Gum disease or periodontal disease inflicts over half of the adult population. This common oral problem develops from the buildup of plaque, where harmful bacteria reside. Bacteria in plaque causes infection of the gums making them swell, easy to bleed when you brush, and appear red. This is the first stage of gum disease more commonly known as gingivitis.

Gingivitis is often painless which makes it unnoticeable. This result in a gum disease called periodontitis, a worse infection where bacteria corrode the bone structures that support teeth, giving way to tooth loss.  At this stage, the patient may notice swelling in the gums as well as bleeding, sores and discharge. The patient most likely suffers bad breath and pain in the gums.

Several causes of gum disease include poor oral hygiene, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and nutrition deficiency.

What is the link between nutrition and gum disease?

Our body needs adequate amounts of nutrients to combat infection, such as gum diseases.
To strengthen the immune system, a person’s diet should include plenty of antioxidants such as vitamin C and flavonoids. The diet should also include other essential nutrients that are particularly helpful in fighting gum disease such as calcium.

Some types of food promote the growth of bacteria and this fact shows how nutrition and gum disease is related. Foods rich in sugar and starch and sticky foods contribute to bacteria buildup.

Here is a quick guide on proper nutrition and gum disease prevention:

Go for whole foods, which offer many nutrients instead of processed or refined foods
Limit your sugar consumption by avoiding snacks such as pastries, cakes, soft drinks and sweetened fruit juices.
Always include fiber in your diet such as whole grain bread and cereals, broccoli, peas, and fruits like pears and oranges
Get enough supply of vitamin C, flavonoids, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin B-complex, Co-enzyme Q10, calcium, potassium, selenium, magnesium, zinc, iron and phosphorus.
Enhance your diet with health supplements

To prevent gum disease effectively, proper nutrition should go together with  proper dental care. Always remember to brush your teeth at the least two times every day, rinse your mouth with water or a good mouth rinse after meals, floss your teeth once a day, and schedule regular checkups with your dentist.

Nutrition and gum disease treatment

The combination of proper nutrition and gum disease treatment is vital because
while proper nutrition does not actually treat gum disease, it significantly helps in speeding up the process of healing and preventing recurrences.

Natural Gum Disease Remedies

Gum disease otherwise known as periodontal disease is not a pleasurable experience. Although some specific forms of gum diseases are not painful and do not inhibit any signs or symptoms until the disease is on its advanced phase. It is important to avoid gum disease, because not only does the disease ruin the beautiful smile on your face, it also can bring complications like heart disease.
Gum disease is the inflammation and infection of the gums, the connecting fiber that supports and surrounds the teeth, and the bone of the teeth. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of loss of tooth among adults over 30. Gum disease is commonly caused by bacterial plaque. Bacterial plaque is a sticky, colorless substance that forms on the teeth. If the bacterial plaque on the teeth is not removed by way of brushing or flossing the teeth, it will accumulate and hardens into substance called calculus or more known as tartar.
The good news is that, if the gum disease is detected on its early stage, it can be treated and reversed. There are lots and lots of natural gum disease remedies readily available. Using natural gum disease remedies will not only give fast healing process, it will also provide better oral health care. Vitamin C is one of the good natural gum disease remedies found today. Vitamin C is popularly known as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help repair the connective fibers and hasten the regeneration of the bone or bones that were damaged by the gum disease. Individuals who are vitamin C deficient are known to have high probability to experience gum disease.
Also one of the best natural gum disease remedies known today is tea tree oil gel. Tea tree oil gel is proven to be effective against severe chronic gingivitis (a mild form of gum disease). Tea tree oil gel is effective in reducing the degree of gum bleeding and gingivitis. Cranberry juice is also one of the natural gum disease remedies. Cranberry juice prevents the bacteria from sticking to the teeth, thus, reducing the build up of plaque.
Vitamin D is also one of the best natural gum disease remedies easily available. Vitamin D is known to have anti-inflammatory effects hereby reducing or minimizing the susceptibility to gum disease. Researchers found out that individuals who have high vitamin D levels in their blood are less apt to experience bleeding in their gums during gum probing. Vitamin D is the most readily available natural gum disease remedies because sunlight is the most abundant source of vitamin D. Experts recommend 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure must be done two times a week to have sufficient amount of vitamin D in the blood level.
Always remember that prevention is the always the best cure. Exercise regular oral hygiene routine to have and maintain a healthy and gum disease free smile.