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Bleeding Gums and Loose Teeth - Periodontal Disease 
(Gingivitis & Periodontitis)

Just tell me what to take for gum disease

Periodontal disease is an all inclusive term used to describe and inflammatory condition of the gums (gingivitis) and/or the support structures (periodontitis).  Healthy gums are pink and do not bleed.  

The process usually progresses from gingivitis to periodontitis.  It is second only to the common cold as the most prevalent infectious ailment. It is the major cause of adult tooth loss and is more prevalent in people over 50.  

Gingivitis is characterized by redness, contour changes, and bleeding. It is essentially painless.  It is created when plague (sticky deposits of bacteria, mucus and food particles) adheres to the teeth, hardens and irritates the gum. The accumulation causes the gums to become infected and swollen. As the gums swell, pockets form between the gums and the teeth and act as a trap for more plague.  Irritated gums bleed and eventually start to recede. Other factors that contribute to the development of gingivitis include breathing through the mouth, badly fitting fillings and prostheses that irritate surrounding gum tissue, and a diet consisting of too many soft foods that rob the teeth and gums of much needed "exercise". The gums become red, soft and shiny and bleed easily.

Irritation can be fought by introducing Vitamin C which fights the formation of plaque.  For the Vitamin C that can best be assimilated and used click on this link  Vitamin C. 

Gingivitis, untreated, can progress to periodontal disease or pyorrhea. The plaque starts attacking the root of the teeth and the jawbone and if not treated you might even lose some teeth.

Periodontal means "located around the tooth". Periodontitis is characterized by localized pain, loose teeth, dental pockets, redness, swelling and/or signs of infection. X-rays may reveal destruction of bone.  The bone supporting the teeth begins to erode due to the infection. Abscesses are common.  There is sometimes halitosis, with bleeding, and often, painful gums.  

Although oral hygiene is of great importance in treating and preventing periodontal disease, it is not sufficient in most cases.  In addition to proper dental care (brushing after meals, flossing daily and regular dental cleanings) nutritional status and immune system function must be normalized if development and progression of the disease are to be controlled. 

Bacterial plague has long been considered the causative agent in most forms of periodontal disease.  However, it is now widely accepted that poor nutrition wrong foods (refined foods such as white flour and white sugar), constipation, chronic illness, glandular disorders, blood disease, smoking, drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption as well as poor immune function make an individual prone to periodontal disease even with the best dental hygiene.  

Some experts question whether periodontal disease is a chronic, unrelenting condition and instead suggest that it waxes and wanes depending on the response of the immune system.

What to do about periodontal problems:

The key dietary recommendation is to avoid sugar.  Sugar is known to significantly increase plaque accumulation by feeding the bacteria that cause the infection while decreasing white blood cell function.  Phase out soft drinks.  Canned soda contains excess phosphorus, a mineral that could lead to the leeching of calcium from your bones.   Calcium is first robbed not from your hips or spine but from you jaw leading to tooth loss.

Deficiencies of vitamin C, bioflavonoids, calcium, folic acid, or niacin is related and can be made worse by missing teeth, food impaction, malocclusion, tongue-thrusting, tooth-grinding and toothbrush trauma.

Anything that improves health overall and the body's ability to resist disease will affect the mouth positively.  

Other Dental problems:

Bleeding gums may signal a vitamin C deficiency Dry or cracking at the corners of the mouth may indicate a deficiency of vitamin B2 (riboflavin)  Both conditions can signal a generalized nutritional deficiency.  Dry or cracked lips can be a result of an allergic reaction.  Raw, red mouth tissue may be a sign of stress, a smooth, reddish tongue can indicate anemia or poor diet.  Sores under the tongue can be an early warning sign of mouth cancer. 

For a helpful Article on Periodontal Disease by Dr. Rita Louise

Helpful Nutrition:

Fresh fruits, and vegetables, whole grains, and fiber should be the mainstay of the menu.   Vegetables & fruits enhance enzyme function. fermented dairy products, such as yogurt help maintain intestinal health.   Calcium gotten either from milk or vegetables.  However, calcium is easier for the body to digest via vegetables. 

Vitamin C is one nutrient thought to have a very positive effect on the mouth. Vitamin C is vital for production of collagen, the basic protein building block for the fibrous framework of all the tissues, including gums. Vitamin C strengthens weak gum tissue and makes the gum lining more resistant to penetration by bacteria. 

A good form of Vitamin C that is easy for the body to use.  This Foodform® Vitamin C should be taken per directions or twice the recommended for gum problems.  For more info   (This really is a different type of C)

Calcium to restore any deficiencies which can result in periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease and gum disorders are forms of osteoporosis of the mouth.  Thus, it is essential to stop using or consuming items that cause calcium to become deficient and or toxic.  This includes products such as ice cream, fruit yogurt, tea, coffee, cigarettes and aluminum. A reduction in the amount of cooked protein eaten at one meal is wise; people who have followed a vegetarian diet for twenty years or more, show less bone loss then those who eat meat.  Increase your intake of sardines, canned salmon, dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, collards, kale, turnip greens, mustard mustard greens) broccoli, brazil nuts, tofu and all soy products, sunflower seeds, and hulled sesame seeds.  Click on this link Calcium-Magnesium for calcium that is easy for the body to use.

Exercise that stress the long bones in the body - jumping rope, basketball, tennis, jogging, walking, rebounding on a trampoline, cycling, and dancing all effective to help with this type of osteoporosis.   Vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption, so getting outdoors is advised.   

Recommended Nutritionals: (Click on links for information on these supplements.

A natural treatment for gum disease and bad breath is highly sought after. OraMD® is the first all natural, highly effective dental care product created for total teeth and gum health, as well as overall dental hygiene.

Click to find out more about this product for the treatment of gum disease.

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