Dealing with Gum Disease
Gum disease is a condition in the gums, supporting tissue for the teeth and the bone surrounding the teeth. With gum disease, the areas become inflamed and infected. This is caused by build up of plaque, a sticky white substance made up of food particles, bacteria, bacteria waste and mucus. If this plaque isn’t removed properly, it turns into tartar around the gum line. As tartar builds and hardens it becomes more difficult to remove – and can’t be removed with even aggressive brushing.
If left untreated, tartar will cause inflammation in the gums and the bacteria within tartar can create pockets of infection around the teeth and gum line. Bleeding in the gums from brushing and flossing is a sign that it has moved into the deeper tissue.
Natural Remedies to Help Prevent Gum Disease
Treating gum disease doesn’t always require a trip to the dentist for a deep cleaning, though it’s recommended. There are preventative measures you can take in your daily routine.
1. Fighting Gum Disease with Vitamin C
There’s always been a strong link between Vitamin C and gum disease. In the 18th century, sailors would consumer fruits such as limes while at sea to prevent their gums from bleeding. Studies by the Journal of Periodontology have shown that people with a reduced intake of vitamin C had a higher likelihood of developing gum disease
.
To boost your vitamin C intakes, each foods rich in the vitamin; quite simple. This includes grapefruit, oranges, kiwi, mango, strawberry, red pepper, broccoli or cantaloupe. It’s also beneficial to take vitamin C in supplement, either as a single pill or as part of a multivitamin
2. Vitamin D for Gum Disease
Vitamin D has been known to have an anti-inflammatory effect. A study by the Boston University evaluated the association between vitamin D status and gingivitis. They analyzed data from 77,503 teeth in 6700 people in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that people with higher blood levels of vitamin D were less likely to experience bleeding gums during gingival probing.
Getting the right amount of sun is one of the best ways of getting vitamin D because the UV rays trigger the synthesis of vitamin D in skin. Supplements are also available. If you take a supplement, aim for at least 200 IU in a pill or multivitamin.
3. Reducing Stress to Prevent Gum Disease
Stress can have a serious effect on our bodies. It can mess with digestion, slow metabolism, increase heart rate, reduce hunger, create anxiety and mental instability – and it can make plaque accumulate on your teeth. A University of Dusseldorf study examined how exam stress would impact the development of plaque and bleeding in the gums. The students involved has a professional cleaning done by a dentist 4 weeks before an exam, and then 4 weeks after the exam. The study showed that students had significantly higher rates of plaque and gingivitis compared to a control group of students who took no exams.
4. Coenzyme Q10
CQ10 is an antioxidant that is made naturally in the body. Research has shown that gum disease can lead to lower levels of this antioxidant. Some researchers have created a link between CQ10 and gum disease, stating that this antioxidant is critical to the repair of healthy gum tissue. You can find CQ10 in toothpaste, supplements and it’s found in a wide variety of foods.
5. Cranberries Make Teeth Slick
Cranberry helps prevent gum disease by improving the coating of the teeth and gums, essentially making it difficult for bacteria to stick to the teeth. This can diminish plaque build-up. Make sure if you want to take cranberry juice, that it’s natural with no added sugars or processing. Consult with your physician before taking cranberry juice as it can conflict with blood thinners and may trigger a reaction in those with kidney stones.
Lastly, remember that while good oral hygiene won’t prevent gum disease by itself, brushing regularly with a brushless toothbrush for receding gums, flossing and regular dental cleaning at your dentist can help reduce the risk of developing gingivitis and gum disease.
The baby boomer generation has done amazing things with oral health in their lives. Many have avoided gum disease with better oral care – better than any previous generation. Between fluoridation in the water in larger communities, fluoride toothpastes and improved dental insurance with employer-sponsored plans, this generation marks the first line of people who have been able to maintain their teeth properly over the course of their lifetime.
look closely at the oral care section and you’ll see. There’s an entire wall of 
