If you have gum disease, you are not alone. Some form of gum, or periodontal disease affects approximately 75 percent of adults over age 30. A home treatment for gum disease can help you or someone you know who is likely affected by this disease.
One of the most common diseases affecting the human race is gum disease. Home treatment for gum disease remains one of the most searched for treatments for improving health today. As a dental hygienist, I would like to help you answer any questions you may have about gum disease. Please read more about me in the About the Author page.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 64 million Americans have the advanced stage gum disease called periodontitis. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support and surround your teeth.
Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. Poor dental health can have a negative effect on your overall health and should be addressed sooner than later. Often times, people cannot afford traditional dental treatments provided by the dental office. Or, they may lack access to care or simply do not have the time to visit their dental office.
While certain stages of gum disease can only be treated by a professional, there are options for treating and reversing the beginning stages of gum disease with an at home treatment. This article will discuss an in depth way for you to get a handle on this unfortunate condition before it progresses to an irreversible stage causing tooth loss.
About Gum Disease- An Overview
Your teeth are meant to last you a lifetime- and they will, with proper care.
Gum disease is also referred to as periodontal disease. “Periodontal” is derived from two Greek words that mean “around the tooth”.
The Periodontal Fact Sheet will provide you with more details. There are several types of gum or periodontal diseases. Each one begins with a bacterial infection that attacks the gums, bone and ligaments that support the teeth in the jaw.
Gum disease is an inflammatory disease. Please read this article from the American Academy of Periodontology for more explanation of gum disease. It affects hard and soft structures supporting the teeth. In its earliest stage, called gingivitis, gums become red and swollen due to the inflammation.
This is the body’s natural response to the presence of harmful bacteria. If left untreated, gingivitis will progress to the more serious stage of gum disease called periodontitis.
In this stage, the gums pull away from the tooth and the supporting tissues are destroyed. Gum disease can develop slowly or progress quite quickly. Ideally, you should have regular dental checkups to evaluate the health of your gums at least every 6 months. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, your dental professional can also discuss the at home treatment options for treating gum disease with you that will be discussed in this article.
Dental professionals can due an assessment of your overall oral condition by use of a periodontal probe (tool used to measure loss of attachment and pockets) visual inspections and x rays.
Until recently, reducing the amount of bacteria has been the main stay of gum treatment. Scaling and root planing is a procedure performed by a dental professional aimed at reducing the amount of bacteria present in the mouth.
This is an in depth cleaning to smooth the roots of the teeth making it less likely for bacterial plaque to reattach. The purpose of this procedure is to reduce the amount of bacteria to a manageable amount so that your body’s immune system does not go into overdrive.
When the immune system goes into overdrive, it is called the host response. Science has found that the way our body reacts to the inflammation (host response) takes precedence in the study of how to treat and prevent gum disease. Even more so then how to eliminate the bacteria.
That is why many studies have explored the use of systemic agents to counteract the inflammatory action of gum disease. In addition to seeking regular professional care, you can learn how to prevent and treat gum disease at home by practicing good oral health habits and supplementing with curcumin.
Why Not Just Use Antibiotics?
For years, antibiotics have been an important part of dentistry and medicine in general. When routine treatments fail to provide the desired results in treating gum disease, dental professionals may turn to antibiotic use.
By combining a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) with systemic antibiotics, it is believed to provide better support for the immune system in the fight against pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria.
However, when considering use of antibiotics to treat gum disease, dental professionals must realize that they may be contributing to antibiotic resistance. According to the World Health Organization, antibiotic resistance has become one of the biggest threats to global health.
Their mechanism of action is thought to be the leading factor in antibiotic resistance. They destroy harmful bacteria but at the same time, they destroy the bacteria that are protecting the body. When this happens, the bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics will multiply quickly and thrive. As they rapidly grow, they pass on their traits which leads to further resistance.
The wide use of antibiotics has increased antibiotic resistance to a critical level. When antibiotics are used to treat gum disease, they reduce the “good” bacteria along with the “bad” bacteria. The natural flora (bacterial environment) that lines the intestinal tract is reduced which also lowers the defense of the body to fight infection.
To lower the risk of resistance, antibiotics should be prescribed with great caution. Dental professionals should prescribe antibiotics treatment as a last result. With the growing concern of antibiotic resistance, adjunctive use of oral supplements to treat and prevent inflammation has become a priority in modern medicine.
Curcumin To The Rescue
There are various conventional drug therapies to help treat gum disease. However, there are numerous side effects that come with using them.
This has led to interest in plant based or all natural ways of returning the gums to health without side effects. One of the most studied medicinal plants in dentistry is curcumin.
Not all curcumin supplements are alike so keep reading to find out which form of curcumin is necessary for the at home treatment of gum disease. Learn more about the correlation of systemic oral use of curcumin for periodontal (gum) disease.
Studies including clinical trials show that controlling inflammation is the principal strategy to prevent and manage periodontal disease. The search for alternative products is ongoing but curcumin is showing promising results for overall oral health.
Only a certain form which will be discussed shortly is recommended. Curcumin is a polyphenol derived from Curcuma longa plant, more commonly known as turmeric. Curcumin has been used for centuries in ayurvedic medicine.
This is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing system. Ayurvedic medicine was developed more than 3,000 years ago in India. The concept of this type of medicine is the belief that health and wellness depend on the balance between mind, body and spirit.
What Is Curcumin and How Does It Work?
Curcumin is an extract of a common spice called turmeric which is a member of the antioxidant-rich ginger family. Turmeric is a popular orange colored spice used in many Indian foods. The compound curcumin is found in the rhizome of turmeric which is the stem of the plant found underground.
There is much confusion today over turmeric and curcumin and the benefits of each. There is a very small amount of curcumin in turmeric. Many cheap supplements of turmeric on the market may only contain as little as 5% curcumin. This small amount may not even be usable by your body. A certain form of curcumin uses the potent extract of turmeric that we will be discussing and is many times more powerful than turmeric.
Gum disease responds well to curcumin because of its known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. It is by far the most powerful antioxidant known to science. In fact, it has 100s of times more antioxidant properties than blueberries. Curcumin also has potent antibacterial, antiviral and anti fungal properties. These are all excellent features when looking to treat gum disease.
Let’s discuss a little more about the differences between turmeric and curcumin as this can be rather confusing. What is turmeric? Turmeric is a spice made from the ground up roots of the turmeric plant. The resulting powder is bright yellow and has a bitter, peppery flavor. This spice is used in cooking Indian dishes and curries.
What is curcumin? Within turmeric is where the curcumin compound is found. Scientific examination of turmeric has shown that curcumin is the substance within turmeric where the numerous health benefits can be found.
Unfortunately, curcumin makes up only 2-5% of turmeric. If you consume turmeric you are only getting a tiny portion of curcumin. Thankfully, curcumin can be extracted from turmeric making it much more beneficial.
The benefits of curcumin for gum disease are very promising. The form of curcumin you use makes a difference. Ordinary curcumin has limited bioavailability. What this means is that it is poorly absorbed by the body.
One company, called EuroPharma Inc. has found an extraordinary form of curcumin that is highly absorbable by the body. This product is sold under the Terry Naturally brand and is called CuraMed. It was developed by a team of research scientists and includes this extraordinary form of curcumin called BCM-95 Curcumin.
This form of natural 100% curcumin is as much as 10 times higher than other forms of curcumin and stays in the bloodstream for 8-12 hours. This is far longer than any other form of curcumin tested (4-6 hours for other forms of curcumin).
The ’95’ in BCM-95 refers to the composition which is 86% curcuminoids and 7-9% essential oils. This form also does not contain any non-turmeric compounds like Bioprene, piperine (black pepper), or lecithin which are used to enhance its absorption.
Piperine has been shown to aid the absorption of curcumin. While this does help, it is not nearly as effective as the patented BCM-95 patented technology. This technology provides enhanced absorption and sustained retention time at meaningful levels in the body without adding a foreign substance (black pepper).
In fact, this product contains no: sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, dairy products, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, or artificial preservatives. The composition of patented BCM-95 Curcumin contains ONLY turmeric based components and no synthetic or non-turmeric ingredients.
This composition delivers free curcumin into the bloodstream and allows it to be retained in the body for a much longer duration than ordinary curcumin. The importance of using this specific form of Curcumin will be discussed shortly, but let’s get take a closer look at some background information….
First, Let’s Look at What Gum Disease Is
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, affects people of all ages and is very common. Most people are not even aware that they have it. The first step to preventing tooth loss is finding the disease. When gums are healthy, they will have a pink, orange-peel like stipple to them as seen in this picture.
Gum disease is an infection and inflammation that affects the tissues and bone that support teeth. When the gums are healthy, the tissue should fit like a cuff around each tooth. When someone has gum disease, this tissue pulls away from the tooth creating spaces between the tooth and gum called pockets.
Bacteria accumulates in these pockets. The bacteria give off toxins which causes the inflammation of the tissue. It is your body’s own defense to try to get rid of this inflammation and in doing so, it dissolves the bone holding the tooth in place.
This is what eventually leads to tooth loss. As the disease gets worse, the bone and tissue that support the tooth are destroyed. Treating gum disease in the early stages will help to prevent tooth loss.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the earliest stage which affects only the gum tissue. At this stage, toxins in plaque irritate the gums. The gums will become swollen, tender, red and likely to bleed easily. Inflammation is now present.
Periodontitis is the next stage of gum disease. In this stage, inflammation continues and gums become detached from the teeth forming pockets that can fill with more plaque. The toxins destroy the tissues that anchor the teeth in the bone.
Advanced periodontitis occurs as gum disease progresses. This is where the teeth lose more attachment because the supporting bone is destroyed. At this stage, the affected teeth may become so loose that they may fall out.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
If you have any of these symptoms, you may have gum disease:
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
- Swollen, tender or red gums
- Bad breath that will not go away
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth
- Loose teeth or teeth that are separating
- Pus or discharge between the teeth and gums
- A change in the way your teeth come together when biting
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is initiated by plaque. Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth containing millions of bacteria. The bacteria in plaque are the root cause of gum disease. This plaque begins forming on your teeth as soon as 4-12 hours after brushing, which is why it is so important to brush twice daily and floss once a day.
The bacteria in plaque multiply rapidly. When plaque is not removed adequately, it can form into tartar. Tartar is a hard mineralized accumulation of dental plaque that forms above and below the gumline.
The mineralization takes place due to the minerals in your saliva. The tartar acts as an area for more and more bacteria to collect and give off more toxins. Don’t forget to visit your dental office for regular checkups and to have cleanings that will remove the tartar build up.
As the disease progresses, the inflamed tissue pulls away from the teeth forming spaces called pockets. These pockets provide spaces for more bacteria to hide. This can be a vicious cycle and if the pockets are not treated, the disease can get worse. In the later stages of the disease, too much bone and supporting structure will be lost. This stage of gum disease is irreversible and results in tooth loss.
Other Factors Can Contribute to Gum Disease
These other factors may include:
- Systemic diseases such as diabetes, HIV infection, AIDS or blood cell disorders
- Teeth that are not straight
- Bad fillings that are loose, worn or cracked can trap plaque
- Hormonal changes such as pregnancy or use of birth control pills
- Stress
- Genetics
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Medications such as anti-epilepsy drugs, calcium channel blockers, cancer therapy drugs or steroids
Treating Gum Disease at Home
If you have gum disease, it is a good idea to have frequent dental visits. The dental team can help by cleaning your teeth and removing the plaque and tartar build-up that forms in hard to reach areas around the teeth and under the gumline.
The gums can be treated at home in conjunction with your dental visits. With good home care and plaque removal, the inflammation and pocketing can be managed and gum disease can be reversed.
The best tips for healthy gums include:
- Brush your teeth twice daily (using an electric toothbrush will provide the best plaque removal)
- Clean between your teeth with floss or an oral irrigator every day
- Make healthy food choices which limit sugar
- Avoid soda consumption or other sugary or acidic drinks
- Avoid tobacco
- Once daily supplementation of oral Curcumin with BCM-95 (most bioavailable product) to prevent and treat inflammation
- Use of oral probiotics to promote a favorable oral microbiome
Why Is Controlling Inflammation So Important?
Inflammation in gum disease is the body’s natural reaction to a pathogen (bacterial) overload. The gum swelling, redness and bleeding is the initial response to the toxins given off by these bacteria.
We now have a new level of understanding of how destruction occurs due to the presence of inflammation caused by bacteria. Today, it is well accepted that gum disease is controlled by controlling inflammation as well as bacterial control.
Numerous research publications focus on the prevention and elimination of inflammation to restore or maintain gum health. One of the easiest ways to win the battle against bacterial overload is with adequate plaque removal.
Recent research has proven the effectiveness of oral irrigation on plaque disruption and removal. Through the years, research demonstrates the benefits of using an oral water-jet irrigation device in combination with toothbrushing. There are various products available from WaterPik to accomplish this.
WaterPik has also developed a product to make water flossing available with a toothbrush that has a built-in oral irrigator. This device is called the WaterPik Sonic-Fusion and it allows for brushing and flossing at the same time.
The new hybrid WaterPik Sonic-Fusion combines a solid design of sonic toothbrushing and water flossing into a single brush head. The design removes more than twice as much bacterial plaque than standard manual brushing and flossing techniques.
This product is easy to use. A fluid irrigant flows directly from the water reservoir into the brush handle via and irrigation hose. It is easy to access all areas of the mouth with the 360 degree swivel handle. The WaterPik Sonic-Fusion features a balanced handle that can quickly detach converting it to an on-the-go portable device. It has replaceable brush heads and a built-in two-minute timer.
The basic concept behind the WaterPik Sonic-Fusion and other WaterPik designs is the use of shear force created by water under pressure. The combination of these two things will thoroughly clean and debride the mouth of debris and bacterial plaque. Thorough and regular debridement of bacteria is beneficial to helping the body’s immune system fight inflammation.
Gum Disease and Curcumin Use for Inflammation
The effect of curcumin (turmeric) on oral and periodontal (gum) diseases is discussed further here. This is an article from the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). Herbal medicines have been around for thousands of years. Statistics show that about 80% of the population relies on their use for their home health care needs.
Home care treatment of gum disease is a growing concern for the general population. There are now therapeutic options for addressing the unpleasant condition of gum disease that can be practiced outside of the dental office.
Curcumin is the clear choice for addressing gum disease due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Further information discussing this topic can be found at: The Potential Role of Curcumin in Periodontal Therapy: A Review of the Literature.
The anti-inflammatory action of curcumin has long been recognized for treatment of a wide range of other inflammatory diseases. These include: arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, colitis, pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. It has also been successfully used to manage various autoimmune diseases.
Since gum disease is a disease of inflammation, curcumin has also successfully been employed as an at home treatment for it. With regard to the bacteria in the mouth, curcumin exhibits a high level of antibacterial activity.
The main bacteria in the mouth that contribute to gum disease are P. intermedia and P. gingivalis. Curcumin prevents the growth of both of these bacteria. Gum disease is a chronic infection initiated by these and other bacteria. If left untreated, we know that it leads to the destruction of the connective tissue supporting the teeth.
Our body’s own immune and inflammatory response to these bacteria is what is responsible for this destruction. By treating the inflammation or preventing it, gum disease can be controlled or treated. Systemic (oral administration) or curcumin to the rescue!
Gum disease is one of the most common diseases affecting the human race. The disease begins with bacteria and progresses with how our bodies react (host inflammatory factors) to the bacteria. Reducing the amount of bacteria or plaque in our mouths has been the main stay of gum disease therapy until recently. This therapy involves deep professional dental cleanings (scaling and root planing) and oral hygiene techniques that aim to reduce bacterial plaque.
Up until now we did not know how important the host response to the disease actually is. What this means is that science has discovered that it is actually how are body responds to the presence of the bacteria that takes precedence in how gum disease progresses.
Many studies have shown that the use of systemic (orally ingested) agents to counteract the inflammatory response can effectively manage the host response (how our bodies react to the inflammation). When the inflammation is controlled, the disease no longer occurs.
Curcumin, specifically the bioavailable form called CuraMed BCM-95 can suppress the activity of Toll like receptors. Toll like receptors (TLRs) are a class of proteins that act as mediators of innate immunity and inflammation.
TLRs are present in our blood stream and act as our first line of defense against invaders. However, the destruction seen with gum disease is attributed to the over activation of TLRs by bacterial plaque. Along with the suppression of TLRs, a bioavailable form of curcumin will also protect against free radical damage. Prospective studies which include clinical trials show that controlling inflammation remains a principal strategy in the treatment and managing of gum disease.
Supplement With CuraMed
CuraMed is a dietary supplement from Terry Naturally that contains superior absorption curcumin. It was launched in the U.S. market by EuroPharma Inc. It takes curcumin-a nutrient that is notoriously difficult for your body to absorb-and makes it ready for your body to use.
It comes in a softgel featuring BCM-95 curcumin. This is a clinically studied formula delivering the highest bioavailability (most usable by your body) as well as a high ORAC value on the ORAC scale. ORAC scale stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity which rates the antioxidant power of foods.
Each softgel delivers 750 mg of curcumin. Only BCM-95 Curcumin rates over 1.5 million per 100 grams. In comparison, the antioxidant ORAC rating for blueberries have only a 6,000 rating per 100 grams.
CuraMed provides 500 mg of full spectrum curcuminoids per 750 mg capsule. One CuraMed softgel provides curcumin benefits equivalent to up to 500 capsules of turmeric.
- Studied, safe and effective
- This clinically studied curcumin has been used in 50 groundbreaking published studies
- It is the only patented curcumin with turmeric essential oil containing turmerones
- Superior support for a healthy inflammation response
- Supports liver, brain, heart, and immune health
- Protects cells from oxidative stress and free radicals
- High antioxidant ORAC value ( >1,500,000)
- From non-GMO turmeric grown without chemicals
- Free from harmful solvents
This highly effective, standardized and concentrated curcumin fights the inflammation associated with gum disease. It’s effective for all inflammatory states including: all types of arthritis, Crohn’s disease, colitis, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, tendinitis and bursitis as well as protecting cellular health.
Not surprisingly, BCM-95 Curcumin is a detoxifier, liver protector and immune enhancer. If you suffer from any of these other inflammatory issues, you may be pleasantly surprised at the relief you will find as an added bonus while treating your gum disease with CuraMed. The combination of its anti-inflammatory action and its high antioxidant activity creates the most powerful solution to support body’s entire metabolic functioning.
CuraMed comes in two dosages: a 750 mg softgel (standardized to 500 mg of pure curcuminoids) and a lower dose of 375 mg softgel (standardized to 250 mg of pure curcuminoids). The lower dose is recommended for maintenance dosages for adults or for children. The recommended dosage is one to two softgels per day of either formulation.
There have been no known serious side effects reported at this dosage. There are also no known serious side effects or interactions with prescription medications. With these and all supplements, be sure to check with your health care provider before combining them with prescription medications.
More About CuraMed and BCM-95
BCM-95 is the extraordinary form of highly absorbable curcumin found in CuraMed. It is the product from curcumin that is extracted from the turmeric roots grown and hand-harvested in the chemical and pesticide-free fields of India.
Extracting the curcumin from the rhizomes of turmeric is not an easy process. It takes place in a facility in Kochi, India that is state-of-the-art. Here the extraction, drying and pulverizing is done to produce high-quality curcumin that is standardized to 95% curcuminoids.
After this process, it is then converted into BCM-95 which is a proprietary blend of curcuminoids and the essential oil of turmeric. Here again, it is worth noting that there are no foreign added ingredients such as piperine (black pepper) included in this formulation. Why would you want to use a product that has to formulate a foreign ingredient into the product just to allow the body to absorb it?
CuraMed with BCM-95 uses no dangerous solvents like products sold by other companies. These companies sell products that contain dangerous and potentially neurotoxic solvents. There are many curcumin and turmeric products on the market, but if your body cannot absorb them they are essentially useless.
CuraMed is produced with a patented and unique process that delivers a curcumin that is up to 1,000% more absorbable (bioavailable) in your body than curcumin standardized to 95% This means you would have to take up to 500 capsules of plain turmeric or 10 capsules of plain curcumin just to equal one capsule of CuraMed with BCM-95’s impact on blood serum curcumin levels.
Home Treatment of Gum Disease Just Got Easier!
You now know the different stages of gum disease and the importance of early treatment. You have learned the correlation of first and foremost preventing inflammation. The different ways of preventing and treating inflammation have been discussed.
By using CuraMed with BCM-95 as an at home treatment for gum disease, you will be well on your way to a healthier mouth and an overall healthier you. A product that is bioavailable for your body to absorb and use is key to its effectiveness. Go to Amazon to find the best price available for CuraMed. Feel free to share your personal experiences of CuraMed. Please leave any questions or comments below.
Limitations, Safety and Adverse Effects
The most common adverse effects of curcumin are mild diarrhea or nausea. Curcumin should not be taken by pregnant women. It may increase the risk of bleeding due to its anti platelet properties. It is not recommended for patients on anticoagulant drugs or those who have preexisting bleeding disorders. Curcumin should not be consumed two weeks prior to elective surgery.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
All information contained on this website, including information related to medical matters, health issues, treatments, and products, serves only for informational purposes. It is not intended to replace the advice of your own doctor or specialist. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose health problems or prescribe medications. Before you start taking supplements which are recommended at https://www.oralprobiotichealth.com, you should discuss this with your doctor or specialist. This applies specifically if you are already taking medication or are under medical treatment. Despite the purity of a supplement, there can be occurring side effects. Every person is unique. Like many people, certain foods not well tolerated by intolerance or allergy so can also be a dietary supplement be tolerated poorly by some. Therefore, https://www.oralprobiotichealth.com explicitly states that the use of nutritional supplements is at your own risk. Before using products purchased via this site, you first need to read the information on the packaging. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.
Ken
I am so thankful I found this site! I have been struggling with arthritis/carpal tunnel in my hands and wrists for years. I was once told to take turmeric, and I will be honest, I didn’t stick with it consistently. Not that it would have mattered, but after reading this, I am sure that the cheap Wal-mart version of turmeric was probably utter garbage.
I now also struggle with severe disc issues in my back and neck, on top of my arthritis in my hands. I have recently been talking with a lot of my own patients about curcumin (they often tell me about it, and I work in mental health). I am so glad to have learned about the Terry Natural brand through this article. I will be researching several (including the ones in this article) supplements.
If these help my pain issues even 10% I would be SO thrilled.
It amazes me how much curcumin and turmeric are good for. I never would have guessed it was such a healthy remedy for gum disease and bacterial issues.
Thank you!
Michelle
Ken,
Thank you for your comments and personal experiences with curcumin. I am assuming that you may not have used a quality product in the past. The Terry Natural brand in this article has been clinically proven to work due to its high bioavailability to your body. Through the unique patented BCM-95 technology, you can be assured you are getting a high quality product that your body will be able to absorb and use.
Michelle
Alblue
Thank you for the information about gum diseases. I once had bleeding gums and thought it was a gum disease. By going to dentist to be taken care of, my gums are now healthy 🙂 Also, this is the first time I’ve heard that Curcumin is good for your gums (usually I’ve heard this for improving brain health and condition). I will check on CuraMed, but is it available for international shipping? I don’t live in US. If it’s not available, maybe you have other recommendation? Thank you
Michelle
Albue,
More and more we are learning about curcumin for brain health as well. This relates to its excellent inflammation controlling properties. Gum disease, like so many other diseases is directly related to inflammation in our bodies. Please check into this form of curcumin as it is best absorbed by your body compared to other forms available on the market. You will see other options to buy curcumin with piperine (black pepper) to aid in absorption but they are not as effective as the extract that is taken directly from turmeric roots. This is a patented formulation called BCM-95 that amplifies and potentiates curcumin’s effectiveness. It is available for international shipping.
Michelle