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Gingivitis

The symptoms of Gingivitis include inflammation and swelling of the gums, bleeding and receding gums, and often pain. Gingivitis should not be left untreated as it can be the early stage of more serious periodontal diseases

Gingivitis develops when plaque builds up around the gum line. Plaque forms when food particles and bacteria combine to harden and stick to the teeth. This causes the gums to become irritated and swell leaving more pockets to accumulate plaque. The gums then start to bleed and begin to recede leaving the roots of the teeth, and eventually the jawbone open to attack by plaque. If the disease is not stopped then loss of teeth and abscesses are likely to occur.

Causes of Gingivitis And What You Can Do to Help
	Poor brushing and flossing allows plaque to build up around the teeth irritating the gums. As this is the leading cause it should be the first to be corrected. Work with your dentist to develop a regular dental hygiene program.
	Too many soft foods in the diet do not give teeth and gums adequate exercise to stay healthy. Start eating a healthy, varied diet including lots of raw foods and foods that require plenty of chewing, avoid sticky, sweet foods. Chewing, as well as exercising your teeth and gums, also produces saliva that helps to protect the mouth from bacteria.
	Inadequate intake of certain vitamins and minerals can make gum disease more likely. These include Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, Folic Acid, Calcium and Bioflavonoids.
	Too much sugar in the diet is thought to be harmful to the gums. Experts believe that sugar feeds the bacteria that causes Gingivitis.
	Cut out soft drinks. Soft drinks are a double problem as they contain excess phosphorous as well as sugar. Some scientists think that excess phosphorous robs the bones of Calcium potentially leading to osteoporosis. It is thought that the first bone to loose calcium is the jawbone and this can lead to the loss of teeth.
	Badly fitting fillings can irritate the surrounding gum. Experts also believe that silver/mercury fillings can leech out causing toxicity that can lead to Gingivitis. Have your dentist check your fillings.
	Smoking and excessive alcohol have been found to increase the chance of developing Gingivitis.
	Chronic illness

Nutritional Supplements Worth Considering
	Vitamin C - 2000mg - Important for the promotion of healing. In studies Vitamin C reduced gum bleeding and improved gum health. You can also make a mouthwash from the crystalline form of Vitamin C. Twice daily swish in mouth for 1 minute before swallowing
	Calcium - 1,500 mg - Helps prevent bone loss around gums
	Vitamin A, taken as Beta Carotene -25,000 - 50,000 IU (15 - 30 mg) Aids in the healing of gum tissue
	Folic Acid - Helps to reduce inflammation and infection.You can take this both as a supplement & also as a mouthwash.
	Zinc - Helps prevent infection and aids healing. Using the chewable tablets allows the zinc to come in direct contact with the gums. In a study this was found to reduce the growth of plaque.
	Vitamin E - 400 IU - Aids in the healing of gum tissue. It may also be helpful to open a Vitamin E Capsule & apply the oil directly onto sore gums
	Coenzyme Q10 -25 mg taken twice daily - Has been shown to aid in the treatment of gum disease