Gingivitis
Gum disease, known as Gingivitis, is where there is an inflammation of the gums (gingivae). Periodontal disease or Periodontitis is a deeper and more serious inflammation of both the gingivae and tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. Gingivitis is usually painless, although the gums may be red, swollen, and bleed easily with brushing (source www.dentalhealthinstitute.com). You may notice a foul taste in the mouth or bad breath. In advanced stages the gums recede, exposing the nerve roots and the teeth may become loose. Which may be an indication of Periodontitis.
Symptoms
- Red and swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Gum abscesses
Causes of Gingivitis
Gum disease is
Caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that contains bacteria. Some bacteria in plaque is harmless, but some are very harmful to the health of your gums. If you do not remove the plaque from your teeth by brushing them, it will build up and irritate your gums, leading to inflammation and soreness (source http://www.healthcaremagic.com/questions/What-treatment-to-take-for-bleeding-gums-in-4-year-old-kid/148741).
Very common, and is reported that 50% of adults have had gum disease of some kind at that most people will experience it at least once in their lifetime, although it is far less common in children. In severe cases, a condition called periodontitis can develop, which affects the tissues that support teeth and hold them in place(source www.chemistdirect.co.uk/gingivitis). This affects around 6 cases of periodontitis for every 100,000 people every year.
Supplements that may help
- CoQ10 is found in all body cells and essential to life. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals and helps preserve vitamin E, the major antioxidant of cell membranes and blood cholesterol. CoQ10 may help to maintain healthy cell membranes; research suggests that a deficiency may be a factor in the development of gum disease. Supplementing the diet may help to reduce inflammation and strengthen the gums.
- Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids are important in the formation and maintenance of collagen, the basis of connective tissue that is found throughout the body including in the capillaries and gums themselves. Bleeding gums and or gum inflammation may be a sign of a low Vitamin C levels. Bioflavonoids are needed to maintain strong blood vessel walls. They help to reduce vascular fragility and subsequent bleeding, weakening or bruising of body tissues. Supplement to prevent deficiency helps to keep the gums healthy and may prevent bleeding or inflamed gums.
- Calcium and Zinc are also important for gum and tooth health. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, made up of 99% minerals, primarily calcium. Pregnant women may need extra calcium because the growing fetus takes calcium from the mother’s body, in some instances if too much calcium is lost without being replaced the mother’s teeth start to become soft and this is when problems can occur. Therefore, a regular intake is important for women & also children for strong teeth.
- Tea tree oil in mouthwash may help prevent a build up of bacteria. Also, toothpaste that contains both soothing Aloe Vera and CoQ10 can help maintain good gum health.
- Green Tea has antibacterial properties that fight against bacteria which causes dental plaque.
- Sage Leaf can be used as a mouthwash for sore gums
Recommended lifestyle changes
- Recommendations for good oral care, in this case, are the same as for gum health. Also chewing gum may be helpful to not only sweeten the breath but to help produce saliva which helps to prevent a build-up of bacteria.
- Drinking plenty of water may help and if possible avoid alcohol which causes the mouth to dry up.
- Good oral hygiene including brushing of teeth, changing your toothbrushes regularly and using a mouthwash to reduce the build-up of bacteria is recommended.
