Natural Remedies For Gum Disease
Natural remedies including antioxidants and probiotics can be used to treat gum disease and provide better oral health. Brisbane holistic dentist Dr Rachel Hall shares what causes gum disease and how to treat it with natural remedies and better dental care.
Gingivitis is a common and mild/early stage gum disease. It typically occurs due to the buildup of plaque on teeth. Gingivitis can be so mild that it may not cause symptoms. But if left untreated, it may eventually progress into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. Gingivitis may also lead to tooth loss.
Causes and symptoms of gum disease
The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. Neglecting to brush the teeth, floss or visit a dentist can result in the hardening of plaque – a sticky film made of bacteria – into a more resilient substance called tartar. And the longer tartar stays in the mouth, the longer bacteria can produce toxins that may irritate the gums.
Sometimes the reasons you get gum disease occur due to things happening outside of your mouth:
- Hormonal changes – Hormonal changes that occur during puberty, menstruation, menopause and pregnancy may cause the gums to become more sensitive, raising the risk of inflammation.
- Diseases – Certain diseases, including diabetes and cancer, can raise the risk of developing gingivitis.
- Drugs – Taking certain medications, including anticonvulsants and anti-angina drugs, may cause the abnormal growth of gum tissue, which may subsequently lead to bleeding and inflammation.
- Smoking – Smoking weakens the immune system, which makes it harder to fight off gum infection. Regular smokers tend to develop gingivitis more often than non-smokers.
Healthy gums are firm, pale pink and fitted tightly around the teeth. Symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Bright red or purple gums
- Tender, painful gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Soft gums
- Swollen gums
- Receding gums
Antioxidants and Probiotics for Gum Disease
Gingivitis can be easily treated using natural remedies. If an individual with gingivitis begins treatment at an early stage, the condition will likely be resolved for good.
Below are five natural remedies for gingivitis:
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C strengthens the gums and soft tissue in the mouth. It also strengthens the immune system so that it can better protect against oral problems like gingivitis. In addition, vitamin C prevents teeth from loosening.
Vitamin C is mainly found in citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits and lemons. It is also present in many leafy green and stalky vegetables like spinach and broccoli.
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a safe and effective anti-inflammatory agent. Therefore, sufficient intake of dietary vitamin D can help treat inflammation linked to gingivitis. Vitamin D also helps strengthen teeth.
The body naturally produces vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight. But vitamin D can also be found in fatty fish, shellfish, eggs and mushrooms.
3. Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that the body produces naturally. Cells use this substance for growth, maintenance and energy. Research shows that people with diseased gums tend to be deficient in CoQ10, suggesting that the antioxidant plays an important role in oral health and gingivitis prevention.
The primary dietary sources of CoQ10 include fatty fish, whole grains and organ meats like liver. Eating a well-balanced diet is enough to avoid CoQ10 deficiency and gingivitis. But some individuals may need supplementation if they have certain health conditions or follow a particular diet.
4. Pomegranate
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. As such, it can help stop plaque from building up and causing inflammation of the gums. Pomegranate also helps strengthen gums.
5. Probiotics
Probiotics – live microbes found in fermented foods – are best known for their role in promoting gut health. Recent studies show that probiotics support oral health as well. For instance, a study published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that probiotics fight cavity-causing bacteria like Streptococcus mutans.
Gingivitis can be mild and manifest no symptoms. But it should be treated as soon as possible to prevent it from progressing into more serious oral problems like periodontitis.
The best way to treat any gum disease is to see your dentist for a professional dental hygiene appointment to assess the severity of your gum disease and the best treatment for it. To help support your dental treatment use these natural remedies to treat gingivitis and prevent it from recurring.
Gum Disease Treatment Dentist Kenmore
At Evolve Dental Healing Kenmore Dentist we understand the link between your health and gum disease and hence we take your oral hygiene very seriously, providing tailormade solutions that best treat your specific conditions.
If it has been more than 6 months since your last dental visit or you have any of the following issues red gums, swollen gums, bad breath, pain, loose teeth, teeth that have moved, or receding gums then give us a call to schedule your gum health check today 07 3720 1811
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Dr. Rachel Hall
Rachel is the founder and principal dentist at Evolve Dental Healing with over 30 years experience, practising holistically since 2001. Not your typical dentist, Rachel is a passionate opinion leader, challenging convention to empower people to make better dental and health choices, helping thousands to have healthy natural smiles. A respected writer and presenter on holistic dentistry, health and wellness it is Rachel’s mission to revolutionise the way people look at their dental health.
