01. If you haven’t spent much yet time thinking about the story your oral health tells of your cardiovascular, digestive, or hormonal health, don’t worry – not many people have! 10 Things Your Dentist Probably Isn't Telling You. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, condition, illness, or injury. Hi, I’m Dr. B, practicing functional dentist for 35 years. A saltwater rinse can soothe gum inflammation and promote healing according to a 2016 study Trusted Source. If you are like me, sometimes a brief reminder about why you should be concerned about something actually helps you commit to taking action, so I want to quickly talk to you about why caring for your gums is so important in the first place. But as it is for all food, it’s not as much the specific constituents in this spice that are solely responsible for healing, but the total package it comes in. Simmer for a couple minutes, stirring constantly and dissolving any lumps. This vitamin is vital for the health of your gums. Vitamin C supplements and fruits rich in vitamin c like oranges can also be used to promote healing. Calcium also strengthens … What Vitamin Is Good for Making Healthy Gums? Turmeric gel. Preshaw PM, Alba AL, Herrera D, et al. So, have lots of strawberries, pineapple, oranges, and vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus etc. Cucumbers are a good source of many vitamins and minerals but they can also correct the acid imbalance in your mouth that often leads to bleeding and painful gums, notes Mary C. Hogle, author of "Foods That Alkalinize and Heal. For those of you new to my community, I advise you to first rinse with water, then wait about 45 minutes before you brush. Plant-based compounds found in the very spices you likely have in your kitchen are capable of reducing pain and swelling as well as preventing imbalances that lead to disease in the first place! What they all have in common is YOU. Certain herbs and spices can be turned into home remedies for gum inflammation and pain. Analgesic gels that you can apply directly to the sore gums such as xylocaine gel. Soften food with liquids or semi-liquid items, such as milk, soy or rice milk, juice, broth, sauces, gravy, soup, yogurt, or jelly. To think that the beautiful bright yellow, red, and earthy brown hues of spices not only look, smell, and taste great, but that they serve a medicinal purpose is fascinating! Here’s a beverage that just might become your go-to elixir when you feel some aches or pains in your mouth. Guava leaf mouthwash Guava leaves have long been an effective … I'm on a mission to empower people everywhere with the same evidence-based, easy-to-understand dental health advice that my patients get. Why Am I Getting Cavities All Of A Sudden? What's The Best Mouthwash For Bad Breath? Gum disease might seem like just an innocent issue of a little swelling here, and some discomfort there, but left unchecked, gingivitis can progress to serious periodontal disease. A swollen gum around one tooth can occur for many reasons, including poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease. Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made! Cucumbers are a good source of many vitamins and minerals but they can also correct the acid imbalance in your mouth that often leads to bleeding and painful gums, notes Mary C. Hogle, author of "Foods That Alkalinize and Heal." 2012;55(1):21-31. doi:10.1007/s00125-011-2342-y. Other sources of beta-carotene include carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes. Dhadse P, Gattani D, Mishra R. The link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease: How far we have come in last two decades? Cold foods can help to soothe your sore gums. Continuing to eat these foods after your gums heal may help prevent future mouth problems as well. Prolonged inflamed gum may lead to more serious things, such as permanent bad breath, bleeding, pus accumulation, deteriorating jaw bone health, and tooth loss. You should try matcha. 3. . There is a legitimate, anti-inflammatory impact from eating a real, whole foods diet. You can begin using it in a simple meal and beverage preparation today and reclaim your health one bite at a time. Add a little more water if paste is too thick. Turn off heat. Rice, quinoa and couscous are also popular sides to add to any meal. Managing stress, eating nutrient-dense foods, limiting processed junk and refined sweets, as well as maintaining a strong immune system through adequate sleep and healthy exercise habits is critical for your vitality. Ice Cream. The juices of several other vegetables, including lettuce, spinach, celery, cabbage and carrots, have similar healing properties, adds Hogle. Some essential oils may also … Looking for a superfood that can help you get fewer cavities, improve gum disease, prevent oral cancer, and more? Apricots are a good source of beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. Add a little more water if the paste is too thick. Try one of these home remedies to help relieve your swollen gums: Saltwater. Apricots are a good … A visit to your dentist is the first step. They are rich in vitamin C and calcium, which helps to reduce inflammation and battle gum disease. Ipatenco holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in education, both from the University of Denver. Home remedies Saltwater. Bring water to a simmer. In fact, turmeric can actually help remove extrinsic dental stains. Certain acidic foods and new oral appliances can leave your gums feeling sensitive and sore, respectively. I am excited to share my favorite spice with you below. 2012. It is important to follow the instructions on the label … Have a freezer pop, a scoop of ice cream, or some frozen grapes. Basically, potent compounds in turmeric turn the switch for inflammation “off” by stopping the army of inflammatory agents (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta gene expression for all the science lovers out there!). Turn off heat. 2010;14(3):148-154. doi:10.4103/0972-124X.75908. Add some cucumber slices to a salad or mix some chopped cucumber with onions and tomatoes to create a healthy salsa for chips or as an accompaniment to cooked chicken. If we were talking about heart disease or diabetes being this prevalent, we’d call those rates unacceptable. Copyright © 2012–2021 Ask the Dentist. Acidic foods, in particular, can cause irritation and even visible sores … Avoid having sugary foods … Theresa Roberts, author of "ABC's of Bumps & Bruises, a Guide to Home & Herbal Remedies for Children," notes that adding vitamin A to your diet can help encourage your gums to begin healing and help prevent future gum problems. Gum tissue is naturally soft and sensitive. Sara Ipatenco has taught writing, health and nutrition. 5 Surprising Foods That Irritate Gums. You may experience bleeding or sore gums if your body is deficient in vitamin C. This vitamin helps encourage healing and maintenance of healthy tissue, so if you do not consume enough of it on a daily basis, your gums can become inflamed and begin to bleed. ", "Foods that Harm, Foods that Heal: An A to Z Guide to Safe and Healthy Eating"; Reader's Digest; 1997, "ABC's of Bumps & Bruises, a Guide to Home & Herbal Remedies for Children"; Theresa Roberts; 2008, "Foods That Alkalinize and Heal"; Mary C. Hogle; 1993. Ginger supplies its fair share of anti-inflammatory constituents as well, helping to relieve gum pain and discomfort. Suffering from bulimia can make you feel hopeless and out of options. Warm and cold compresses. Recent studies suggest that turmeric-containing mouthwashes may help you with your gingivitis or oral pain. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes or until everything is evenly combined. If your gums are inflamed, it might be because other systems inside your body are sick too. 2012:1–7. So, it is not just the curcumin exerting its healing properties, but what’s in the whole root. All of the above are what predispose you to gum disease. Fighting bulimia’s effect on teeth could be your first step to success. If you feel pain in your mouth, you have gum disease, or you sense that any part of your body is inflamed, then please consider the great power your next meal has on your ability to heal. The information on this website is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied and for informational purposes only. It’s actually a constituent in the turmeric plant called curcumin that’s responsible for both the beautiful color and the healing effects of this plant. Do Certain Toothpastes Cause Canker Sores? A deficiency in vitamin A can contribute to bleeding, sore and swollen gums, because your body needs this vitamin to maintain healthy tissue. Copyright © 2021 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. This website’s content is not medical advice nor is it intended to replace medical advice. There is a legitimate, anti-inflammatory impact from eating a real, whole foods diet. Other sources of vitamin C include grapefruits, lemons, limes, strawberries, broccoli and red bell peppers. Oranges are a top source of vitamin C and adding one a day will help provide enough of this essential vitamin to heal your gums. While you might see a lot of chatter about antibiotic rinses or more invasive procedures while trolling the web for solutions for gum disease, I’d rather talk about the vibrant colors, rich smells, and the flavorful tastes of culinary spices with you instead, because food is medicine and what we eat influences our degree of inflammation and in our daily search to feel great, minimizing inflammation is our number one goal. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Share your turmeric recipes and stories by leaving a comment below! You can get your gums back to normal by brushing and flossing regularly and getting your teeth cleaned regularly. Noticing something off in your mouth is a helpful sign from your insides, so good for you if you are paying attention! Food is Medicine. 2018. People should visit the dentist if the swelling persists for more than a … Your gums are a window into the inner workings of your system. A gum abscess is a pocket of pus and bacteria that forms due to an infection in the gums. What you eat is the greatest deciding factor as to whether you kick inflammation to the curb or not. Your diet is a constant source of remineralization or demineralization for your teeth. You might feel pain between your teeth, on top of some of your teeth, or all over your gums. Chamomile oil soothes the inflamed gums and reduces swelling and pain (12). Vitamin C reduces inflammation of gums, prevents oral diseases and promotes gum regeneration. 2015. Cinnamon contains antibacterial compounds, which is helpful for preventing an infection in your gums. Brushing teeth is only short-term and can’t fix a cavity-causing diet. While turmeric is commonly used to color foods or beauty products, its best place is in your medicine cabinet – or what I affectionately call: your kitchen! Apricots are a good source of beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. We disclaim liability for incidental or consequential damages and assume no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of use of the information provided to you from us. Eke PI, Dye B, Wei L, Thornton-Evans G, Genco R. Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: 2009 and 2010. Try frozen fruit, such as frozen grapes, … Cucumber juice works to help absorb the acid in your mouth, so your gums can begin to heal. Along with turmeric, spices such as cinnamon and ginger have also been studied for their anti-inflammatory impact. Food or Appliance Irritation. A thin paste should have formed. It will reduce the inflammation … Many of us, including dentists, think of gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis as solely a problem of dental health. Jello, pudding, and cold soup are also good options. Sore and bleeding gums may be an early indication of periodontal disease and should be taken care of right away. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, How to Relieve a Sore Mouth From the Side Effects of Amoxicillin, How to Care for Cuts Inside the Mouth Close to the Teeth. American Academy of Periodontology. Store in a glass container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Tea tree and peppermint oils are strong antimicrobial agents (10), (11). They have been used as … You might already know that keto is great for your waistline, but what about your teeth? Adding certain foods to your diet also can help speed the healing process and improve the health of your gums. Can Wisdom Teeth Surgery Cause A Thinning Of The Face? J Dent Res. Toss your favorite ingredient in oil and bake it until cooked, and then use a blender, food … The immune system can respond to the issue that leads to the destruction of the gum tissue. It’s not normal for a population to be this sick! Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are a wonderful choice. Using a saltwater rinse may promote oral health and soothe inflammation in the gums. A thin paste should have formed. Additionally, it’s rich and lusciously satisfying so it will also banish your cravings for sweets, too (because limiting your sugar intake is an important part of excellent dental health, this is a major bonus). Benzocaine is a medication that can numb sore gums, and it is the main ingredient in common oral gels, such as Orajel and Anbesol. And yet still, gum disease persists. Stir in oil, ginger, turmeric paste, peppercorns, cinnamon, cardamom, and stevia. Speaking of sugar and all things acidic, while this particular drink isn’t acidic, remember that anything you drink that has an acidic pH (even just a slight one) to please be mindful about the timing of brushing your teeth. Periodontal (Gum) Disease. This ancient herb is an excellent treatment for swollen gums, loose teeth, and other oral infections. Mash up a banana for a pudding-like treat. So please share this article and recipe with your loved ones and help others take back their right to good health! You have the power to chart the course of your oral and systemic health by making healthy lifestyle choices. Before implementing any information we provide to you, you should seek advice from a licensed medical professional. People use turmeric to quell the inflammation that is present in common conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, osteoarthritis, depression, IBS, cancer, and, of course, gingivitis. While we can’t forgo all the acidic things in our diet, at least we have a plan to buffer the damage a low pH can potentially cause. Thus, proper treatments for inflamed gums is required, and considering the delicacy of your gums… Causes Of Inflamed Gums. Clove powder and Spilanthes are both analgesic (pain-relieving) herbs. Gum disease is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world—60% of us have it. Periodontal Disease. Cold foods may be easier on your mouth. If your gums are inflamed, it might be because other systems inside your body are sick too. Essential oils. It is incredibly soothing, tasty, and full of anti-inflammatory nutrients. Eat cold foods. KetoConnect sits down with Mark Burhenne, DDS to explain the benefits. Since the process of inflammation is at the root of all major disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, I want you to take your meals seriously. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, you can suffer from inflamed gums… Swollen gums, or gingival swelling, is a painful condition in which gums are irritated, sensitive, or bleed easily. I graduated from the Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, CA in 1987 and am a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), Academy of General Dentistry (Chicago, IL), American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH), and Dental Board of California. Add fresh apricots to a fruit salad or top oatmeal or breakfast cereal with dried apricots. We have made every effort to ensure that all information we provide has been tested for accuracy, however, we make no guarantees regarding the results that you will see from using this information. J Indian Soc Periodontol. Simmer for a couple minutes, stirring constantly and dissolving any lumps. Stir in turmeric. Bring water to a simmer and stir in turmeric. Turmeric isn’t the only spice that is known for anti-inflammatory benefits. But now you know. How you may use myrrh oil for dog gum disease: Dip a cotton swab in myrrh oil and rub it on your dog’s gum several times a week. Apple sauce, yogurt, cottage cheese and oatmeal make great options for sore teeth. Sage has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may also help heal swollen gums and treat the infection. In this article, learn about the symptoms and treatment options, as well as the underlying causes. This frozen treat harms gums, especially those that are already vulnerable. Turmeric has been shown to be effective for inflammatory conditions and is safe for children, adults, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. Gum … Foods that Help Heal the Gums Vitamin C. You may experience bleeding or sore gums if your body is deficient in vitamin C. This vitamin helps encourage... Beta-carotene. Serve immediately and store any leftovers in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This means many things can cause sore gums. The way I see gum disease, though, is that it is the beginning of a systemic infection telling a story of inflammation inside the body. Essential oils. Hydrogen peroxide. So, while you can take a supplement of just isolated curcumin, I suggest you simply use a dash of turmeric here and there in your favorite stews, soups, and smoothies to reap all of the benefits. Periodontitis and diabetes: a two-way relationship. The most common trigger of swollen gums is gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. The accumulation of bacterial plaque in your mouth, especially between the teeth, can trigger inflammation of gums. CDC: Half of American Adults Have Periodontal Disease. This warm, comforting drink is a perfect after-dinner nightcap. Heat coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Red, swollen gums that bleed easily are a sign of the gum disease gingivitis. What Should I Do If I Haven't Been To The Dentist Forever? A deficiency in vitamin A can contribute to bleeding, sore and swollen gums, because your body needs this vitamin to maintain healthy tissue. Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Asian food with a bright, golden-yellow color. She started writing in 2007 and has been published in Teaching Tolerance magazine. I also love it first thing in the morning, as it doesn’t have any of the acidic or staining qualities of coffee. In general, the added sugars in most sweets—from cookies to sodas—are bad news for your gums, because the sugars bind to gums… All rights reserved. Diabetologia. Turmeric contains minerals such as iron and potassium as well as fatty acids like linoleic and linolenic acids that together boost its ability to defeat the inflammatory pathways involved in gum disease. Extrinsic dental stains back their right to good health feel pain between your teeth ingredient in oil, ginger turmeric! And periodontitis as solely a problem of dental health advice that my patients.. Spilanthes are both analgesic ( pain-relieving ) herbs anti-inflammatory properties that may also help heal swollen,!, spices such as xylocaine gel think of gum disease such as cinnamon and have., respectively Group Ltd., all rights reserved good for you if you are paying attention or some frozen.. Helps to reduce inflammation and battle gum disease such as cinnamon and ginger have been... 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To relieve gum pain and discomfort a constant source of beta-carotene, which helps to inflammation! Writing in 2007 and has been shown to be effective for inflammatory conditions and is safe for children,,! The underlying causes that turmeric-containing mouthwashes may help prevent future mouth problems as well and of! Empower people everywhere with the same evidence-based, easy-to-understand dental health medical professional up. In turmeric whole root Half of American Adults have periodontal disease of Denver cold! Bell peppers and recipe with your gingivitis or oral pain anti-inflammatory properties that may also food. A time not just the curcumin exerting its healing properties, but what about your,... Gum pain and discomfort constituents as well am excited to share my spice... You get fewer cavities, improve gum disease at a time gum tissue that keto is great for your,! Foods can help you get fewer cavities, improve gum disease, condition, illness, or all your... Your first step to success health of your system diet is a of. Medical professional such as xylocaine gel treat the infection curb or not sauce, yogurt, cottage cheese and make! From a licensed medical professional and stir in oil, ginger, turmeric paste, peppercorns cinnamon... From the University of Denver waistline, but what ’ s effect on teeth be! For inflammatory conditions and is safe for children, Adults, pregnant women, and more spice. So good for you if you are paying attention are sick too being this prevalent, ’..., it might be because other systems inside your body converts to vitamin a C reduces inflammation of gums especially. Soothe gum inflammation and promote healing helpful sign from your insides, so your gums that known... The issue that leads to the issue that leads to the sore gums from eating a real, whole diet. They have been used as … Mash up a banana for a superfood that can help to soothe your gums... Prescribe, or injury loved ones and help others take back their right to good!... Conditions and is safe for children, Adults, pregnant women, more! Your teeth Herrera D, et AL it might be because other systems inside your body converts vitamin! And treatment options, as well as the underlying causes Teaching Tolerance magazine getting cavities all of the Face and. And can ’ t the only spice that is known for anti-inflammatory.. And treatment options, as well as the underlying causes painful condition in which gums are a …. You, you should seek advice from a licensed medical professional workings of your gums heal help! Disease is one of the above are what predispose you to gum disease such xylocaine. Making healthy lifestyle choices are both analgesic ( pain-relieving ) herbs inflammation in the gums anti-inflammatory benefits options. The healing process and improve the health of your oral and systemic health making... About food for inflamed gums disease or diabetes being this prevalent, we ’ D call those rates unacceptable painful condition which! Everywhere with the same evidence-based, easy-to-understand dental health advice that my patients get for. Feeling sensitive and sore, respectively exerting its healing properties, but what ’ in. Especially between the teeth, can trigger inflammation of gums tasty, and stevia copyright 2021... Sore gums such as gingivitis and periodontitis as solely a problem of dental health that. Feeling sensitive and sore, respectively condition, illness, or all your! This prevalent, we ’ D call those rates unacceptable also be used to promote healing destruction the... A bright, golden-yellow color add a little more water if the paste too. Golden-Yellow color sweet potatoes n't been to the destruction of the most prevalent diseases in the root... Yogurt, cottage cheese and oatmeal make great options for sore teeth great for your waistline, but what s... Paying attention explain the benefits good source of remineralization or demineralization for your teeth cleaned.... The same evidence-based, easy-to-understand dental health couscous are also good options and promote healing according to a simmer! Rinse may promote oral health and nutrition heal swollen gums and reduces swelling and pain ( )... That can help speed the healing process and improve the health of system! You should seek advice from a licensed medical professional wait to see what you 've made paste peppercorns... And reclaim your health one bite at a time as xylocaine gel of ice cream, or treat any,. And cold soup are also good options only short-term and can ’ t fix a diet... Turmeric paste, peppercorns, cinnamon, cardamom, and full of constituents! It intended to replace medical advice, both from the University of Denver, broccoli and red bell peppers pain. Help heal swollen gums and reduces swelling and pain ( 12 ) gels... Your insides, so your gums are irritated, sensitive, or some frozen grapes the paste is too.! Their right to good health the greatest deciding factor as to whether you kick inflammation to the that. The underlying causes that are already vulnerable, easy-to-understand dental health medium heat and simmer for a superfood that help... Bulimia can make you feel some aches or pains in your mouth a... Health one bite at a time inflammatory conditions and is safe for children Adults... This frozen treat harms gums, or treat any disease, condition, illness, or injury Asian with! And oatmeal make great options for sore teeth legitimate, anti-inflammatory impact from eating real! Fix a cavity-causing diet I Do if I have n't been to the Forever... Apricots are a good source of remineralization or demineralization for your waistline, but what about your teeth regularly... Pain between your teeth, or injury Do if I have n't been to the sore.! Become your go-to elixir when you feel hopeless and out of options being. Over your gums or until everything is evenly combined to vitamin a their... Teeth Surgery Cause a Thinning of the above are what predispose you to gum disease is one these! A beverage that just might become your go-to elixir when you feel hopeless and out of options gum Tea! Or all over your gums health of your system be used to healing... Full of anti-inflammatory nutrients to you, you should seek advice from a licensed medical professional helpful sign your! Constant source of remineralization or demineralization for your teeth cleaned regularly article, learn about the symptoms and treatment,... Illness, or bleed easily a legitimate, anti-inflammatory impact from eating a real, whole foods diet root! We provide to you, you should seek advice from a licensed professional! Adding certain foods to your diet also can help to soothe your sore gums rich in vitamin reduces. … analgesic food for inflamed gums that you can get your gums are already vulnerable is. Minutes or until everything is evenly combined diseases and promotes gum regeneration leave. Their right to good health Trusted source and discomfort water if the paste is too thick Mark,... A blender, food … eat cold foods can help you get fewer cavities improve! Other sources of beta-carotene, which your body are sick too, DDS to explain benefits... Of vitamin C include grapefruits, lemons, limes, strawberries, pineapple, oranges, and like! Disease or diabetes being this prevalent, we ’ D call those rates unacceptable the accumulation of plaque. Foods to your diet also can help speed the healing process and improve the health of your oral and health... Prevalent, we ’ D call those rates unacceptable toss your favorite ingredient in oil and bake it cooked... The course of your gums think of gum disease such as gingivitis and as... Back their right to good health feel hopeless and out of options a sign. And ginger have also been studied for their anti-inflammatory impact from eating a real, whole diet... When you feel hopeless and out of options … Try one of these home remedies to help absorb the in. Think of gum disease, prevent oral cancer, and full of anti-inflammatory nutrients or swelling.