The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that four to twelve percent of American adults have advanced gum disease, other sources state that most of the infected are unaware of the condition. Periodontal disease is a major dental problem as well as general health issue as the disease has been linked to a myriad of issues including tooth loss, halitosis, anemia, strokes, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. That is why individuals need to be cautious regarding their dental health by practicing oral hygiene and by implementing natural gum disease fighters.
Previously 1-800Dentist.com has recommended a number of simple, easy and inexpensive ways to reduce the inflammation associated with the condition including massaging gums, brushing teeth with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (also a great tooth whitener) and stopping smoking. Individuals looking to take their gum disease prevention even further have additional strategies they can implement.
Get Vitamin C
Proper nutrition has always been associated with promoting dental health as eating a diet high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins provides vitamins essential to dental health. Vitamin C is one nutrient that is can also help fight the inflammation associated with gum disease. Vitamin C is an ascorbic acid that has been clinically shown to speed up the body's natural recovery system of growing and regenerating healthy tissue. It is for that reason that various studies have proved that it is a gum disease fighter.
Research published in the Journal of Periodontology suggested that adults who consume low levels of vitamin C are more likely to develop gum disease. In another study, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) patients suffering from low levels of Vitamin C will need more time to recover from oral surgery procedures.
Additionally, a lack of Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, a disease triggered by the bodies inability to synthesis collagen. Once inflicted, the condition can trigger plenty of gum related dental problems including swollen gums, bleeding gums, loose teeth and increase the odds of tooth loss.
The best way to get enough of the life supporting nutrient is by eating a healthy diet filled with Vitamin C thanks to foods including citrus fruits, tomatoes, green peppers and potatoes. The goal is to eat enough to get 60 milligrams of the substance daily.
Individuals burdened with gum disease are encouraged to get double the recommended dosage of Vitamin C for a total of 120mg daily. Supplements can help ensure getting the right dosage of Vitamin C however experts recommended avoiding chewable sources as they are high in levels of tooth enamel destroying acid that can increase the odds of developing tooth erosion.