Mouth & Gum Disorders

Mouth ulcers on the tongue, insides of the cheeks, or gums last from one to two weeks. Red, soft, and bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis, caused by bacteria that feed on plaque. Bad breath is generally caused by poor dental hygiene or by gastrointestinal disorders. If it persists, consult your doctor.

Sea salt rinse for mouth ulcers
To help heal mouth ulcers, rinse your mouth several times a day with a mixture of half a teaspoon of sea salt dissolved in 125m1 (4fl oz) of warm water

Dab on myrrh for healing ulcers
The resin from the myrrh tree has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for healing mouth ulcers. It has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and is also rich in tannins, which help heal irritated mucous membranes. Open a capsule of powdered myrrh and apply it directly to the ulcers several times a day.

Liquorice for long-term relief from sores
Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) - stimulates your body to produce protective mucus, encourages healing ; of the mucous membranes, and fights the microorganisms that may cause mouth ulcers. Buy chewable DGL tablets that have had the compound glycyrrhizic acid removed (this acid can cause water retention and high blood pressure).Take one or two 380mg tablets (let them dissolve completely in your mouth) three times a day.You can use this remedy as often as necessary and may want to consider taking DGL long-term (for at least three months) if you suffer from chronic mouth ulcers.

Preventing mouth ulcers
If you are prone to mouth ulcer outbreaks, specific foods may be contributing factors. The most common culprits are highly acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pineapple, and vinegar, but other foods can be problematic. Note what you ate the day or two prior to an outbreak to identify potential triggers.

Sage mouth rinse for healthy gums
Rinsing your mouth daily with a solution of sage tea and sea salt helps prevent gum disease. Both sage and sea salt are mildly antiseptic, relieve inflammation, and promote healing. Because they are astringent, they also help tighten gum tissue.
250m1(8fl oz) boiling water
2 teaspoons dried sage
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Pour the boiling water over the sage, cover. and steep for 15 minutes. Strain, add the sea salt, and cool to lukewarm. Using approximately 60m1 (2fl oz). swish the mixture around your mouth after brushing your teeth. Use the rest of the mouthwash within two days.

Sea salt for healthy gums
Rinse your mouth and gums with a solution of an eighth of a teaspoon sea salt dissolved in 60m1 (2fl oz) warm water after flossing and brushing your teeth. Sea salt is a mild antiseptic that helps tighten the gums and keep them healthy.

Myrrh mouth rinse for healthy gums
Myrrh's powerful antimicrobial and astringent properties help to kill bacteria and protect gum tissue.
125ml (4fl oz) warm water
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon myrrh extract
Mix the ingredients together Using 60m1(2fl oz). rinse your mouth thoroughly twice daily after brushing and flossing teeth.

Goldenseal poultice for sore gums
A poultice made from goldenseal and myrrh provides intensive healing for sore gums. Mix a few drops of myrrh extract and goldenseal powder to make a thick paste. Wrap it in sterile gauze. Place it next to the affected area for one hour; repeat twice a day.

Dietary solutions for bad breath
Sluggish intestines are often a factor in generating bad breath.To keep your gastrointestinal tract in top form, eat a high-fibre diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. In addition, take a daily supplement of Lactobacillus acidophilus-available in capsule form at health food and nutrition storesto maintain a healthy population of beneficial intestinal flora. Dehydration can also cause stale or sour breath; drink at least six glasses of water daily to stay well hydrated.

Preventing bad breath
Cleaning your teeth daily removes odour-causing food particles that accumulate between your teeth. Be sure to brush your tongue, too. Floss your teeth once a day and brush them at least twice daily-preferably after every meal. If you cannot brush after a meal or snack at least rinse
your mouth with water.

Neutralize mouth odours
Baking soda is an excellent tooth cleanser and neutralizes mouth odours. Scoop up a teaspoon in your hand, coat a damp toothbrush with it. and use as you would any toothpaste.

Breath freshener
To freshen your breath, try chewing on a small handful of either fennel or anise seeds.

Mouth-freshening rinse
Conventional mouthwashes can actually cause bad breath because the alcohol they contain dries out the mucous membranes in your mouth. Instead, use a mouth rinse made with peppermint and witch hazel to freshen breath.
1 teaspoon witch hazel extract
1/2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
3 drops peppermint essential oil
125m1 (2fl oz) water
Mix the ingredients together and shake well. Rinse your mouth with the mouthwash after brushing your
teeth, or anytime you want to