Why Honey is an Awesome Natural Gum Disease Remedy

Why Honey is an Awesome Natural Gum Disease Remedy

Honey is a powerful natural remedy that has been used for centuries for both its taste, and its healing power.  Whilst you may believe that honey is something that you should avoid eating in order to prevent gum and teeth related problems, this could not be further from the truth. Honey in its most natural form has been proven to successfully cure gum disease, and it is a lot cheaper than almost all of the alternative treatments available.  This article aims to explain why honey is such a good remedy for gum disease.

Royalty free photo

Wound Healing Properties

Honey contains wound healing properties, which can help to treat gum diseases such as receding gums, bleeding, and gingivitis.  Studies have shown that honey can prevent plaque from forming, and it can also prevent the bacteria, which helps plaque stick to the teeth and gums, from forming too.  When mixed with water, honey releases hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic which further helps to treat gum diseases, and prevent them from reoccurring.

Healing Properties

The antioxidants in honey work to prevent free radicals from forming, which helps to prevent ongoing infection, whilst the nutrients in honey help new tissue to grow after an infection has been present.  Different honeys do have different healing properties however.  It is important to only use an ‘active honey’ in order to reap the benefits described above.

Not Every Honey Works

If you are planning on using honey as a gum disease treatment, it is important to buy the right one.  Honey that is filtered, pasteurised, and processed, loses many of its natural healing properties.  Additionally, not every type of honey has antibacterial properties, so make sure to check the label before purchase.  Buying honey in its rawest form is ideal, though make sure it has been sterilised to remove any contaminants.

How to Use Honey as a Gum Treatment

The best way to use honey as a gum disease treatment, is to mix it with water and use it as a mouthwash several times each day.  For an extra potent mouthwash, try adding some cider vinegar to the mixture.  Alternatively, you can also try rubbing active honey directly onto the affected gums. However, if you try this method, try to only use a minimal amount, and wash your gums properly afterwards.

Further Prevention Techniques

Of course, whilst honey is an awesome natural gum disease remedy, you should also make sure to follow dental hygiene strategies.  These include:

• Eating foods that are high in vitamins, minerals and nutrients, such as calcium, zinc, and folic acid.
• Restricting your intake of foods that are high in sugar.
• Stopping smoking.
• Seeing your dental care professional regularly for a full cleanup and check.
• Flossing your teeth after eating to remove any stubborn food particles.
• Brushing your teeth twice daily, and using mouthwash.

Honey is a fantastic natural remedy for gum disease, but it will only work if you follow good dental hygiene.  If you have followed the tips above, and still seen no improvement, speak to your dentist for further guidance.