How to Cure Periodontal Disease Through Diet

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria around the tooth and under the gums in the form of tartar and plaque. The disease causes the fibers that attach the teeth to the gums to weaken and lose supportive tissue. This can lead to loosening of the teeth and eventually tooth loss.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include bad breath, and swollen, bleeding and sensitive gums. More advanced conditions may result in loose teeth and blackened gum tissue. Diet has an effect on the advancement of periodontal disease.

Instructions

• 1

  Drink green tea daily. Green tea contains an antioxidant called catechin that is thought to help decrease the advancement of periodontal disease.

  A study done in Japan showed that a cup of green tea per day can have a significant effect on reducing the incidence of the condition. Antioxidants help stop damage from free radicals caused by the immune system's response to bacterial invasion. Drink a cup or more of green tea daily to decrease the risk and incidence of the development of periodontal disease.

• 2

  Avoid eating sugary foods. Foods that contain high amounts of sugar may further the advancement of periodontal disease.

  According to umm.edu, sugary foods cause an acid accumulation in the oral cavity in which bacteria grow and thrive. Bacterial accumulation will form tartar and plaque if not removed immediately. Avoid eating sugary foods, and cleanse the mouth immediately after eating or drinking foods that contain sugar. Carry a toothbrush and floss, or at the very least rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water following a sugary meal.

• 3

  Eat foods that contain vitamin C to decrease the incidence of periodontal disease. Vitamin C helps to keep connective tissue that supports the tooth and gum strong and will help block bacteria from forming under the gum line.

  Sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, broccoli, green peppers and strawberries. Many other fresh fruits and vegetables contain high levels of vitamin C as well. Avoid fruit juices that contain sugar and may worsen periodontal disease.

• 4

  Include more foods that act as anti-microbial agents. Anti-microbial foods such as garlic, onion, oregano, thyme, tarragon and cinnamon may help to decrease the incidence of periodontal disease. According to news.cornell.edu, these foods can kill up to 80 percent of bacteria that may contribute to tartar and plaque.

  Other foods that reduce bacteria to a lesser degree include hot peppers, ginger, celery seed, and lemon and lime juice. Include these additives in foods as much as possible in order to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity that might contribute to periodontal disease.