Dealing with a dog’s gum disease is no easy task as it won’t show any symptoms when it starts.
Gradually your dog may suffer from chronic pain, missing teeth, eroded gums, infections, and bone loss. [1]
You don’t want to see your pet ending up in that way.
Fortunately, you don’t have to.
Some home remedies can help treat gum disease and tooth infections in dogs.
In this article, we will briefly discuss the causes and symptoms of periodontal disease. Also, some potential home remedies for dog gum disease are natural cures.
Causes & Symptoms of Dog Gum Disease
There’s only one thing responsible for gum disease both in men and dogs, the mighty bacteria.
When the dog eats food, bacteria mix with the food, saliva, and other particles. These form plaque over the teeth. [2]
After sensing a foreign invader, the dog’s body commands the white blood cells to attack.
On the other hand, the bacteria try to make the white blood cells release enzymes. These enzymes may damage the gum tissue.
The conflict leads to damaged tissue, inflamed gum, bone loss, and your dog ends up losing its teeth. [3]
The worst part of a dog gum disease is you won’t see any symptoms at first. When you do, the condition might be already in an advanced stage.
Potential Home Remedies for Dog Gum Disease
These home remedies are entirely natural. These may be useful in providing relief to your dog.
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is the safest and most effective home remedy for treating gum disease in dogs.
A 2016 research confirms the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate in reducing plaque significantly. [4]
Regular use of baking soda can remove plaque and tartar and soothe tooth infections.
It also works as an alkaline that helps eliminate the acidic environment from your dog’s mouth.
Direction to Use baking soda for gum disease:
- Take a soft-bristled, wet toothbrush and dip it in baking soda.
- Brush your dog’s teeth gently and without putting any pressure.
- Try to brush your dog’s teeth every day with baking soda for the best result. But if you can’t, do it at least 3-4 times a week.
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2. Calendula
Calendula flowers can gently heal any wound and infections.
The flower has antiviral, antibacterial, antigenotoxic, and anti-inflammatory agents. Thus calendula can fight bacterial attacks in your dog’s gum. It can reduce pain and inflammation due to tooth infections. [5]
It’s not only an excellent home remedy for your dog’s gum disease, but also is entirely safe to swallow.
Here’s how you may use calendula to get rid of gum disease in dogs:
- Put one tablespoon of dried calendula flowers in a cup and pour boiling water into it.
- Cover the cup with something and let the flowers steep for a few minutes.
- See if the mixture cools down and dip a cotton swab in it.
- Apply the cotton swab to your dog’s swollen gum. Repeat the process 2-3 times every day until you see any improvement.
3. Ceylon Cinnamon
There is immense medicinal value in Ceylon cinnamon. It is one of the vital ingredients of commercial toothpaste and mouthwashes.
It comes with a ton of exceptional properties that help with tooth infections both in men and the dog.
Its mild anesthetic feature helps dissolve food particles that are stuck between the teeth.
Ceylon cinnamon has antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus it can soothe the pain and inflammation in the gum of dogs. [6]
Ceylon cinnamon home remedy for gum disease in dogs :
- You can mix the cinnamon powder in your dog’s regular food. The dosage will be 1/8 tsp for small dogs, ¼ tsp for medium dogs, and ½ tsp for large dogs per day.
- You can also use Ceylon cinnamon essential oils instead of powder. The suggested dosages are two drops, four drops, and six drops according to your dog’s size.
- You can also mix Ceylon cinnamon powder with baking powder and brush your dog’s teeth with it.
Read More: How to Use Honey and Cinnamon for Cold
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the best and safest home remedies for tooth decay, plaque-induced gingivitis, and infections.
Coconut oil is full of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds. These properties can kill the bacteria, reduce pain and harden the tooth enamel of your dog. [7]
How to use coconut oil for dogs gum disease:
- Dip a toothbrush in coconut oil and brush your dog’s teeth at least 3 to 4 times per week.
- You can also mix coconut oil baking soda or Ceylon cinnamon powder to boost the healing process.
Read More: Coconut Oil for Diaper Rash: 5 Easy Home Remedies
5. Echinacea
Do you only remember this great herb when you suffer from the cold?
Its medicinal properties are an excellent remedy for cold and tooth infections as well.
Its periodontal assisting properties such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic components eliminate harmful bacteria from your dog’s mouth. It gives relief from pain and discomfort. [8]
Method of using echinacea for dog gum disease:
- Prepare a cup of strong Echinacea tea.
- Cover the cup for a few minutes until it cools down.
- Dip a cotton swab in the tea and rub it on your dog’s gum.
- Continue the rubbing 2-3 times per day until it heals the infection.
6. Feverfew
Feverfew is not only an excellent remedy for a migraine but also for any tooth infections in both humans and dogs.
The leaves contain an active component named parthenolide that helps fight infections. [9]
The component prevents the release of inflammatory enzymes that trigger the pain and swelling in your dog’s mouth.
How to use feverfew for dog gum disease:
- Put one tsp of dry feverfew leaves in a cup and fill it with warm water.
- Cover and let the tea steep for a few minutes.
- When the tea becomes cool, dip a cotton swab in it and apply the swab to your dog’s swollen gums.
- Apply the tea 2-3 times every day until the pain goes away.
7. Fragaria Vesca
Fragaria vesca is a good option when it comes to softening and removing plaque and tartar from your dog’s gum. [10]
The reason behind most dog tooth infections is a buildup of tartar and plaque. The herb can effectively remove them and can keep the gum clean.
Follow these directions for using Fragaria vesca for gum disease in dogs:
- Take three Fragaria vesca pellets and soak them in ¼ cup of warm water.
- Wait for five minutes and remove the pellets from the water.
- Dip a cotton swab in the tea and clean your dog’s gum with it.
- You must follow this process 3-4 times per week.
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8. Goldenseal
Goldenseal is another excellent remedy to soothe your dog’s tooth infection.
The medicinal properties of goldenseal are good for oral health. It is an excellent mouthwash for sore gums and mouth. [11]
Its antiseptic properties can effectively reduce infections in your dog’s mouth.
If your dog is pregnant or nursing a puppy, take caution while using the herb on them.
Here’s how you may use goldenseal to get rid of gum disease in dogs:
- Take a cup or bowl and put ½ tap of goldenseal root powder and one cup of boiling water in it.
- Mix them, cover them and wait for one hour.
- Strain the liquid and squirt the fluid between your dog’s teeth using a syringe.
- Fill up the syringe with water and wash your dog’s mouth in the same manner.
9. Grapefruit Seed Extract
The grapefruit seed extract is one of the top remedies when it comes to healing any infection. It can cure your dog’s tooth infection as well.
The antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory components of the grapefruit seed extract can fight germs of your dog’s gum. [12]
Home remedy for dog gum disease using grapefruit seed extracts:
- Take one tsp of coconut oil and mix two drops of grapefruit seed extract in it.
- Immerse a cotton swab in the solution and rub it on your dog’s swollen gums.
- Follow this process 2-3 times daily until you see improvements.
Read More: 16 Home Remedies for Ear Mites in Dogs That Work
10. Kefir
Instead of being great just for your stomach, kefir is also beneficial for teeth.
This tangy yogurt milk is rich in phosphorus and vitamin B complex. These components strengthen your dog’s gum and teeth and speed up the healing process of any wound. [13]
It also contains good bacteria that improve your dog’s digestion.
How to use kefir for dog gum disease:
- Take a glass of kefir and add one tsp of honey and a little cinnamon in it.
- Feed this milk to your dog at least three times weekly.
11. Manuka Honey
Manuka honey comes from New Zealand’s bees. It is quite famous for healing wound infections and some other issues.
Manuka honey has excellent anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. In a pilot study, it proved itself to be effective in treating dog tooth infection. [14]
Learn how to use honey to relieve dog gum disease:
- Mix equal parts of baking soda and manuka honey and brush your dog’s teeth with the mixture.
- You can also mix manuka honey, cinnamon, and a glass of kefir and feed it to your dog.
Read More: 10+ Health Benefits of Honey (Backed by Science)
12. Myrrh Oil
While myrrh oil is quite famous for dental care among humans, it’s also safe for dogs.
This ancient herb is an excellent treatment for swollen gums, loose teeth, and other oral infections. [15]
How you may use myrrh oil for dog gum disease:
- Dip a cotton swab in myrrh oil and rub it on your dog’s gum several times a week.
- It will reduce inflammation and prevent the growth of bacteria.
13. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is an excellent essential oil to treat a dog’s tooth infection.
The antibacterial agents of oregano oil enhance the healing process in bacterial infections. [16]
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it can provide comfort to your dog.
The simple home remedy for dog gum disease using oregano oil:
- Take two tsp of coconut oil and mix 2-3 drops of oregano oil in it.
- Rub this blend on your dog’s gum using a cotton swab 2-3 times every day until your dog heals appropriately.
14. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective nutrients for treating dog gum disease.
The deficiency of vitamin C in the body may cause gingivitis and bacterial infections. [17]
It can support your dog’s defense system while fighting infections.
How to use vitamin C to relieve gum disease in dogs:
- Take one or two vitamin C tablets and grind them into a fine powder.
- Take a cup of lukewarm water and mix ½ tsp of vitamin C powder in it.
- Gently brush your dog’s teeth with the solution.
- Brush your dog’s teeth gently at least 3 to 4 times weekly.
15. Oregon Grape Root
Oregon grape root contains anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and astringent agents. These can heal the infection and soothe the pain. [18]
Do not use this remedy on your pregnant or nursing dog.
Method of using Oregon grape root to treat gum disease at home:
- Mix one part of fine chopped Oregon grape root with two parts of vodka or brandy.
- Place the mixture in a glass mason jar and cover it with an airtight lid.
- Let it sit for two weeks and strain with a muslin cloth.
- Rub a few drops of this tincture on your dog’s gum using a cotton swab.
- Repeat this process every day until the condition improves.
When to See a Vet
Gum disease could have a drastic effect on your dog if not treated properly. Your dog might end up with severe infections, and losing teeth. You should take your pet to a vet when you see severe symptoms.
You will see the following signs if your dog suffers from severe gum disease:
- Can’t pick up food quickly.
- Tooth loss
- Bleeding from the gum.
- Bloody saliva.
- Bad breath.
- Doesn’t want you to touch its head.
Bottom Line
You cannot reverse your dog’s gum disease or periodontitis. But you can certainly prevent it from happening.
Take your dog for a regular oral checkup to make sure it doesn’t have any dental problems. Brush its teeth every day if possible.
Make sure you’re buying quality dog food as poor quality food can lead to dental plaque.
If you have a dog suffering from gum disease, do try these remedies and let us know the result.
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