What Causes Gingivitis and What are the Telltale Symptoms?
Gingivitis, caused by plaque buildup around the teeth, is the mildest form of gum disease, and gum disease is easily reversible with proper oral care at home and with regular professional cleanings. Healthy gums are pink, firm and they don’t bleed, so if your gums are redder and puffier than normal and they bleed during brushing and/or flossing, there is a high probability that you have gingivitis. Recent research released by the Journal of Dental Research estimates that 47 percent of Americans aged 30 and older has some form of gum disease.1 If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into more serious forms of gum disease that have the potential to result in irreversible damage, such as tooth loss.
You should make an appointment with your dentist to have your teeth cleaned and checked if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Bright red, reddish-purple or shiny gums
- Gums that are sore to the touch
- Persistent bad breath that does not go away
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Mouth sores
Dentists are best able to remove the plaque buildup that causes gum inflammation, and in combination with good oral care habits like regular brushing and flossing in between visits, you can easily prevent gingivitis from progressing to periodontal disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to the more serious stages of periodontal disease. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that flossing is enough, although its importance in gum health is invaluable. Even if your teeth are sparkling after you brush, there are still decaying food particles and plaque forming at the gum line that are not visible to the naked eye. Daily brushing, rinsing and flossing are the only way that you can ensure you are removing these bacteria in order to prevent the gum tissue from becoming inflamed. In addition to this daily dental hygiene regimine, consider using a natural treatment for gingivitis, such as the Tooth & Gums System offered by Dental Herb Company. All Dental Herb Company products are blended with precise formulations of the purest essential oils and alcohol-free extracts of organically grown herbs, and have been proven to reduce oral bacteria and provide long lasting results.
Oral health care and natural alternatives for the treatment of gingivitis
In the 1890s, fluoride was first added to toothpaste for its cavity fighting abilities, though its popularity in mouth care products did not become apparent until the 1950s.2 Since that time, studies on fluoride have revealed that it is a highly toxic additive that carries with it a laundry list of negative potential health consequences such as arthritis, gastrointestinal effects, brain effects, kidney disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, endocrine disruption and acute toxicity.3 Despite this, fluoride is still used in most commercial oral care products, as well as a variety of other toxins such as sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, food dyes and artificial sweeteners. Improving your oral health at the expense of your overall well being is counterproductive. Natural oral care products such as those offered by Dental Herb Company are a safe and healthy choice for consumers.
When it comes to natural oral care products, some might believe that they aren’t as effective as their alternatives. Some might feel that chemicals are essential in order to properly clean, and that natural products are just not potent enough. The truth of the matter is that modern clinical research has demonstrated the antimicrobial benefits of essential oils and organically grown herbs such as those used in Dental Herb Company products.
The most effective ways to reverse gingivitis and prevent periodontitis
Dental Herb Company natural oral care products contain essential oils and herbs that help fight oral bacteria and maintain a healthy, good-looking smile. Many studies have shown that our bodies naturally develop a resistance to antibiotics when there is frequent exposure and overuse. This natural resistance to antibiotics includes those found in commercial toothpaste as well. The good news is that microorganisms do not appear to develop a resistance or tolerance to the antibacterial effects of essential oils.4 Not only are natural oral care products an effective gingivitis remedy compared with other over-the-counter options, their antimicrobial qualities, in combination with their aromatic scent and structure make them a better choice as a long-lasting remedy for bad breath.5 Whereas most products contain alcohol, which can dry out the mouth, Dental Herb Company products use oils which cling to damaged tissue and promote healing.
Truly Natural® Ingredients
Peppermint
An essential oil that provides overall protection by reducing oral bacteria and inflammation.
Dental Herb Company products are made with precisely calculated formulations of the highest quality ingredients including organically-grown herb extracts like peppermint, lavender, red thyme, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, echinacea, gotu kola and green tea. The 100% natural antimicrobial solutions from Dental Herb Company include: Tooth & Gums Tonic®, Tooth & Gums Essentials® Toothpaste, PerioSpot Gel® , Under the Gums Irrigant® and a Tooth & Gums Spritz® that all work together to restore and maintain your oral health. The result is an incredibly powerful and effective treatment for penetrating the mucous membrane and improving the health of the teeth, gums, and mouth. Available online and through thousands of dentists and health professionals nationwide.
References:
- “Almost Half of U.S. Adults Have Gum Disease: MedlinePlus.” U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_129227.html
- Church, Meredith. “History of Toothpaste.” Helium. Helium, 15 June 2012. Web. http://www.helium.com/items/2337069-the-history-of-toothpaste
- “Fluoride & Health.” Fluoridealert.org. Fluoride Action Network, n.d. Web. http://www.fluoridealert.org/issues/health/
- Meeker HG, Linke HAB. The antibacterial action of eugenol, thyme oil, and other related essential oils used in dentistry. Compend. 1998;9(1):32-40
- Schechter, Bernard, DDS. “Time Tested Botanical Remedies for Modern Periodontal Therapy.” Dentistry Today Oct. 1998: n. pag. Web. https://dentalherbmain.wpenginepowered.com/pdfs/Dentistry-Today-Schechter-Article.pdf