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Gingivitis |
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| The symptoms of Gingivitis
include bad breath, inflammation and swelling of the gums, bleeding
and receding gums, and often pain. Gingivitis should not be left
untreated as it can be the early stage of more serious periodontal
diseases |
| Gingivitis develops when plaque
builds up around the gum line. Plaque forms when food particles and
bacteria combine to harden and stick to the teeth. This causes the gums
to become irritated and swell leaving more pockets to accumulate plaque.
The gums then start to bleed and begin to recede leaving the roots of
the teeth, and eventually the jawbone open to attack by plaque. If the
disease is not stopped then loss of teeth and abscesses are likely to
occur. |
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| Causes
of Gingivitis And What You Can Do to Help |
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Poor brushing
and flossing allows plaque to build up around the
teeth irritating the gums. As this is the leading cause it
should be the first to be corrected. Work with your dentist to
develop a regular dental hygiene program. |
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Too many soft
foods in the diet do not give teeth and gums adequate
exercise to stay healthy. Start eating a healthy, varied diet
including lots of raw foods and foods that require plenty of
chewing, avoid sticky, sweet foods. Chewing, as well as
exercising your teeth and gums, also produces saliva that
helps to protect the mouth from bacteria. |
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Inadequate
intake of certain vitamins and minerals can make gum
disease more likely. These include Vitamin C, Beta Carotene,
Folic Acid, Calcium and Bioflavonoids. |
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Too much sugar
in the diet is thought to be harmful to the gums.
Experts believe that sugar feeds the bacteria that causes
Gingivitis. |
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Cut out soft
drinks. Soft drinks are a double problem as
they contain excess phosphorous as well as sugar. Some
scientists think that excess phosphorous robs the bones of
Calcium potentially leading to osteoporosis. It is thought
that the first bone to loose calcium is the jawbone and this
can lead to the loss of teeth. |
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Badly fitting
fillings can irritate the surrounding gum. Experts
also believe that silver/mercury fillings can leech out
causing toxicity that can lead to Gingivitis. Have your
dentist check your fillings. |
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Smoking and
excessive alcohol have been found to increase the
chance of developing Gingivitis. |
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Chronic
illness |
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| Nutritional
Supplements Worth Considering |
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Vitamin
C - 2000mg - Important for the promotion of
healing. In studies Vitamin C reduced gum bleeding and
improved gum health. You can also make a mouthwash from the
crystalline form of Vitamin C. Twice daily swish in mouth for
1 minute before swallowing |
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Calcium
- 1,500 mg - Helps prevent bone loss around gums |
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Vitamin
A, taken as Beta Carotene -25,000 - 50,000 IU
(15 - 30 mg) Aids in the healing of gum tissue |
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Folic
Acid - Helps to reduce inflammation and infection.You
can take this both as a supplement & also as a mouthwash. |
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Zinc
- Helps prevent infection and aids
healing. Using the chewable tablets allows the zinc to come in
direct contact with the gums. In a study this was found to
reduce the growth of plaque. |
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Vitamin
E - 400 IU - Aids in the healing of gum tissue. It
may also be helpful to open a Vitamin E Capsule & apply
the oil directly onto sore gums |
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Coenzyme
Q10 -25 mg taken twice daily - Has been shown to aid
in the treatment of gum disease |
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