Gingivitis or gum disease is a type of infection of the tissues of the mouth that support the teeth. This condition differs from having a cavity though both conditions including cavities can be reversed with natural treatments.
The most common gum and mouth problems are periodontal diseases that are bacterial infections that lead to inflammation and eventually destroy the gums and other supporting tissues surrounding the teeth.
The bacteria is in a sticky film called plaque that forms around the teeth and gums and if it is not removed will harden and becomes known as tartar. Both plaque and tartar and the bacteria involved irritate and inflame the gums. The progression of periodontal disease is:
- Gingivitis – gums are red, swollen, and bleed easily.
- Periodontal pockets – plaque begins to form below the gum line and pockets form.
- Periodontitis – The chronic presence of plaque, tartar, and attending bacterial infection destroys the gum and bone structure that supports the teeth and may result in them becoming loose and needing removal.
Gum Disease Causes
Gum disease causes include:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Smoking
- Immune-related illnesses (cancer, HIV, diabetes)
- Emotional stress
- Poor nutrition
- Excess consumption of sugar leading to candidiasis
The good news is all of these conditions can be addressed and improved with diet and lifestyle changes.
Foods that Help Treat Gum Disease
If you want to reverse gum disease, you must start with a healthy diet high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats which includes:
Wild-caught fish – Salmon, mackerel, and sardines contain omega-3s that can help reduce inflammation.
Fresh vegetable juice – Helps reduce inflammation and provides essential nutrients.
Chewing gum with xylitol – Xylitol prevents the build-up of bacteria.
Raw Vegetables and Apples – Can help naturally clean teeth.
Fat-soluble vitamins – Consuming foods high in fat-soluble vitamins including raw milk, coconut, beef liver, bone broth, and grass-fed animal meat can fight gingivitis.
Foods that Cause Gum Disease
These are the top foods that will lead to tooth decay and cause gum disease:
Sugar – Feeds bacteria, avoiding this in your diet will be important for gum health.
Fruit juice – Juice can coat the teeth with sugar and feed bacteria.
Processed foods – These foods can contain a lot of additives and sugar that can promote the growth of bacteria.
Grains – These are unsprouted and unfermented contain phytic acid that can increase gingivitis and can break down into sugar quickly.
Hydrogenated oils – Including vegetable oil, canola oil, corn oil, and soybean oil can cause inflammation of the gums and body.
Top 5 Gum Disease Natural Treatments
Try these gum disease cures and natural treatments for fast results:
#1 Flossing (1-2x daily)
Removes food that is lodged in teeth preventing bad bacteria from growing.
#2 Clove and tea tree oil essential oils (5 mL 2x daily)
Rubbing these essential oils of clove and melaleuca (tea tree) on your gums or brushing teeth with them has antibacterial properties and can prevent gingivitis. Apply 2 drops of these oils 2x daily with a carrier oil like coconut oil.
#3 Coenzyme Q10 (100 mg daily)
It can have a healing effect on gingivitis.
#4 Vitamin C (1000 mg 2x daily)
Vitamin C helps strengthen gums and helps with healthy tissue formation.
#5 Green tea (1 to 3 cups daily)
Make sure it’s unsweetened, the polyphenols can help fight gingivitis.
Bonus Remedy:
Oil pulling can help fight gingivitis. Take 1 tbsp coconut oil and 2 drops of antibacterial essential oil like cloves and swish in mouth for between 5 to 20 minutes.
If you want to treat gum disease and reverse tooth decay, try this homemade remineralizing toothpaste recipe.
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