How to Treat Gingivitis With Diet

Gingivitis is a disease characterized by plaque on the teeth and sensitive or bleeding gums. In its early stages, gingivitis is easily reversible; however, when it progresses and becomes periodontitis - the pulling away of the teeth from the gums - it becomes costly to treat. Before gingivitis sets in, try some natural defenses and dietary measures to keep it at bay.

Things You'll Need

• Vitamin C supplement
• Fruits with vitamin C
• Peppermint leaves
• Clove oil
• Warm salt water

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Instructions

• 1

  A vitamin C deficiency can cause gingivitis, so maintaining healthy levels can help fight it. Eat foods high in vitamin C, such as kiwis, strawberries, cantaloupe, broccoli and oranges. Take a supplement of 500 to 1000 mg of vitamin C twice daily.

• 2

  Avoid sugary foods and drinks to keep the inflammation of your gums at a minimum. Mix one teaspoon of table or sea salt with one pint of warm water, and gargle with it for a 30 thirty seconds to fight inflammation.

• 3

  Place one or two peppermint leaves (found in supermarkets) between your gums and cheek on each side of your mouth in times of great discomfort for relief. Rubbing clove oil (carried at most drugstores) on your gums will also fight bacteria.

• 4

  Brush your teeth with toothpaste containing tea tree extract, sold in many supermarkets.

• 5

  Drink 4 ounces of cranberry juice a day to keep bacteria from building up on your teeth.

• 6

  Floss after each meal. Food trapped between teeth is a common cause of gingivitis and irritates the condition if it already exists.