Alison Odey

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gingival (the gum). It can be characterised by swelling, redness, watery exudates or bleeding.
It can also deepen the crevice between the gum and the tooth, causing pockets to form.
It is caused by bacterial plaque microbial colonies attached to the teeth surfaces.

Factors such as malposition of the teeth, dental calculus (tartar), food impaction and faulty dental restoration are often behind an ongoing chronic problem that doesn’t clear up with the usual brushing.

Steps you can take to correct the problem are as follows:

–  Firstly check your diet for excess sugars, even those from eating dried fruits and honey. Sugars can cause a build up of bacterial plaque that is known to produce toxic products that can aggravate gingival (gum) tissues.
Reduce sugar intake and increase raw fruits and vegetables.

–  Be sure to brush and floss the teeth regularly. A good flossing procedure will remove all the plaque adhering between the teeth in the tiny crevices. If you find that the floss is becoming stuck on jagged corners it is time to visit a dentist and have all old fillings checked for worn edges and the teeth for a build up of tartar.

–  Try applying Propolis tincture direct to the edge of the gums. This may not taste very nice but acts as an excellent antibiotic and healing agent. Better still it tends to be slightly sticky and will stay on the gum rather than immediately washing off. If using Propolis as a mouth wash, be sure to use an old cup or glass to dilute the propolis as it can stain crockery very badly.
I usually recommend an undiluted Propolis extract.
Contact Us if you need to order this product.

–  Herbal mouth washes, combined with good oral hygiene, may help if used often enough. Teas made with sage, rosemary, cloves or cinnamon all of which have antibiotic properties would also be appropriate.

–   Also be sure that your intake of Vitamin C and Zinc is adequate as a deficiency of these two elements can greatly hinder the healing process.