Periodontitis is a gum condition affecting the periodontium, or the gum tissue and bone cavity supporting the teeth.  It is the result of an untreated gum infection, such as gingivitis.  Periodontitis can also lead to early teeth loss as the infection can cause the tooth to become loose and eventually detach due to the bacterial infection beneath the gum line.  But aside from the embarrassment of losing one’s teeth, there are certain medical conditions you need to worry about.  Case in point, there’s a study linking renal failure and myocardial infection with periodontitis.  That is why taking necessary steps to prevent periodontal diseases such as periodontitis is important not only for your oral health but your overall health as well.

Brushing and flossing are the most basic preventive as well as periodontal disease treatment.  This keeps plaque and tartar from building up on your teeth and gums.  However, the “Holy trinity” of basic oral hygiene is never complete without gargling with an antibacterial mouthwash.  This kills off and removes any harmful bacteria left behind by brushing and flossing.  While commercial antibacterial mouthwash can suffice, certain ingredients in these mouthwashes can dry the mouth, such as alcohol.  Good thing there are more natural alternatives to commercial mouthwashes, such as herbal mouthwashes made with tea tree oil or aloe vera.

While you can purchase one of these organic mouthwashes in any health shops, you can also create one yourself using ingredients available in your household.  One of the easiest periodontal disease treatment and prevention would be the unsweetened cranberry juice.  Cranberries have been known to have natural antiseptic qualities which have been utilized since the late 1800’s.  It was said that cranberries was able to cure urinary tract infection.  Your teeth and gums, too, can benefit from that antiseptic quality.  Apart from that, it also prevents plaque from accumulating on your teeth.  To use unsweetened cranberry juice as a mouthwash, just take a mouthful and swish it around your mouth vigorously for a few minutes before swallowing or spitting out.  After that, rinse teeth with water.

A combination of tea tree oil, myrrh tincture, warm water and peppermint can also make a natural mouthwash alternative.  Tea tree oil, as you know, also has natural antiseptic qualities used to treat pimples and acne as well as boils and other skin bacterial infection.  This can also be used to prevent or treat gum infections and gingivitis.  All you need to do is combine a few drops of tea tree oil, half a teaspoon of myrrh tincture and a few drops of peppermint to taste in a cup of warm water.  Gargle for a few seconds to a minute before spitting.  In place of tea tree oil, you can also use aloe vera or clove oil.