| Are your gums swollen, inflamed or bleed when you | | | | eucalyptus, tea tree, manuka, peppermint, oregano, |
| brush your teeth? Are your gums sensitive or do you | | | | spearmint, rosemary, cinnamon, myrrh, orange, |
| have frequent infections? These are signs of gum | | | | thyme and fennel. |
| disease. These symptoms are caused by bacteria | | | | Some common blends are:o wintergreen/pepperminto |
| that get down in the pockets between your gums | | | | manuka/tea tree/eucalyptuso peppermint/orange/ |
| and teeth. A diet of processed foods, sodas and | | | | eucalyptus |
| smoking play a big part in starting gum disease. | | | | Experiment with singles or blend a few to find what |
| Be sure to find a dentist that will work with you on | | | | works for you. Here are some ways to use these |
| nutrition and supplements in addition to suggested | | | | oils:o Make your own toothpaste. In a small container |
| treatments to help you reverse this painful disease. | | | | mix 2-4 drops of essential oil with 4 teaspoons |
| There is research now that suggests that gum | | | | baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt. Brush with this |
| disease also affects the heart and other organs in | | | | mixture.o For a mouth rinse after brushing mix 1 cup |
| the body so you will want to catch any symptoms | | | | warm water with 6 drops of oil.o For a mouthwash |
| early and take care of that. Gum disease can lead to | | | | mix 1 cup water, 5 drops oil and 2 teaspoons vodka |
| the loss of several or all of the teeth and it can also | | | | or brandy. Shake before each use. |
| cause bone loss. | | | | These oils are not a replacement for your dentist, |
| Herbal essential oils can be used to help fight gum | | | | but rather an addition to your regimen to fight the |
| disease. They are antibacterial killing the bacteria | | | | bacteria. Remember, essential oils are powerful so do |
| around your gums while you work on the deeper | | | | not misuse them. Do not swallow and keep them out |
| level nutritionally. Here are several essential oils that | | | | of the reach of children. |
| you can use singly or to make your own blend: clove, | | | | |