Gum Infection: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A gum infection, also known as periodontal disease or pyorrhea, is a bacterial infection affecting the gums and supporting tissues surrounding the teeth.

It is often caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, and certain medications. If left untreated, gum infections can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and systemic health issues like heart disease and respiratory infections.

Herbal remedies like aloe vera, turmeric, and tea tree oil can be used to alleviate gum infection symptoms. Aloe vera gel can be applied topically to soothe inflamed gums, while turmeric's antibacterial properties can help reduce infection. Tea tree oil, rich in antimicrobial properties, can be mixed with water and used as a mouthwash.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of gum infection, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of gum infection?

The main causes of gum infection are poor oral hygiene, leading to the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, on teeth and gums.

Bacteria in plaque can cause inflammation and infection of the gums, known as gingivitis, if not removed through regular brushing and flossing. Smoking and tobacco use can also increase the risk of gum infection by reducing blood flow to the gums and making them more susceptible to bacterial invasion. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, can affect the body's ability to fight off infection, making it more likely for gum infections to occur.

Furthermore, genetics can play a role, with some people being more prone to gum disease due to their individual oral anatomy and bacterial composition.

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of gum infection due to the buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth, leading to inflammation and infection of the gums.
• Smoking: Smoking is a significant cause of gum infection because it reduces blood flow to the gums, making them more susceptible to disease and reducing the ability of the immune system to fight off infection.
• Genetic Predisposition: Genetic predisposition is a common cause of gum infection because some people are more prone to gum disease due to their genetic makeup, which can affect the shape and size of their teeth and gums.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes are a common cause of gum infection because fluctuations in hormone levels during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can increase the risk of gum disease.
• Bacterial Imbalance: Bacterial imbalance is a common cause of gum infection because an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the mouth can lead to the formation of plaque and tartar, causing inflammation and infection of the gums.
• Medication Use: Medication use is a less common cause of gum infection because certain medications, such as antidepressants and steroids, can increase the risk of gum disease by altering the immune response and increasing the risk of bleeding.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies are a less common cause of gum infection because a lack of essential nutrients, such as vitamin C and calcium, can weaken the gums and make them more susceptible to disease.
• Gastrointestinal Disease: Gastrointestinal disease is a less common cause of gum infection because conditions such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease can increase the risk of gum disease by altering the immune response and increasing the risk of malnutrition.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for gum infection?

The main medicinal herbs used for gum infection are Melaleuca alternifolia, Echinacea purpurea, Eucalyptus globulus, Aloe vera, Syzygium aromaticum, Zingiber officinale, Salvia officinalis, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ginkgo biloba.

Melaleuca alternifolia contains compounds that exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce bacterial load and inflammation in the gums. Echinacea purpurea is known to boost the immune system, increasing its ability to fight off infections and reduce the severity of gum inflammation. The antiseptic properties of Eucalyptus globulus help to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, while Aloe vera's anti-inflammatory properties soothe and calm the gum tissue.

The other herbs, including Syzygium aromaticum's antimicrobial properties, Zingiber officinale's anti-inflammatory properties, Salvia officinalis's antioxidant properties, Curcuma longa's anti-inflammatory properties, Glycyrrhiza glabra's anti-inflammatory properties, and Ginkgo biloba's antioxidant properties, contribute to the comprehensive treatment of gum infection.

• Melaleuca alternifolia: The essential oils from Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree oil, exhibit antimicrobial properties that help combat gum infections by inhibiting the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea has immunomodulatory effects, which aid in enhancing the body's natural defense mechanisms to fight off infections, including gum infections, by stimulating the production of cytokines and other immune cells.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus contains eucalyptol, a compound with antimicrobial properties that help reduce the bacterial load in the oral cavity, thereby alleviating symptoms of gum infections.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help soothe and calm the gum tissues, reducing pain and inflammation, and combating the underlying bacterial infection.
• Syzygium aromaticum: Syzygium aromaticum, also known as clove, contains eugenol, a compound with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and inflammation in the gums and combat the underlying bacterial infection.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and inflammation in the gums, making it an effective natural remedy for alleviating symptoms of gum infections.
• Salvia officinalis: Salvia officinalis, or sage, contains rosmarinic acid, a compound with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat the underlying bacterial infection and reduce inflammation in the gums.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin, a compound with potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat the underlying bacterial infection and reduce inflammation in the gums.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and inflammation in the gums, making it an effective natural remedy for alleviating symptoms of gum infections.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair in the gums, making it an effective natural remedy for alleviating symptoms of gum infections.

What are the main herbal preparations used for gum infection?

The main herbal preparations used for gum infection are Tincture, Decoction, Capsules, Salve, Cream, Gel, Ointment, Tea, Poultice, Suppository.

Tincture of Echinacea and Goldenseal has antimicrobial properties that help combat bacterial and viral infections. Decoction of Slippery Elm and Marshmallow root soothes and protects the mucous membranes reducing inflammation and discomfort. Capsules of vitamin C and Zinc from herbs like Calendula and Sage enhance immune function to fight off infection.

Topical preparations like Salve, Cream, Gel, Ointment, and Poultice from herbs like Aloe Vera and Tea Tree oil directly target the infection site with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the essential oils of Echinacea purpurea and Calendula officinalis helps with gum infection by increasing blood flow to the affected area and reducing inflammation, which in turn promotes healing and prevents the spread of infection.
• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of Salvia officinalis and Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) helps with gum infection by releasing the antimicrobial compounds of these plants, such as carnosic acid and terpenoids, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi responsible for gum infection.
• Capsules: Capsules containing the powdered roots of Echinacea purpurea and Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) help with gum infection by releasing the antimicrobial compounds of these plants, such as alkylamides and berberine, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi responsible for gum infection.
• Salve: A salve made from the essential oils of Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and Calendula officinalis helps with gum infection by reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the affected area, which in turn prevents the spread of infection.
• Cream: A cream made from the extracts of Aloe vera and Echinacea purpurea helps with gum infection by soothing the affected area and reducing inflammation, which in turn promotes healing and prevents the spread of infection.
• Gel: A gel made from the extracts of Echinacea purpurea and Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) helps with gum infection by releasing the antimicrobial compounds of these plants, such as alkylamides and berberine, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi responsible for gum infection.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the essential oils of Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and Calendula officinalis helps with gum infection by reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the affected area, which in turn prevents the spread of infection.
• Tea: A tea made from the leaves of Echinacea purpurea and Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) helps with gum infection by releasing the antimicrobial compounds of these plants, such as alkylamides and berberine, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi responsible for gum infection.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the roots of Echinacea purpurea and Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) helps with gum infection by releasing the antimicrobial compounds of these plants, such as carnosic acid and terpenoids, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi responsible for gum infection.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the powdered roots of Echinacea purpurea and Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) helps with gum infection by releasing the antimicrobial compounds of these plants, such as alkylamides and berberine, directly into the affected area, which in turn inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi responsible for gum infection.