Best Foords to Prevent Gum Disease

Healthy gums mean healthy teeth and a healthy body.

Gum or periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support your teeth. It causes gum swelling, bleeding, pain, and redness. Healthy gums are pink and  firm. They do not bleed easily.

There are two types of gum disease:

• Gingivitis is a mild infection that affects only your gums, the soft tissue that surrounds the teeth. Your gums become red, swollen and bleed easily. It can be reversed with daily brushing, flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist. It  does not cause any tooth loss and usually is not painful.
• Periodontitis is a severe infection which spreads below the gums to damage the tissues and bone that support your teeth. The gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. It causes progressive loss of the alveolar bone around the teeth. If neglected it ultimately leads to the loosening and  loss of teeth. See my video for more details.

Gum disease is caused bacteria (germs) that grow on your teeth and gums and are found in plaque, a clear, sticky substance produced by your mouth. Plaque feeds on sugars in the foods you eat and drink. Bacteria produce toxins and other chemicals. These toxins irritate your gums and cause them to swell and bleed easily when brushed. Plaque hardens into calculus or tartar under the gum-line which doubly irritates them and makes them pull away from your teeth. While brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque, tartar needs to be removed by a dental professional.

Risk factors for gum disease:

• Poor nutrition: diets low in vitamins and minerals weakens your immune systems; sticky diets high in sugary foods and bad (refined) carbohydrates help plaque grow. High sugar intakes lead to more bacteria which metabolize sugars into lactic. This  eventually causes decay of teeth through demineralization
• Tobacco use is dangerous for your general health and a huge risk for oral diseases be  it smoked, sucked, chewed or snuffed
• Alcohol consumption
• Lack of oral hygiene
• Stress
• Family members with gum disease
• Medical conditions that undermine your immune system, such as diabetes, AIDS, or leukemia

Symptoms

Gingivitis:

• Red, swollen, and tender gums.
• Gums bleed easily during brushing or flossing

Periodontitis:

• Receding gums and bad breath
• Pus coming from the gums
• Change in biting teeth position and loose teeth

You can reduce the risk of gum disease by eating the foods in this video clip and  by refraining from damaging life styles.

Remember to:

• Eat the foods I mention in this video clip daily
• Brush at least twice a day in gentle, circular motions that massage and clean your teeth and gums NOT back-and-forth motions that actually irritate and damage your gums by making them tender, bleed or recede
• Brush after eating or drinking sugary, sticky foods
• Floss daily
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid very cold or very hot food and drinks
• Relax and avoid stress which can raise your hormone levels and increase inflammation throughout the body
• Do NOT smoke
• Drink in moderation