The only thing I can think of off the top of my head is hormonal changes. Ever notice your gums are more sensitive around your period? I am entering menopause, and definitely notice this side effect of hormonal fluctuations.

Me... I would probably fast through, and swish my mouth with a warm saline solution. As far as hormones go, you may want to look into Liver Flushing as well, as it controls a lot of those functions.

As far as the tea, I doubt ten days of Smooth Move is going to hurt you. It is definitely not recommended to use any laxative on more than a temporary basis. If you are paranoid about the tea, you can (it is not Master-Cleanse protocol) substitute a plain water enema. Naturally, you will find lots of people who will tell you these are also harmful...

Also, you might want to pay a visit to your dentist. Ask him or her if there is anything special happening in your mouth.

Be well,
Somer

Hiya Lemonsparkle,

I've read that adding 2 drops of oregano oil to warm water (or oil if you're oil-swishing) can help the gums recover from gingivitis and other infections.

If you are already on the Master-Cleanse (like I am) and you want to try to stick to the strict protocol as much as possible, but don't want serious gum problems, you could try another thing: put a drop of oil of oregano on the infected areas directly. You could apply this with your finger, or apply it via a cotton swab used to clean out ears. I just did it tonight. It stings a little, and your mouth tissues (including upper and lower lips on the side you apply the oil to) go numb for about an hour. But I read in the oil swishing forum that gingivitis can be cleared up in as little as 6 days. The direct application I learned from the dental forum, and would cause less interference with the Master-Cleanse than oil-swishing/pulling.

Alternatively, you could add oral-grade peroxide to water and swish with that.

Putting 2 drops of either, along with water, in a water pik might help.

I strongly recommend you google "gum disease" and "receding gums" in CZ, there's lots of info, and with luck you might find something that works for you while causing the least interference with the MC.

You should probably consider some sort of ongoing self-treatment between MCs as well.

I hate to do anything which might compromise the MC, but my gum infection started just a day or two before starting the MC, during my prep phase, and I don't want serious gum problems which might be exacerbated by the MC. I'm hoping that a topical application of oil of oregano, 2x per day, will cause the least interference while saving my teeth.

After, I will definitely go on an oil-swishing program, as I have had excellent results with my gums in the past. But this time, I'll add oil of oregano.

Oil of oregano is cheap and a small bottle lasts a long time.

Another alternative is to try brushing with baking soda and water.

Keep us posted - I'm definitely interested, and I'm fighting the same battle!

pc