Gum disease is an infection of the tissues and bones that hold your teeth in place. During the early stages of gum disease, you may not have any symptoms. As the problem progresses, you may begin to notice that your gums are red, swollen and tender. You may also experience:
bleeding while you brush and floss
receding gums
separating or loose teeth
pus in the gums or between the teeth
bad breath that will not go away
mouth sores
changes in the way your partials or dentures fit
This disease is typically caused by poor oral care habits. There are, however, other things such as smoking that can contribute to the problem. If gum disease is left unchecked, it can lead to a toothless grin. Here are some ways to treat this condition naturally.
Brush and Floss Properly
If plaque is not removed from your teeth properly, it can build up and harden under the gum line. Over time, this can lead to gingivitis, a mild type of gum disease. If it continues to fester, it will eventually spread to the deeper tissues in the gums. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once per day can help fight gum disease. Your dentist can help you determine what kind of toothpaste is best for your situation.
Boost Your Vitamin C
Studies show a link between vitamin C deficiency and periodontal disease. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is believed to help repair tissues and boost bone regeneration. People who consume less than the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C per day are more likely to get gum disease.
To increase your intake of vitamin C, eat plenty of grapefruits, oranges, brussel sprouts, lemons, limes, cantaloupe, peppers and broccoli. You can also take vitamin C supplements to improve your intake.
Get Enough Vitamin D
Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of gum infections. Some foods that are rich in this nutrient include eggs, fatty fish, mushrooms and fortified dairy and juices. Vitamin D is difficult to get through diet alone. You may need to consider taking vitamin D supplements to help. Talk to your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet.
Drink Cranberry Juice
Drinking four ounces of cranberry juice per day can help keep plaque from sticking to your teeth and keep gum disease from worsening. Opt for sugar-free brands of cranberry juice. If you have kidney stones or are taking blood thinners, talk to your doctor before using cranberry juice to treat or prevent periodontal disease.
Nobody wants to end up snaggletooth because of a severe gum infection. Being meticulous about your oral hygiene, adding vitamins C and D to your diet, and drinking a little cranberry juice every day can go a long way to preserve your smile.
Call or visit Sacramento Emergency Dental Care in Roseville today. Our office is located at 901 Sunrise Ave. Ste A1 and our telephone number is 916-520-1719. You may also visit our website at www.ASAPdentist.com