OH MY Bleeding Gums! | Healthy Teeth

Bleeding and sore gums can be due to over enthusiastic brushing or gum disease such as gingivitis. It can also indicate the body is run down and in need of some rest and relaxation or you may be lacking Vitamin C and bioflavonoids.

Smoking, stress, worry, reduced immunity can all deplete your body of some well needed Vitamin C. Bleeding or sore gums can be as a result of the plaque forming bacteria that cause chronic gum disease. These plaque forming bacteria really thrive on sugar.

Chewing gum on an on-going basis even if labelled sugar free are not good for you as they are very high in sweeteners which can irritate the linings of your mouth and digestive tract and play havoc with your digestive enzyme production and overall digestive health. It is very important to limit your sugar intake and your kids intake to an absolute minimum, this includes ketchup, fizzy drinks, concentrated juices, sweets, biscuits and cakes. Dilute concentrated fruit juices with filtered water. Freshly squeezed fruit juices are the best but it is also recommended to dilute these.

Drink plenty of water daily and rinse your mouth out with water after eating sugary foods. Garlic and coriander keep teeth and gums healthy. Chewing liquorice sticks regularly are also beneficial in reducing the bacterial load in the mouth.

Foods containing plenty of fibre such as leafy green vegetables, wholegrain brown rice, fresh fruits are high in vitamin C which promotes healthy teeth and gums. Vitamin C supplements are generally needed to restore balance. Avoid supplements which contain sugar. Sugar is  especially high in chewable forms (helps make them taste nicer) this sugar can attack tooth enamel and further weaken the linings of the mouth.

It is claimed toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) can thin the lining of the cheeks and may weaken gum tissue. It is advisable to opt for a good toothpaste free from SLS and with added nutrients such as COQ10, Vitamin K, there are many herbal varieties available now which are much less harsh on the linings of the mouth and gums.

Regular dental visits are a must along with daily brushing of teeth and flossing to remove lodged particles. Use natural mouthwashes free from alcohol such as tea tree mouthwash.

If you constantly suffer from sore gums, bleeding gums, delicate mouth linings you may be lacking in Folic acid or zinc or a good quality multi vitamin and multi mineral may be needed to promote healthy tissues. Mercury from amalgam fillings may also trigger sore bleeding gums. Alert your dentist/practitioner if you have a metallic taste in your mouth.