Gum disease is known as a condition where the gums, bone around the teeth, and deep tissue becomes inflamed and infected.  Plaque on the teeth is the beginning to gum disease. Plaque is formed when left over particles of sugar and starch type foods combine with saliva and coat the teeth with a white sticky residue. Usually a good thorough cleaning by your dentist will take care of this problem.

If the plaque does not come off by flossing and brushing teeth alone, it will build up and turn into a hard base in the gums which is called tartar. Tartar is much harder to remove than plaque and the dentist will have to work even harder to eliminate it. Tartar can lead to a variety of problems such as bleeding gums, gingivitis, and inflammation.

Your dentist can reverse the effects of gingivitis. If the teeth and gums begin to hurt and bleed, then most likely it is an infection that has travelled to the bone and deep tissue. This is called periodontitis and many people lose teeth at this point.

The symptoms of gum disease are:

•    Bad breath
•    Swollen gums
•    Loss of teeth
•    Bleeding of the gums while flossing or brushing
•    Red colour of the gums
•    Wide spaces between teeth and gums
•    Receding gums

There are quite a few natural remedies that can treat gum disease:

•    Vitamin D has amazing benefits for gum disease. It aids in decreasing inflammation in the gums. If you can get out into the sunlight for 20 minutes a day for some natural vitamin D.

•    Vitamin C is very important when it comes to gum disease. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant that can revive the bone and tissue in the gums. Vitamin C chewable tablets are not the best way to go as the acidic qualities can erode the tooth enamel.  Try vitamin C supplements instead. You can eat anything rich in vitamin C to help such as oranges, papaya, grapefruit, brussel sprouts, kiwi fruit, strawberries, and mangos.

•    Cranberry is a great source for preventing or aiding in gum disease. It stops bad bacteria from remaining on teeth. Drink cranberry juice with no added sugar or eat real natural cranberries.

•    Reduce stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety seems to build up plaque more than usual. Use techniques such as proper breathing, yoga, meditation, exercise in moderation, eat healthy, and make sure you get proper sleep. Be sure to cut out alcohol, caffeinated drinks and sugary food during this time. (Proper breathing is when you inhale and allow your abdomen to expand, then exhale and allow your abdomen to release the air)

•    Tea tree oil can help with gum disease and gingivitis. There are tea tree toothpastes that can be used. Tea tree oil is an antibiotic that helps stop bleeding of the gums and reduce gingivitis. *Do not brush with the actual oil, use a toothpaste recommended by your dentist.