Second only to the common cold as the most prevalent infectious ailment in the United States is periodontal disease. It is the major cause of adult tooth loss. As we age the probability increases of developing periodontal disease. Ranging from 15 percent at age 10 to more like 50 percent at age 50.
Peridontal means "located around a tooth", so periodontal disease can refer to any disorder of the gums or other supporting structures of the teeth. Gingivitis or inflammation of the gums is the early stage of periodontal disease. Caused by plaque, which is sticky deposits of bacteria, mucus, and food particles that adheres to the teeth. When plaque accrued it causes the gums to become infected and swollen. As the gums swell, pockets form between the gums and the teeth that act as a trap for still more plaque buildup. Other factors that contribute to the development of gingivitis include:
* Breathing through the mouth
* Badly fitting fillings
* Prostheses that irritate surrounding gum tissue
* Diet of too many soft foods that rob the teeth and gums of much needed "exercise"
All these factors can lead to gums that are red, soft, and shiny, and bleed easily. Usually gingivitis is essentially painless, but there can be some pain.
Left untreated pyorrhea or periodontitis can develop from gingivitis. This advanced stage of periodontal disease in which the bone supporting the teeth begins to erode as a result of the infection. Abscesses are common which are very painful. Pyorrhea causes halitosis (bad breath) with bleeding and often painful gums.
Conditions which make one more likely to develop pyorrhea are:
* Poor nutrition
* Improper brushing
* Wrong foods
* Sugar consumption
* Chronic illness
* Glandular disorders
* Blood disease
* Smoking
* Drugs
* Excessive alcohol consumption
It is often related to a deficiency of:
* Vitamin C
* Bioflavonoids
* Calcium
* Folic acid or niacin
Smokers are more susceptible than nonsmokers to periodontits and tooth loss.
Mouth problems often reflect shortcomings or underlying disorders in the body.
* Bleeding gums may signal a vitamin C deficiency
* Dryness and cracking at the corners of the mouth may indicate a deficiency of vitamin B2 (riboflavin).
* Dry or cracked lips can be the result of an allergic reaction
* Raw red mouth tissue bay 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
Regular dental checkups can help detect these conditions early. Floss your teeth daily. Do this faithfully every day. Be sure to brush your gums and tongue as well as your teeth using a very soft natural-bristle toothbrush.
Severe cases of periodontal disease may necessitate surgery to remove the infected tissue from the gum and reshape the bone. This can be very effective if you continue with your home care of your mouth.
Some people appear to be more susceptible than others to the bacteria that cause gum disease. Electric toothbrushes are very helpful in removing plaque.
Deficiencies of coenzyme Q10 have been linked to periodontal disease. The amount of coenzyme Q10 present in the body Declines with age, so it should be supplemented in the diet, especially by people who are over the age of fifty. A liquid or oil form is preferred. This vitamin like substance is very helpful to the heart tissue as well because it increases tissue oxygenation all over the body.
Vitamin C and A is needed for healing of gum tissue, especially of bleeding gums.
Bioflavonoids retard plaque growth which is a huge help.
Avoid taking antibiotics. The mouth is the hardest place for them to work, and they destroy the needed friendly bacteria in the colon. Try goldenseal first, it works faster and has no side effects.