Tips for Fighting Gingivitis the Natural Way

Fighting Gingivitis and gum disease? There may not be an app for that, but there are plenty of natural remedies that can help you repair and rejuvenate your teeth and gums. Going for natural remedies is a great way to supplement the treatment and regular visits to your dentist in order to avoid the painful effects of gingivitis.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is basically an inflammation of the gums around your teeth and the gum line. Gingivitis begins with a simple build-up of plaque, which is the mixture bacteria, the waste from bacteria, food debris and mucus. If not removed, plaque begins to harden into tartar. The longer plaque and tartar are left on the teeth around the gum line, the more damage is done to your tooth enamel. Inflammation begins to occur, which is the rise of gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontal disease (gum disease). Good dental hygiene including flossing and brushing with a brushless toothbrush for receding gums can help remove plaque while protecting the enamel on your teeth. Additionally, you can help keep your teeth and avoid gingivitis from developing by altering your diet and focusing on proper nutrition.

Preventing Gingivitis with Fiber

Fiber works wonders on your digestive system, helping to regulate digestion, improve metabolism and keep you satisfied and full. Eating plenty of fiber can also boost your immune system. Diets rich in high-fiber foods such as vegetables, beans, whole grains and fruit also provide your body with nutrients and antioxidants that help you fight off bacteria - the kind of bacteria that grow around your teeth and gums. With a sturdy immune system that is able to function properly, your body is in a better position to fight off the bacteria that cause gum inflammation and tooth decay.

Crunchy Foods Keep the Mouth Healthy

Soft foods are easily pressed between teeth and into pockets in the gum line when you chew. Crunchy foods on the other hand work very well at keeping the teeth, gums and inside of the mouth clean. That's why certain kinds of extremely crunchy treats work to clean the teeth of our pets. The same can be done for us. Just remember that you'll still need to break out the floss and brushless toothbrush in order to clear away any leftover food debris in your teeth.

Vitamins Help Support Healthy Teeth and Gums

Our body runs on a variety of essential vitamins and nutrients or minerals. When you take your vitamins in conjunction with a healthy diet, you're providing your body with everything it needs to keep the immune system working. You're also providing fuel on the cellular level to help your body recover, rebuild and produce new tissue. A diet with supplements that provide Vitamin C, B, zinc and iron as well as magnesium, selenium, calcium and potassium all contribute to stronger teeth and reduce bacterial growth in the mouth that leads to gingivitis.

Keep Sugar Away

There's a loving relationship between bacteria and sugar. The more sugar you have hanging around in mouth, the more fertile the area is to bacterial growth. If you have a diet rich in sweets, white flour and processed sugars, fruit juices, soft drinks and other sweet snacks then you need to make a change. You're creating the perfect breeding ground for gingivitis to arise.

Fighting Gingivitis the Natural Way

We've kept our teeth clean for hundreds of years (thousands really) by brushing and cleaning out between our teeth. There's no better way for fighting gingivitis and improving the health of your teeth than through brushing with a brushless toothbrush, flossing and properly rinsing your mouth.