| Gingivitis, a form of periodontal disease, is defined as | | | | you combat the problem from within. |
| chronic inflammation of the gums. Infection invades the | | | | Research has shown that periodontal disease can |
| tissues of the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and | | | | lead to heart attack, stroke, diabetes, pneumonia, |
| even the alveolar bone where the teeth attach. | | | | arthritis, and a long list of inflammatory diseases |
| Various dental diseases are thought to be caused by | | | | because the gums give dangerous bacteria a free ride |
| high levels of free radicals produced by plaque and | | | | into the blood stream. Taking vitamins and supplements |
| tartar on the teeth, along with bacterial proteinases, | | | | to prevent gum damage will also protect you from |
| and a long list of immune system responses to these | | | | giving bacteria a way in, protecting you from a lot of |
| problems. | | | | other inflammatory health problems. |
| Periodontal disease often starts as simple plaque. | | | | Your first line of defense is antioxidants that |
| Plaque is the sticky substance that we should brush | | | | strengthen cell membranes and help them ward off |
| off of our teeth at least twice a day. This is because | | | | oxidant attacks. If oxidants enter cells, they destroy |
| plaque harbors a lot of bacteria. The bacteria produce | | | | them. Antioxidants also trap oxidants and flush them |
| toxins, proteins, and free radicals that damage our | | | | from the body. Antioxidants strengthen and calm the |
| gums. If plaque is allowed to harden, then it becomes | | | | immune system, controlling cytokine production, and |
| tartar, which must be scraped off by your dental | | | | helping your gums to react to invaders, not overreact. |
| hygienist. Plaque and tartar form damaging oxidants | | | | A good amount of antioxidants in your diet and |
| and bacteria that have direct access to our gum | | | | supplement routine will help control inflammation and |
| tissues. | | | | reduce your chances of periodontal disease recurring. |
| Inflammation in the gums also leads to increased | | | | One of the most proven ways to protect your gums |
| cytokine production, which helps to thicken, bind, and | | | | from periodontal disease is to use vitamin C |
| harden plaque. Cytokines are proinflammatory | | | | supplements. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It |
| secretions produced when the immune system senses | | | | helps to reduce binding agents, protect cells, reduce |
| invaders. It is meant to contain the bacteria, but | | | | bacteria, eradicate oxidants, and strengthen the |
| unfortunately, it simply helps plaque and tartar take | | | | immune system. Some forms of vitamin C |
| hold. Inflammation of the gums can cause a cascade | | | | supplements can be very acidic and cause tooth |
| with cytokines and oxidants making periodontal | | | | decay. Make sure that if you are taking vitamin C |
| disease very hard to treat. | | | | supplements for dental health that you use the best |
| A strict regimen of brushing with a soft bristled brush, | | | | vitamin C. Vitamin C powder supplements that are |
| gentle flossing, antibacterial rinsing, and regular | | | | buffered to reduce acidity are recommended by many |
| periodontal cleanings can help keep periodontal disease | | | | dental professionals. |
| at bay. However, the slightest slip-up can cause the | | | | Speak with your periodontist or dental professional |
| cycle to escalate very quickly and you’re going to | | | | about which vitamin C supplements they recommend |
| have problems again. Changes in your diet, antioxidant | | | | for you. |
| intake, and vitamins and supplements routine can help | | | | |