Gum Disease / Gingivitis

Gingivitis, or Gum Disease, is an inflammatory condition of the gums caused by bacteria in the mouth. It is initiated by the dental plaque that coats the teeth and gums.
Some of the main causes of this condition may be :

• smoking
• mouth breathing
• faulty dental work
• hormonal changes during pregnancy
• eating too many soft foods
• certain medications/drugs
• nutrient deficiencies

Natural Treatment Options for Gum Disease

Here are some natural treatment options that will help to alleviate symptoms :

Diet for Gum Disease 

• Avoid sugar – bacteria in the mouth thrive on sugar to produce plaque, which then promotes gum disease
• Eat Vitamin C rich food daily – such as grapefruit, oranges, kiwi, berries etc, or take a good food based supplement. This study indicates the importance of this vitamin
• Drink 2-3 cups of Green Tea daily – the polyphenols found in green tea are effective against the periodontal bacteria in gum disease, as this study shows, as well as helping general health
• Chew on fresh crunchy foods to massage the gums and increase blood flow and saliva to that area – some ideal raw foods would be apples, carrots and celery
• Eat beta-carotene (Vitamin A) rich foods – such as carrots, sweet potato, apricots, red/yellow peppers, dark leafy greens (spinach, kale) etc, as these will help to reduce inflammation

Herbs and Supplements

• Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) which is an antioxidant that is required for optimal cell function and oxygenation, is a good treatment for gingivitis
• Omega 3’s are also helpful for their anti-inflammatory properties, take a good quality fish oil, krill oil or algae oil (vegan)
• Resveratrol and Grapeseed Extract are two supplements that are high in antioxidants that may help to keep gums healthy
• Herbs such as Ginko Biloba, Bilberry and Prickly Ash will help to promote blood flow to the area
• Herbal toothpastes that include Echinacea, Sage,Thyme and Myrrh can be used to strengthen and heal gums
• Anti-bacterial herbs and supplements should also be taken (as gum disease is a bacterial issue), these can include Garlic, Andrographis, Olive Leaf, Cat’s Claw, Echinacea, Zinc and Vitamin C – they will also help to boost immunity

Other

• Good dental hygiene is necessary to prevent and treat gum disease. This includes regular visits to the dentist, brushing and flossing regularly (the use of a water flosser may also be beneficial)
• Gum massage may help to heal the gums by improving circulation in that area. Massage with a soft brush or your finger, doing small circular movements (covering both gums and teeth), a few times a day
• Address night time mouth breathing using the Butyeko breathing method, or the use of a mouth tape