It’s a misconception that taking care of your oral health simply means practicing good hygiene habits. While it is true that regular brushing and flossing in combination with routine professional cleanings are of utmost importance, the health of your teeth and gums involves much more. Your gums are a reliable reflection of your overall health, and they suffer if there are any nutritional deficiencies in your diet. When considering the best course of action to fight off periodontal disease, get to the root of the problem by adopting a whole body approach.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to allowing your bodily systems to thrive. When everything is functioning as it should, your natural defenses against all forms of illness and inflammation are substantially strengthened. Healthy gum tissue is less likely to allow penetration of gingivitis-causing bacteria. Adhering to a well-balanced diet is one of the best things you can do to help ensure exceptional oral health.

Natural Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that assists in repairing connective tissue and regenerating bone—both of which are important to gum health. A deficiency of vitamin C is sometimes linked to the development of periodontal disease. A study in the Journal of Periodontology showed just how important this vitamin is to oral health. Researchers examined 12,419 American adults and found that those who consumed less than the daily recommended value (60mg/day) of Vitamin C were one-and-a-half times more likely to develop severe gingivitis than those who consumed more than 180mg per day.1

Vitamin D is another nutrient that is crucial to good oral health because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers at Boston University looked at the correlation between vitamin D intake and gingivitis and found that those with higher levels of vitamin D in their blood were less susceptible to developing gum inflammation.2

The antioxidant coenzyme Q10 is another beneficial nutrient to have in your diet, and it is primarily found in fish, meat, and in the germs of whole grains. A study from Osaka University in Japan provided evidence that a deficiency of the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 in the diet could be a contributing factor in the development of periodontal disease. The three-week study examined the effects of applying a topical coenzyme Q10 on gum tissue and demonstrated reductions in both inflammation and infection.3

It is clear that a diet rich in antioxidants is beneficial for a healthy mouth, but it is also important to make sure to get plenty of whole grains and calcium. Whole-grain foods are believed to play a role in the prevention of periodontal disease by reducing the overall amount of bodily inflammation.4  Calcium is critical in strengthening bone mass below the gum line and reducing the amount of decay caused by bacteria. Conversely, inadequate levels of dietary calcium cause periodontal disease to worsen.5

Dietary guidelines and tips that can boost your oral health and help prevent periodontal disease

  • Consume plenty of foods rich in vitamin C
  • Increase your intake of organic vegetables
  • Choose whole-grain products over those made with white flour
  • Get plenty of calcium, either through low-fat dairy products or dark, leafy greens
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid sodas and sugary drinks
  • Brush your teeth and floss at least twice a day
  • Don’t smoke or use tobacco products
  • Choose all-natural oral care products over commercial brands

Consuming a well-balanced diet in conjunction with good hygiene habits is the best choice when it comes to natural treatment for periodontal disease. A well-balanced diet equips your body with the tools that it needs to effectively fight against infection and inflammation throughout the body, including in your mouth. All-natural oral care products like those made by Dental Herb Company are another important tool in the fight against periodontal disease. Dental Herb Company products are made from the highest quality essential oils and herbal extracts, and proven to be effective in maintaining optimal oral health. Integrate these natural oral care solutions into your healthier lifestyle and see what a difference choosing the natural path can make.

References:

  1. J Periodontol. 2000 Aug;71(8):1215-23. Dietary vitamin C and the risk for periodontal disease. Nishida M, Grossi SG, Dunford RG, Ho AW, Trevisan M, Genco RJ. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10972636
  2. Dietrich, T., M. Nunn, B. Dawson-Hughes, and HA Bischoff-Ferrari. “Association between Serum Concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and Gingival Inflammation.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 82 (2005): 575-80.Http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Web. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16155270>.
  3. Effect of topical application of coenzyme Q10 on adult periodontitis Mol Aspects Med. 1994;15 Suppl:s241-8. Effect of topical application of coenzyme Q10 on adult periodontitis. Hanioka T, Tanaka M, Ojima M, Shizukuishi S, Folkers K. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7752836
  4. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jun;83(6):1395-400. Whole-grain and fiber intakes and periodontitis risk in men. Merchant AT, Pitiphat W, Franz M, Joshipura KJ. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16762952
  5. J Periodontol. 2000 Jul;71(7):1057-66. Calcium and the risk for periodontal disease. Nishida M, Grossi SG, Dunford RG, Ho AW, Trevisan M, Genco RJ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10960010