Learn how to reverse periodontal disease naturally with just 3 steps to heal completely, safely and effectively! Also try my simple and natural recipes for homemade toothpaste and homemade mouthwash.
Written by: Mr. Crumbs
My current smile cost a fortune! It cost my parents not only several thousand dollars back in high school, but it cost me many years of pain and suffering. To summarize my first three years of high school:
- Overbite? Check.
- Headgear? Check.
- Headgear fails and remove teeth to correct overbite? Check.
- Braces? Check.
- Rubber bands? Check.
- Retainer? Check.
- Dog eats retainer? Check.
I hated the dentist, the hygienist, and the orthodontist.
Dental phobia was an understatement… so much so that once my braces were removed, it took me 12 years before I’d ever go back to see anyone who looked inside mouths for a living.
To make matters worse, my lifestyle wasn’t exactly “healthy” during those college years. Hot pockets in the dorm (but definitely not Tiffany’s homemade hot pockets), greasy pizza from my favorite local spot (yet again, not our homemade pizza) and fountain cokes were a staple in my diet. Oh yeah, and I was a smoker.
So where does gum disease fit in?
- After 12 years of not seeing the dentist, I developed pain in one of my rear molars. Trying to avoid the dentist at all costs, I took matters into my own hands.
- I brushed… and brushed… and even tried toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Guess what happened?
- Nothing. The pain persisted. Clearly, my degree in economics didn’t offer me much in terms of dental care.
The results after my first trip to the dentist were not shocking, but definitely embarrassing. He found a total of eight cavities and “moderate” tartar buildup. But I expected that.
What I didn’t expect to hear was that I had gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). At 26 years old, the dentist measured pockets in my gums ranging from 4-6mm in depth. It didn’t take a dental degree to know this wasn’t good.
What is Periodontal Disease? And How Does it Happen?
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research:
Our mouths are full of bacteria, which (along with mucus) and can form plaque on your teeth. If the plaque isn’t removed by brushing/flossing regularly, this plaque can turn into “tartar” and harden on your teeth. If you don’t see the dentist regularly, or brush regularly, this tartar can cause your gums to become inflamed, turning into “gingivitis” (mild gum disease).
It gets worse….
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it turns into periodontitis (gum disease), where the gums pull away from the teeth and form “pockets” below the gum line. Ultimately, if not treated, your bone and tissue break down and you could lose your teeth. (source)
Gum disease is classified into different stages – depending on how deep these pockets are around your teeth.
- My condition was somewhere between “warning” and “act now.”
- Unlike the spider bite post, I’ll spare you the ugly picture here, but if you research, you can see examples of the stages of gum disease. You would find me somewhere between mild and moderate. Fortunately, there was no bone loss and it was likely I’d keep my teeth. Whew!
- As it turns out, poor diet and smoking can be a major cause of gum disease, and both of these were a big part of my life for several years. Diabetes, stress, and illness, among other things, can cause gum disease as well.
The dentist, made it clear that healing gum disease wasn’t an option, that it can only be managed.
Which admittedly, I kinda freaked out right then.
How to Reverse Periodontal Disease Naturally (In 3 Steps)
Step 1. Now, I know you want to hear about how to cure gum disease without a dentist, but when you have periodontal disease, the dentist is the first step.
- I was scheduled me for a “scaling and root planing” procedure (a periodontitis treatment). For the non-dental guru’s, this is when they scrape all the tartar and plaque off of your teeth. And not just the parts you can see.
- They scrape from underneath your gum-line and smooth out the root surface. This is to help your gum tighten back up and re-attach to your teeth. It’s painful, and most offices will only work portions of the mouth at a time since the entire area has to be numbed.
- Unfortunately, there’s no way around this procedure. A standard toothbrush cannot get underneath the gum line and only a dental professional has the tools and knowledge necessary to properly do this procedure.
Step 2. I committed to flossing at least once a day, but usually twice.
Step 3. I committed to brushing twice a day. My wife bought me a great toothbrush similar to this one.
- Notes: Now, I know these last two steps are so simple, and we’re taught to do both from a very young age. Yet we often ignore them because we’re lazy or busy or tired… and don’t think twice because there aren’t any immediate consequences.
- As a precaution, I also stopped using store-bought mouthwash. I had heard conflicting reports about it killing the good bacteria, along with the bad, making it a possible cause for hygiene problems. Most mouthwashes also have fluoride, and we’ve eliminated that from our home as well.
My Results for How to Reverse Periodontal Disease Naturally
- One year later, after the dental visit and recommitting to brushing and flossing twice daily, my gums were healing and pocket depths had been reduced from 4-6mm to only 2-4mm.
- Two years later, pocket depth was in the 1-4mm range with fewer 4mm’s than before. We had also switched to this clay-based toothpaste that didn’t have fluoride, and eventually started making our own homemade toothpaste. It was definitely taking time, but we were making progress!
- Three years after that first initial deep cleaning visit, the hygienist measured my pockets and they were ALL in the 1-3mm range.
According to the dental professionals, this is considered a complete gum disease reversal. The dentist was shocked.
What you eat and the lifestyle you live DOES affect your health.
- Eat good food.
- Brush and floss your teeth.
- Don’t avoid the dentist for 12 years.
If you have dental phobia, don’t be like me and avoid them until you’re in physical pain. Finally, realize that while it takes time and good habits to help reverse this disease, it is possible to cure gum disease on your own! Don’t give up!
FAQs for Reversing Gum Disease
Can you get rid of periodontal disease on your own?
I visited my dentist for periodontitis treatment initially, and then I flossed and brushed with homemade natural toothpaste twice daily for a complete gum disease reversal.
Can periodontal pockets shrink?
Yes! Mine were reduced to a 1-4mm range, which was considered a complete gum disease reversal. Just follow the 3 steps in this post!
What is the best home remedy for periodontal disease?
After my initial periodontitis treatment with the dentist, I simply flossed and brushed twice daily. I use this awesome homemade natural toothpaste!
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Sign up for my FREE Fight Inflation Workshop and learn simple strategies to save money, even with rising food costs!More Ways to Heal & Care for Your Body Naturally
- Remove a Mole with Apple Cider Vinegar
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- Homemade Face Lotion Bar
- Clay-based Toothpaste (just like Earthpaste)
- Homemade Tinted Moisturizer
- DIY Homemade Facial Cleanser
- Homemade Powdered Foundation
- Homemade Shampoo Bar
- Liquid Herbal Shampoo
- Secret to Healthy Teeth & Gums
Went through something similar myself due to not flossing for years, and was able to reverse the course before it became periodontitis.
110% agreed that the dentist is the #1 step – no if’s and’s or but’s about it, they need to assess your current health and at least get you caught up on regular cleaning if it’s not too the level of planing and scraping the gums. #2 is flossing after each meal. Water flossing may work well for people not used to flossing this often. #3, brush at least two times a day.
Something I didn’t see noted (aside from the note on keeping a good diet) and is equally as important – get enough vitamin C in your diet. I don’t care if you have to take a supplement to get the proper amount, it’s vital to maintaining day to day health or your gums, and it so often gets overlooked. Scurvy is no joke and isn’t just for pirates.
Does anyone know if it is at all possible to heal periodontal disease naturaly without getting a scaling and root planning procedure? Thanks
Hi could you please help explain what worked for your husband after the gingivitis was healed what helped the gum reattach to the tooth and reverse the gum recession (and the puffy gums around the teeth) thank you!
I’m not sure if I follow… worked in what sense? After his teeth and gums were healed, there were no issues. Now it’s just keeping them clean using natural, fluoride-free toothpaste!
Hi Tiffany . Can I ask if your husband had only the one deep cleaning ? As I have moderate periodontal disease and have been told I need to go back every 3 months for ever for cleaning now. Does your husband have to do this aswell. X many thanks. Kath
Hi Katherine, He had his whole mouth in the one visit (they wanted to split it into two visits) and ever since, he has regular cleanings every 6 months. Hope that helps!
I never knew that mouthwash could actually be problematic for dental hygiene. My wife and I are getting older and are starting to notice plaque buildup even though we have good brushing habits. We will keep your article in mind as we make a new plan to keep our smiles for as long as possible.
Hi Tiffany,
Did your husband have any ‘black triangles’ where he had a gaps from gum recession? If so did these go away? I have been told by my dentist that I no longer have gum disease but still have the gaps which I am looking for ways to heal. I use a natural orawellness mouth blend to brush my teeth which helped so much with my gum health.
I always feel like I’m alone I know I’m not I’m 28 diagnosed 6 years ago didn’t have insurance to go to the dentist or even afford a deep cleaning then 🙁 Mine runs in the family my dad only has a few teeth left and I pretty much cry myself to sleep fearing I’ll lose my teeth as well. My pockets were mostly 4s back molars are 5s the molars are receding super bad and I’m hoping to have my deep clean next month I’m still so scared of losing my teeth. I have 2 kids and I’m super anal about their teeth and making sure to keep them clean no junk food. Would like advice I know I can’t fix my receding gums but I just need positive thoughts that I too shall get through this. How did he stay so positive? Did he have any receding gums any other problems? My teeth are forming a black triangle from all my plaque I fear with a deep cleaning my teeth will get lose and fall out 🙁
Another remedy to try is oil pulling!! Google it. I have heard there are so many benefits, especially for periodontal disease. I use coconut oil … put a tsp or two in your mouth and swish it around for about 20 minutes. (Can be done while you are getting ready for your day) I would recommend starting with a small amount and for a shorter time and work your way up to longer. It is especially helpful for people with gaps (receding gums) because food particles get in there that cannot be removed via brushing or flossing. One caution… do NOT spit it out into your sink as it will cause a buildup and eventual blockage in your pipes. Instead spit it into a paper towel and dispose of it in the trash. It’s not a quick fix but be consistent and over time you’ll see results. Try it! You’ll be glad you did.
As for me i normally have tooth ache, bleeding gums, and some of my teethes are loosening and i don’t know what that is can you please help me figure it out
Gr8 to know that one can heal naturally too..
Loose teeth is bone loss it’s genetic on my mom’s dads side.
Tiffany what does your family use for mouth wash then?
Hi Lisa, So sorry that runs in your family. We recommend talking to a biological dentist. We don’t have a mouth wash that we recommend.
I’m going to scheduale an srp when I have the means. (Hopefully with a new dentisit.) Unfortunately I don’t have dental insurance right now. I havent taken the best care of my teeth but I’m determined to change that. Being out of school and out of work for a while now I’ve taken even worse care of them and my gums have receded. I’m looking at a bunch of dental information and I oil pulled with olive oil (I tried coconut but I hate it) Someone said their gums have reced and they have plaque on there teeth. The oil pulling was making their gums heal and regrow but they still had some tartar and knew they had to go to the dentist for a proper cleaning before the gum heals and grows back over the plaque. Along with me research I saw flossing with actual floss was decreasing in popularity as it moved more bacteria into the blood stream and had little effect on overal dental health. With cleaned teeth it seems removing tartar with daily oil pulling or water picking maybe better suited to replace daily string flossing rather than be paired with it. People looking to remove tartar without a dentist or decrease tartar before seeing a dentist reported the oil loosening up their plaque and stubborn tarta being chipped away. I which I had better habits growing up as a kid. I swear to god when I have kids I wont let them grow up taking care of their teeth the way I took care of mine. When they’re adults I want them to have dental practice as second nature and never dream of skipping a brush.
Hi Tiffany!
How is your husband’s gum currently? It seems like it’s not bothering him anymore which is great. I am in my early 20s and have been diagnosed with the same disease with pockets ranging from 3-5 and one 6. I been so depressed since I found out and this story has given hope of some sort that I will not be losing my teeth this young. I will be getting my treatment plan tomorrow and my periodontist will tell me the extent of my bone lost. I hope to hear from you soon 🙂
Hi Tim! His gums are great! We moved from CA to GA and his new dentist didn’t even question his gum health, meaning there has been no long-term effects from this several years ago!
Did the dentist put any slow releasing anti-biotics inside your gumline when they did the deep cleaning procedure? If so, how did that go? If not, did you do anything to help heal your gums after the procedure – because from what I understand they are going to get under your gums and clean up your teeth – I’m just wondering how the gums heal after that. Is there a chance for infection?
Thanks
Al
Hi Al – I just checked with Mr. Crumbs and he said he did NOT receive a slow releasing antibiotic. Just numbing, and go-time. He says there was no mention of risk of infection. Our best guess is that the gums heal quickly (which we know from experience) and that the deep cleaning wasn’t very invasive, so the risk, if any, was negligible. I hope this helps Al!
Hi. I’ve been depressed, due to online bullying, plus being homeless. I ate ice cream almost every day, trying to cope. I ate some crunchy chicken, & I believe that it put a crack in my tooth. I had excruciating pain. I didn’t get an abscess until a couple of months after taking antibiotics. I’ve been battling the abscess since mid August. I can’t afford a dentist.
I’ve tried EVERYTHING, & the abscess would come close to draining & healing only sometimes. The abscessed tooth has a huge filling on it.
I’ve tried oil pulling with coconut oil, brushing with peroxide & water, baking soda & Pink Himalayan salt, bentonite clay, activated charcoal & garlic as remedies.
Hello Candy!
I’m sorry we cannot give medical advice for an abscessed tooth, and you should contact a dental professional.