posted August 31, 2006 05:24 PM         

I also use tea tree once or twice a week....

Does anyone know of any other tips to keep the gums healthy...

posted August 31, 2006 06:27 PM         

i've just recently researched some natural mouth and toothcare remedies...

here are a few that i found for gum care ~

hydrogen peroxide is an excellent aid for gingivitis ~

mix the following into a paste in a glass container:

2 tablespoons baking soda
1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide
1/2 teaspoon mint extract (optional)

dip a damp toothbrush in the mixture and brush.

hydrogen peroxide has a short shelf life in a mixture, so use promptly.

this will make your teeth white too.

don't worry about the harsh nature of the hydrogen peroxide...the buffering effect of baking soda counters this.

also in caring for gums ~

dab or gently apply a paste of baking soda to sore gums. brush regularly with homemade paste of baking soda when caring for the early stages of gum disease.

baking soda toothpaste ~

3 tablespoons baking soda
1 tablespoon salt
1-1/2 tablespoons glycerin
10-12 drops flavoring (peppermint, cinnamon, etc)
1-2 drops water

from the book
Baking Soda - Over 500 Fabulous, Fun & Frugal Uses You've Probably Never Thought Of
by Vicki Lansky

Essential oil of Myrrh is very good for gum care ~

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 drops myrrh essential oil

mix together, dip a damp toothbrush in mixture and brush.

Healing Mouthwash ~

1/2 cup distilled water
1 tablespoon pure grain alcohol or good quality vodka
1 drop peppermint essential oil
1 drop myrhh essential oil

add the essential oils to the alcohol and mix well. add the distilled water. this will turn into a cloudy looking fluid. use a tablespoon at a time as a mouthwash. store in a bottle with a tight lid. this solution will keep for 5-6 weeks.

from
Natural Beauty Basics - Create Your Own Cosmetics and Body Care Products
by Dorie Byers

for very serious gum care, the ultimate remedy is cayenne pepper. i have an excellent book, given to me by a fellow angelic knowflake, about the healing miracle of cayenne pepper. this remedy is said to restore teeth and gums to health even in the most advanced stages of gum disease. it involves the use of a water pik. if you're interested, i will find the book and give the details here. i will begin using this method soon.

posted August 31, 2006 06:48 PM         

If you can get some cold-pressed coconut oil from your health food store mix with grainy sea salt and rub into gums (wont taste good tho).

Coconut oil is a very powerful anti-bacterial.