Gingivitis and Your Health

Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, periodontal disease, or bleeding gums, is a common health issue, with an estimated 80% of American adults likely to experience it to some degree or another in their lifetime. The vast majority of gingivitis can be treated and prevented through good oral hygiene and a nutritious diet. However, in some cases, gingivitis can indicate or cause greater health concerns, and potentially lead to serious systemic infections that can become critical health issues.

Gingivitis, literally meaning "inflammation of the gingiva," is caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the mouth that attack the gingiva, which is the gum tissue located at the base of the teeth, and can spread to other periodontal tissues such as the entire gums, bone, and additional soft tissues that surround the teeth. Food residues combine with bacteria to form a substance called plaque that harden and turn into a more permanent form called calculus or tartar. The inflammation that results can cause gums to deteriorate and bleed. The good news is that with proper mouth care, plaque will not form. When poor dental hygiene is practiced, the concern can increase to more extreme cases of gingivitis that can produce bone and tooth loss and potential spread of the infection throughout the body. In some cases, this can be fatal if certain organs of the body are attacked.

The best way to avoid gingivitis is to effectively brush your teeth after every meal followed by a natural mouth spray such as Breath Fresh(TM). If you can't realistically brush throughout the day, at least rinse your mouth with water and then apply Breath Fresh(TM). Eating a health diet while avoiding sugar and simple carbohydrates is recommended, as these foods attract harmful bacteria to your mouth, and quickly form into plaque. Three times weekly perform a mouth and gum cleanse using an oral irrigator.

Use an natural fluoride-free tooth paste or make up a batch of my Natural Tooth Powder recipe. Always follow by a good rinse with Breath Fresh(TM). An effective remedy for gingivitis is to place two drops of Oregasil(TM) Oregano Oil in warm, filtered water and then swish in the mouth for 10-15 seconds two times daily. If you practice this consistently, your teeth and gums will love you for it, and you will prevent or help heal the issues that lead to gingivitis.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

If you notice any blood in the sink or on your tooth brush after brushing or flossing, take notice. If this continues after improving your oral care, you may have a problem with gingivitis.

Other signs can include swollen, tender gums that are a darker red in color rather than the normal pink. Unusually bad breath is also typical when the gums are infected.

More severe cases can produce decay of the bone and soft tissues surrounding the gums, and loose teeth that can be a consequence of that. If gingivitis has advanced this far, there is a good chance of dangerous systemic infections.

What Else Can Gingivitis Point To?

If you continue to suffer from bleeding gums even after practicing good oral health, your body may be leaving clues to other possible causes for the gingivitis.

• Nutritional deficiencies: Certain nutrients can prevent bleeding gums, particularly vitamins B and C. These are needed to keep oral tissues healthy, and vitamin C is a particularly potent antioxidant that will help prevent infections in the gums.
• Weakened immune system: Gingivitis can indicate that your immune system is not as strong as it should be. Normally, if you take good care of your teeth and gums, the immune system will naturally deal with the harmful bacteria that triggers gingivitis. However, if your body is fighting illness such as cancer, diabetes, or other chronic conditions such arthritis or fibromyalgia, for example, your immune system may be over-worked and unable to prevent gum disease.
• Medication side-effects: Some drugs can reduce the amount of saliva secreted in the mouth. Saliva naturally acts as an anti-bacterial agent, so it is easier for gingivitis to occur if saliva levels are lowered. Medications to watch out for include antihistamine, cold remedies, some blood pressure meds and immunosuppressive drugs, often given in conjunction with organ transplants. Gingivitis risk is also increased for people who are undergoing chemotherapy, as this is very hard on the immune system. Leukemia patients often suffer from bleeding gums both from the illness itself and treatments they are receiving.
• Hormonal changes: When hormonal balances vary, as is often the case during menopause, puberty, and pregnancy, gingivitis may more easily develop. Hormones play so many key roles, and controlling the types and amounts of bacteria in the mouth is one of them.
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