Reversing gum disease

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of tissues that support the teeth, such as gums, ligaments and bones. Gum disease can range from minor inflammation of the gums to severe infection that causes the teeth to become loose or fall out. However, when gum disease is identified in early stage it can be successfully treated and reversed. In the following text we will discuss what causes gum disease, what are the stages of gum disease and how can it be reversed.

Causes and Stages of Gum Disease

There are two stages of gum disease. Gingivitis is the first stage, marked by red and swollen gums that easily bleed while brushing the teeth. If gingivitis is left untreated, it may lead to severe gum infection known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease that, apart from the gums, also affects the bone that support the teeth (the alveoral bone) and the periodontal ligaments. In this stage, the gums shrink back from the teeth causing them to become loose and fall out.

The leading cause of gum disease is poor dental hygiene. Irregular brushing and flossing of the teeth causes accumulation of plaque deposits. Plaque is a sticky substance that contains bacteria and food debris. If plaque is not removed it can spread below the gums and lead to gum disease. Smoking can aggravate gum disease as it interferes with oxygen flow in the bloodstream which hinders healing process of gum disease.

Gum disease can be reversed if the treatment begins on time. There are several simple home remedies that can be of a great help in the treatment of gum disease.

Natural Ways To Reverse Gum Disease

The most important factor in the reversal of gum disease is proper oral hygiene. The teeth must be cleaned at least twice a day by brushing and flossing. This helps to remove plaque deposits accumulated around the teeth. Antibacterial mouthwash should also be regularly used after each meal to eliminate bacteria from the mouth.

Since gum disease is mainly caused by bacteria from the food trapped in the teeth, one should restrict the intake of foods that produce more bacteria. This includes refined sugar and flour products. On the other hand, fruits and vegetables are beneficial to the teeth and gums as they are rich in minerals, vitamins, fibers, antioxidants and other nutrients. Sources of vitamin C and calcium are also recommended because such foods aid in healing of the gums.