Gingivitis

Ouch! Holidays are approaching, with plenty of eating for a prolonged period, plenty of sweets, plenty of drinking, plenty of stress for our gums. Do we always remember what should we do after eating? If we never stop eating how can we brush and floss? Of course I’m kidding… nevertheless I’m happy there’s only one period like this in the whole year. Gingivitis is an inflammation of gums, causing them to become swollen and to bleed easily, mainly caused by plaque. If it’s not treated, tooth loss can occur. Plaque is a soft, sticky film made up of bacteria because of poorly cleaned teeth. After 72 hours it turns into tartar, which can’t be removed by brushing and flossing anymore. Plaque occurs between the teeth and gums and can be increased by vitamin C and niacin deficiencies.

The main error is to consider gingivitis only as a possible cause of cavities (indirectly because of plaque). Actually the main problem is the link between gingivitis and heart disease. Gum disease (called periodontal disease when worsening) could be dangerous when bleeding occurs, because is responsible for bacteria’s entry into the bloodstream, which could affect blood fats, clotting factors (higher fibrinogens), higher cholesterol factors and higher C-reactive proteins (CRP: an inflammatory molecule). Besides bone deterioration. The point is that all these factors combined lead to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

So, we’re back to brushing and flossing: a proper oral hygiene and dental care is needed, wherefore if gingivitis is left untreated can lead to periodontal disease (which as said affects gum tissue, bone and supporting tissue of the teeth). What are the warning signs? First of all a bad taste in the mouth with bad breath. Then red or swollen gums, tender gums, bleeding gums. If worsening loose teeth, sensitive teeth, pain when chewing. Finally pus around teeth and gums and a particular brown, hard deposit on the surface of the teeth, called calculus. There is only one treatment: prevention with a good dental hygiene. And no holidays (kidding again….sorry….feeling Christmas).

Adults shouldn’t have any problems in following an oral hygiene, while children should instead be taught as early as the first teeth begin to erupt, in order to immediately catch the correct habit. While electric toothbrushes are recommended, personally I find more effective the manual ones. Anyway it all starts from the correct meals with the right foods: needless to say the sugary ones should be avoided.  Supplementing is also important, with:

Folic acid, not to be ingested but used topically, as a mouthwash.

Aloe Vera enhances wound healing (any wound healing). Maybe in the future I’ll post about it apart.

Bee Propolis, applied topically.

Calcium intake helps keeping the gums attached to the teeth.

Camu-camu fortifies blood vessel and regenerates tissue.

Chamomile, as a mild antimicrobial.

Vitamin K1 controls excessive gum bleeding, if occurring, and reduces inflammation.

And finally green tea, which is packed with antioxidants, in particular catechins (polyphenolic compounds). Drink it and use it as a mouth washer as well. It has antiplaque agents killing oral bacteria (technically, should you like to know: it suppresses glucosyl transferase, inhibits collagenase activity and Streptococcus mutans bacteria). If you like you can even rinse and brush the teeth with it. My final hint: don’t drink anything else during meals. Drink green tea, real natural green tea: prepared by yourself as an herbal infusion. It tastes just perfect with everything, needless to say without sugar.

….Always humble,

Angiolino