Gum Disease

Posted in Holistic Health |

gum diseaseCurrent research has clearly shown that periodonal disease is a known factor for increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as being a cause of nearly one in five pre-term births and a factor in rheumatoid arthritis. The consequences go far beyond cavities, tooth loss, and halitosis. This list will get longer as it becomes increasingly apparent that a circulatory system swimming in microorganisms, which would be better confined to the mouth, is being subjected to a life-threatening assult. There are safe and effective practices that can tip the balance in your favor.

Unhealthy gums result from an active bacterial infection, so there’s probably something else going on in your body that’s not good. Research has linked diseases of the mouth to problems in the pancreas, stomach, sinuses, and more. Luckily, your mouth is easier to explore than your organs, and symptoms appear early enough for you to stop the damage.

A person with moderate to servere gum disease has inflamed and infected tissue wrapped around their teeth. Under the gums, there are up to 400 types of microorganisms, numbering in the trillions and creating inflammation and odor. Pouring alcohol-based mouthwash on infected gums is hot helpful.

Bleeding Gums

Blood on your toothbrush means a raging infection. It’s the first indicator of an unhealthy mouth. Gums become infected when plaque, a bacteria-laden film that forms on your teeth after you eat, is allowed to harden at the gum line. And tooth loss and heart disease aren’t your only risks: Gingivitis has also been linked to a lethal cancer. In a recent Harvard study of more than 52,000 men, those with infected gums were 63 percent more prone to pancreatic cancer than those with inflammation-free mouths. Researchers blame the bacteria, which they think reacts with digestive chemicals to create fertile conditions for cancer-cell growth.

Sensitive Teeth

Acid is on the attack. Your stomach is built to contain digestive juices that break down food. But when acid escapes and heads north to sear sensitive structures and cause heartburn, it can keep on moving into your mouth, dissolving enamel and making your teeth sensitive. In fact, when researchers at the University of Valencia, in Spain, examined the mouths of 253 people, those who suffered from acid reflux were three times more likely to have tooth erosion than their heartburn-free peers. And if your reflux is severe enough to wear on your teeth, it may also be causing more deadly damage: Chronic heartburn can lead to esophageal cancer.

Solutions

Stay away from soda. The carbonation makes your stomach expand, and this can pop the esophageal sphincter–the cork that traps stomach acid. Another enemy is sugar. Sugar worsens gingivitis by feeding the plaque that causes it. A recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that people who regularly added sugar to coffee, tea, or cereal were 69 percent more prone to pancreatic cancer than those who didn’t. Replace your 2 spoonfuls with a drop of Stevia.

The first of two recent studies, published in the Journal of Periodontal Research, found that cranberry extract inhibits several enzyme activities associated with periodontal disease

Other newly published trials by researchers at Laval University in Quebec City, Canada, found cranberry juice concentrate to contain molecules that inhibit the inflammatory response in the gum tissue. Inflammation caused by infection in the mouth is known to contribute to tissue destruction.

While most researchers do not come right out and say that gum disease is a definite cause of a number of serious health problems, some medical doctors have helped people by writing books on how to do something about the horrific health consequences of systemic infection.

Reference: What You Should Know About Gum Disease

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  1. Jim Senseon said-

    Gum disease as a risk factor for arthritis? That’s new to me. I’m going to have to research that a little more. Thanks for the info!

    Reply
  2. chris said-

    All things considered I think a poor diet and lack of exercise will cause for more heart disease than not brushing your teeth.

    Reply
  3. Since they have linked gum disease to so many conditions, I have been more encouraged to floss and better maintain my overall oral health.
    Hitachi Magic Wand´s last blog ..Hitachi Magic Wand Massager Review My ComLuv Profile

    Reply
  4. David from Neem Oil Products said-

    Hi! My name is David. I’ve been battling with gum problem ever since high school (many years ago!). Although I brush and floss two times daily I still have chronic gum problems. I’ve been researching Neem and will start chewing on Neem branches that they sell in the local market. Thanks, David :-)
    David @Neem Oil Products´s last blog ..Neem Toothpaste My ComLuv Profile

    Reply
  5. Gordon from Natural Arthritis Cure said-

    With so much more being found out about gum disease, I’m not surprised that it’s being linked to arthritis – although this is the first I’ve read anything linking the two. Obviously, not enough of us take the necessary care of our gums and teeth these days and the results can be seen in younger and younger people who have a host of problems inside their mouths.
    A little care now will help avoid most problems done the track.
    Gordon @ Natural Arthritis Cure´s last blog ..The Most Common Types Of Arthritis My ComLuv Profile

    Reply
  6. James from Dentist Birmingham said-

    Take steps to care for your own dental health using holistic remedies. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and can prevent tooth decay, painful gum conditions, and the expense associated with multiple dental visits.

    Reply
  7. Rayner from cosmetic dentistry
    Twitter: cobsseo
    said-

    Gum disease can also lead to bad breath, ultimately leading to cavities, root decay and perpetual head aches, these are just few of those which are directly related to gum disease, as i understand it can even start stomach problems, indigestion and acid reflux in severe cases

    Reply
  8. david from gumdisease
    Twitter: davesnape
    said-

    excellent post…! Another problem with acidic sodas and coffee is the pH balance problem. an acidic pH makes the bacteria grow faster and therefore you get more toxins. Also xylitol is an excellent sugar that the bacteria cannot utilize – but we (as humans) can!

    Reply
  9. [...] admin wrote a fantastic post today on “Gum Disease”Here’s ONLY a quick extractCurrent research has clearly shown that periodonal disease is a known factor for increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as being a casue of nearly one in five pre-term births and a factor in rheumatoid arthritis. … [...]

  10. [...] in soap and insecticide. Daily, millions of people brush their teeth with Neem twigs. It prevents gum disease. Neem leaves contain fiber, carbohydrates, at least 10 essential amino acid proteins, calcium and [...]

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