Gum disease or also branded as periodontal disease is a medical condition where the gums, deep supporting tissues and possibly the bone around the teeth is inflamed and infected. Gum diseases usually begin with teeth plaques, a substance that is white and sticky and usually covers the teeth. These plaques are formed from the mixing of bacteria found in the mouth, saliva and residues from sugar and starchy foods.
When plaques are not removed properly from teeth through flossing and brushing, they mount up and solidify under the gum line and result to tartar. When tartar accumulates, it is harder to remove compared to plaques and normally requires the help of a dentist to get rid of it. In time, it may result to gingivitis or inflamed gums. Gingivitis is a mild type of gum disease. The most usual symptom is darker red gum that easily bleeds with flossing or brushing. Gingivitis can be treated with professional cleaning.
If bleeding is accompanied by pain, it’s a sign that the inflammation and infection has reached the deep tissues and bones, known as periodontitis. For ages 30 and up, periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Loose teeth
Tooth loss
Gingivitis or swollen gums
Bleeding gums
Receding gums
Increased size of gum pockets
Death of gum tissue
Cure for Gum Disease
Below are 9 natural remedies to help with gum disease.
1. Vitamin C
The relation between gum disease and vitamin C deficiency is renowned. During the 18th century, to prevent their gums from bleeding, sailors ate lime throughout long trips. According to a study found in the Journal of Periodontology, people who don’t take enough vitamin C have an increased rate of acquiring periodontal disease. The researchers based their study on 12, 419 adults from the United States. For those who take less than the (RDA) recommended dietary allowance of 60mg/day has 1.5% risk of getting severe gingivitis as compared to those who took more than 180mg. Vitamin C is linked to helping gum disease as it is a vital antioxidant and is required in the repair of connective tissues and speeds up the regeneration of bones.
To enhance your vitamin C intake, consume vitamin C rich foods like, oranges, grapefruit, papaya, kiwi fruit, red pepper, mango, Brussels sprouts, strawberry, cantaloupe and broccoli. Actually, there are also supplement forms of vitamin C that you can take, but avoid from taking chewable vitamin C, for the acidity can aid in the erosion of tooth enamel.
