At my recent dental checkup, I was told I have early signs of gum disease. What can I do to keep this problem under control?

Keville responds: Besides all of the dental hygiene recommendations that you have undoubtedly been told, several herbal remedies can help you heal your gums. The goal is to reach and break up colonies of bacteria that live between the teeth and gums. These bacteria promote recessed gums, and as the gums pull farther away from the teeth, they form “pockets” in which the bacteria hide and multiply. These areas become increasingly difficult to reach, so essential oils are particularly helpful because they are composed of small molecules that absorb into gum tissue and down into the pockets.

Tea tree essential oil is a particularly strong germ fighter that has an acceptable taste. Tea tree’s claim to fame is based on numerous studies backing its use to deter mouth disease. The best time to use tea tree is after brushing and flossing your teeth, after dinner when you won’t be eating again until morning. One technique is to use a plastic irrigator supplied by dentists. It is designed to dispense hydrogen peroxide, which is an effective treatment in itself, but you can get two bottles and fill the second one with diluted tea tree oil. A thin, metal tube distributes minute amounts of the liquid in between the gum and teeth. Either use an extract of an herbal formula that contains tea tree or dilute your own by mixing 5 drops of tea tree oil in 15 drops distilled water. You have to shake this very well before using. (Don’t store the solution in the plastic bottle for more that a few weeks-even a small amount of essential oil will eat away at the plastic.) You can use tea tree daily, but use hydrogen peroxide only about twice a week since it destroys good bacteria in the mouth along with the bad. This makes the mouth especially prone to developing yeast infections.

Using an herbal antiseptic mouthwash is another good idea. These are available at health-food stores; look for a product that contains essential oils of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globules), peppermint (Mentha x piperita), thyme (Thymus spp.) and birch (Betula spp.). You also can use herbal toothpaste. If you like the taste of peppermint or tea tree, these are good choices, because both are very antiseptic.

Avoid stress because it impairs the immune system and encourages disease. You also should take a look at your diet. Avoid sweets and when you eat, rinse your mouth soon afterward and brush your teeth when you can. Eat plenty of foods that contain vitamins A and C. These “anti-infection” vitamins also help strengthen the immune system to help fight off the infection from within the body. Plus, vitamin C strengthens connective tissue, including gum tissue.