Gum disease isn’t just painful. And the complications from it aren’t just confined to your mouth. It can be downright dangerous—leading to heart disease and stroke.1

It goes without saying that you should see your dentist regularly. But there is a natural treatment to help speed up the recovery process if you suffer from gum disease.

An Australian study tested three different topical ointments.2 Subjects were between the ages 18 and 60 and had severe chronic gingivitis. Researchers randomly assigned gels to the subjects. Subjects received a chemical antiseptic, a placebo gel, or an herbal gel.

They applied the gel using a toothbrush two times a day for eight weeks.

There were no side effects for any of the gels. But just one proved especially effective.

The herbal gel, of course. It showed significant reduction in gum disease and bleeding. It helped reduce inflammation of the gums.

And it’s probably one you’ve heard of before.  It was…

Tea tree oil.

It is a common herbal remedy with antiseptic properties.  Tea tree oil heals an array of ailments from acne, to lice, to even ringworm.

But how does tea tree oil work to heal your gums? Gum disease happens when plaque builds up on your teeth. If you don’t remove it then it hardens underneath the gum line causing irritation. Plaque forms from bacteria. And that’s where tea tree oil comes into play. Tea tree oil’s antifungal and antibacterial properties kill the fungi and bacteria that form in your mouth from food particles.

If left untreated, gum disease can cause teeth to become loose and eventually they can fall out. After the age of 30, periodontitis—the most severe form of gum disease—is responsible for more lost teeth than cavities.3 Gum disease can also cause chronic bad breath and receding gums.

Tea tree oil can help ease your irritated gums. But do not use straight tea tree oil. You should never swallow the topical form of tea tree oil. Use a commercial tea tree toothpaste or gel. You can find them at your local drugstore or health food store. You can also find mouthwash with tea tree oil to help combat that pesky bacteria.

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References:
1 http://medicalnewstoday.com/articles/167727.php
2 http://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15293818
3 http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsdisease/a/gum_disease.htm