturals Sleep Science Melatonin 2.5 mg Orange Flavor - Helps Promote Sleep - 240 Lozenge Tablets

4. Himalyan Pink Salt

Here is a link to Himalayan pink salt :

The Spice Lab Himalayan Salt - Coarse 2.2 Lb / 1 Kilo - Pink Himalayan Salt is Nutrient and Mineral Dense for Health - Gourmet Pure Crystal - Kosher & Natural Certified

Warnings

Xylitol and Dogs

Be very careful with any xylitol products if you have a dog. Do not leave any product lying around where a dog can get to it. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause seizures, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver failure, and in some cases, death.

Have questions for Art about his gum disease protocol? Please send him your questions by using our form page here.

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.
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Multiple Remedies

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Lilli (Wa) on 02/23/2021 13 posts
 ★★★★★

Years ago, due to an unnecessary oral surgery, I ended up with a shortened gum line along one tooth. I have had issues with it forever because it was prone to infection and swelling. Over the years my dentists only had a gum graft to offer, which none really recommended because it only has around a 50% success rate.

Recently, I had a bad bout with an infection that caused my gum to throb and bleed. I couldn't sleep and was at my wits end and ready to do anything to stop the pain, when I decided to try some of the remedies listed on Earthclinic.

Here are the regimens and remedies that worked best for me:

1. Twice (or more) a day, I used my waterpik on a setting no higher than two. When your gum is really irritated, this may sting a bit and your gum may bleed, but the water really cleans up under the gum where debris and infection are trapped. I fill the well with warm water and a few squirts of hydrogen peroxide. This was the single most effective treatment.

2. I purchased three natural, herbal mouthwashes and alternate rinses during the day.

3. Warm sea salt water rinses reduce pain

4. I made my own tooth powder: 3-4 tbs baking soda, empty one capsule each of: charcoal, Echinacea, and Vit. C powder, one tsp. cinnamon, and a few dashes of cayenne and turmeric. I use about 1/2 tsp., mixed in a little water, and swish it for a several minutes (paying attention to the problem area), before spitting it out without rinsing.

5. Oil pulling with organic virgin coconut oil. Place in your mouth, one teaspoon of coconut oil and swish it around and through your teeth for at least twenty minutes then spit the remainder into a plastic bag and dispose. (to avoid clogs, do not rinse OVCO down the sink)

6. I purchased mini, soft dental bristle brushes (the kind that are shaped like a Christmas tree NOT the hard, plastic variety) and gently brush along the gum line to remove plaque, food, and bacteria. I dip it in mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide and water. The goal is to displace anything that causes irritation. I do this several times during the day, especially after eating.

7. I do tongue scraping right before bedtime.

8. Aloe juice (organic, center leaf) rinse.

I have been following this regimen for 3 weeks and it has been working really well. Almost all of the redness and infection are gone, with no more throbbing, and the gum has pinked up, and even seems to have increased in length a bit.

I plan on using this as a regimen to keep the gums healthy and avoid any further disastrous oral surgeries.

Thank you Earthclinc and all its members who take the time to share their successes. It is a true blessing.

Replied by Tessa
(Okanagan)
02/24/2021

Hi Lilli (Wa) –

Thank you for your comprehensive list on what you are doing to help restore your gums.

I already have a few of these steps in my gum routine and now I can add the rest.

One thing that may help (and I've been doing it for years now) is to massage the gums. I do it in the shower because there is a fair amount of drool involved!

I was told how to do it by someone who regularly does facial exercises. However, I found this on the Internet (it explains it better):

https://www.vanyodentistry.com/gum-massage-benefits-and-techniques

Massage Your Gums With Your Fingers

If you don't want to purchase a special gum massage tool, then you can massage your gums with your fingers. Take your index finger and hold it firmly against your gum tissue. Then, move the tip of your finger in a circular motion while sliding it along your gum line for about ten minutes.

You can help your finger move more smoothly against your gum tissue and even help kill additional bacteria in your gums with a plant oil, such as olive, coconut, or sesame oil. Place the oil on the finger you use to massage your gums.

I actually do the massage a bit differently.

I put my thumb on the front of my gum and my index finger on the back of my gum and then I massage in a circular motion. It feels great and you're saving time by massaging both sides simultaneously!

Cheers,

Tessa

Lilli
(Wa)
02/26/2021
13 posts

Thanks for adding massage to the list. Right after I posted, I thought "I should add massage"...but thought it was already too long...LOL If your gums are painful, do this very lightly. It increases the blood circulation. Or massage through your cheek, not directly on the gums.

Charity
(faithville, Us)
03/08/2021

A dose (spoon) of salt or sugar will cause the lymph system in the mouth to drain. Mouth will fill with water, spit, repeat until drained ... from Walter Last

Ben G.
(columbus oh)
05/11/2022

Hi....totally agree about gum massage!!! BUT I use my toothbrush with warm water....I do 30 seconds upper and lower.......did you ever try that instead of your finger?

I'm amazed at how ignorant many folks are when it comes to our dental care!! too bad they don't teach it in school!!!

Lilli
(WA)
09/18/2022
13 posts
★★★★★

Thank you for this great tip. Worked like a charm and stopped the bleeding immediately. (Note: you will only want to use this method for a few days. Long term use of salt rinses can cause softening of the enamel and gum issues).

I am so grateful to all contributors of this site. :)

Reader Q&A

Posted by Dee (California) on 10/30/2020

H Art,

I may not be reading this properly: "Take a zinc lozenge in the morning and try not to swallow any of it." Are you to spit the zinc lozenge out after swishing around in your mouth? How about the other lozenge, swish & spit? For me the instructions are not fully clear.

Thank you for your time and understanding to further explain for me. Dee

Replied by Art
(California)
10/31/2020
2326 posts

Hi Dee,

The zinc lozenge is so that the zinc can linger in and around the gums and teeth as long as possible, so the potential benefit is minimized if you just chew the lozenge up and swallow it. Just let it slowly dissolve in the mouth to maximize exposure to the gums and teeth. The same with the melatonin dissolvable tablet. Let it dissolve on the tongue and try and spread the melatonin around your mouth teeth and gums as it dissolves.

Art

Bpeake
(OK)
08/22/2022

can the zinc cold ease be sugar free or does it have to be the regular cold ease?

Replied by K in LA
(California)
10/30/2020

I think he meant don't swallow any of it as a lozenge, allow the whole thing to dissolve in your mouth before you swallow it.

Replied by NicoleD
(VA)
10/31/2020

I'm pretty sure what he means is don't immediately chew up and swallow it but rather allow it to dissolve slowly in your mouth so your gums can become coated in it.

Art
(California)
08/22/2022
2326 posts

Bpeake,

Either one will work as it is the zinc that is the active component. On a related note, there are now zinc lozenges that use Xylitol as the sweetener. Here is an example of one :

https://www.amazon.com/TheraBreath-Lozenges-Mandarin-Certified-Formulated/dp/B004QM0OJ0

Art

Reader Q&A
Posted by Marshall (CA) on 10/30/2020

Hi Art,

Were you aware the eating fresh green leafy vegetables is a completely natural remedy for gum disease, especially bleeding gums?

Replied by Art
(California)
10/31/2020
2326 posts

Hi Marshall,

No, I was not aware of that, but that is good to know!

I guess I could have chosen a different title for the post, but it is intended to repair gum disease, fight plaque buildup, remineralize teeth, reduce tartar and help reduce cavities.

Art

Replied by linda
(Missouri)
01/20/2023

When people have a raging infection in gums it's difficult to chew greens and keep them out of crevices and gum lines. My experience in the last 5-7 years.


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