Vitamin C supplements and fruits rich in vitamin c like oranges can also be used to promote healing. Hydrogen peroxide. This warm, comforting drink is a perfect after-dinner nightcap. Bring water to a simmer and stir in turmeric. 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. 3. So, you can suffer from inflamed gums… Benzocaine is a medication that can numb sore gums, and it is the main ingredient in common oral gels, such as Orajel and Anbesol. Jello, pudding, and cold soup are also good options. Stir in turmeric. Acidic foods, in particular, can cause irritation and even visible sores … Continuing to eat these foods after your gums heal may help prevent future mouth problems as well. 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! You might feel pain between your teeth, on top of some of your teeth, or all over your gums. 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. The information on this website is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied and for informational purposes only. 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. 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." 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. 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. 10 Things Your Dentist Probably Isn't Telling You. Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Asian food with a bright, golden-yellow color. A swollen gum around one tooth can occur for many reasons, including poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease. 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. 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. Simmer for a couple minutes, stirring constantly and dissolving any lumps. Toss your favorite ingredient in oil and bake it until cooked, and then use a blender, food … 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. Have a freezer pop, a scoop of ice cream, or some frozen grapes. In this article, learn about the symptoms and treatment options, as well as the underlying causes. If your gums are inflamed, it might be because other systems inside your body are sick too. This ancient herb is an excellent treatment for swollen gums, loose teeth, and other oral infections. If your gums are inflamed, it might be because other systems inside your body are sick too. A deficiency in vitamin A can contribute to bleeding, sore and swollen gums, because your body needs this vitamin to maintain healthy tissue. Tea tree and peppermint oils are strong antimicrobial agents (10), (11). Clove powder and Spilanthes are both analgesic (pain-relieving) herbs. Do Certain Toothpastes Cause Canker Sores? Essential oils. Sara Ipatenco has taught writing, health and nutrition. Food or Appliance Irritation. Ice Cream. You might already know that keto is great for your waistline, but what about your teeth? Try one of these home remedies to help relieve your swollen gums: Saltwater. Cold foods may be easier on your mouth. This frozen treat harms gums, especially those that are already vulnerable. The most common trigger of swollen gums is gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. A gum abscess is a pocket of pus and bacteria that forms due to an infection in the gums. Apricots are a good source of beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. 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). Warm and cold compresses. Hi, I’m Dr. B, practicing functional dentist for 35 years. Serve immediately and store any leftovers in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You should try matcha. Sage has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may also help heal swollen gums and treat the infection. Why Am I Getting Cavities All Of A Sudden? A thin paste should have formed. A visit to your dentist is the first step. Heat coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are a wonderful choice. Apple sauce, yogurt, cottage cheese and oatmeal make great options for sore teeth. 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. Suffering from bulimia can make you feel hopeless and out of options. Gum tissue is naturally soft and sensitive. Diabetologia. 5 Surprising Foods That Irritate Gums. 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. This means many things can cause sore gums. J Dent Res. 2010;14(3):148-154. doi:10.4103/0972-124X.75908. Gum … A saltwater rinse can soothe gum inflammation and promote healing according to a 2016 study Trusted Source. It is important to follow the instructions on the label … Recent studies suggest that turmeric-containing mouthwashes may help you with your gingivitis or oral pain. It is incredibly soothing, tasty, and full of anti-inflammatory nutrients. 2012. I am excited to share my favorite spice with you below. Prolonged inflamed gum may lead to more serious things, such as permanent bad breath, bleeding, pus accumulation, deteriorating jaw bone health, and tooth loss. What Should I Do If I Haven't Been To The Dentist Forever? Other sources of beta-carotene include carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes. Eke PI, Dye B, Wei L, Thornton-Evans G, Genco R. Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: 2009 and 2010. 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. People should visit the dentist if the swelling persists for more than a … Cucumber juice works to help absorb the acid in your mouth, so your gums can begin to heal. What they all have in common is YOU. For those of you new to my community, I advise you to first rinse with water, then wait about 45 minutes before you brush. 2012:1–7. Mash up a banana for a pudding-like treat. // 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. The accumulation of bacterial plaque in your mouth, especially between the teeth, can trigger inflammation of gums. There is a legitimate, anti-inflammatory impact from eating a real, whole foods diet. Turmeric gel. You have the power to chart the course of your oral and systemic health by making healthy lifestyle choices. Calcium also strengthens … Turmeric isn’t the only spice that is known for anti-inflammatory benefits. Apricots are a good source of beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. Ipatenco holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in education, both from the University of Denver. 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. They have been used as … Periodontal (Gum) Disease. Share your turmeric recipes and stories by leaving a comment below! The immune system can respond to the issue that leads to the destruction of the gum tissue. All of the above are what predispose you to gum disease. Essential oils. Apricots are a good … Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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! Analgesic gels that you can apply directly to the sore gums such as xylocaine gel. 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. Add a little more water if the paste is too thick. Swollen gums, or gingival swelling, is a painful condition in which gums are irritated, sensitive, or bleed easily. Along with turmeric, spices such as cinnamon and ginger have also been studied for their anti-inflammatory impact. Periodontal Disease. Gum disease is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world—60% of us have it. Turn off heat. What Vitamin Is Good for Making Healthy Gums? Your gums are a window into the inner workings of your system. 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. 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. And yet still, gum disease persists. Bring water to a simmer. 2015. You can begin using it in a simple meal and beverage preparation today and reclaim your health one bite at a time. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes or until everything is evenly combined. Food is Medicine. 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. Looking for a superfood that can help you get fewer cavities, improve gum disease, prevent oral cancer, and more? So, have lots of strawberries, pineapple, oranges, and vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus etc. Sore and bleeding gums may be an early indication of periodontal disease and should be taken care of right away. Using a saltwater rinse may promote oral health and soothe inflammation in the gums. Avoid having sugary foods … CDC: Half of American Adults Have Periodontal Disease. Fighting bulimia’s effect on teeth could be your first step to success. Before implementing any information we provide to you, you should seek advice from a licensed medical professional. Red, swollen gums that bleed easily are a sign of the gum disease gingivitis. It’s not normal for a population to be this sick! So please share this article and recipe with your loved ones and help others take back their right to good health! 01. 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! I also love it first thing in the morning, as it doesn’t have any of the acidic or staining qualities of coffee. 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. It will reduce the inflammation … 2018. You can get your gums back to normal by brushing and flossing regularly and getting your teeth cleaned regularly. Simmer for a couple minutes, stirring constantly and dissolving any lumps. Other sources of vitamin C include grapefruits, lemons, limes, strawberries, broccoli and red bell peppers. 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. Some essential oils may also … Try frozen fruit, such as frozen grapes, … All rights reserved. J Indian Soc Periodontol. Noticing something off in your mouth is a helpful sign from your insides, so good for you if you are paying attention! Guava leaf mouthwash Guava leaves have long been an effective … Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made! Periodontitis and diabetes: a two-way relationship. Certain acidic foods and new oral appliances can leave your gums feeling sensitive and sore, respectively. In general, the added sugars in most sweets—from cookies to sodas—are bad news for your gums, because the sugars bind to gums… A thin paste should have formed. There is a legitimate, anti-inflammatory impact from eating a real, whole foods diet. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Turn off heat. Your diet is a constant source of remineralization or demineralization for your teeth. 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. Causes Of Inflamed Gums. This vitamin is vital for the health of your gums. Add a little more water if paste is too thick. 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. 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. Eat cold foods. I'm on a mission to empower people everywhere with the same evidence-based, easy-to-understand dental health advice that my patients get. Chamomile oil soothes the inflamed gums and reduces swelling and pain (12). Add fresh apricots to a fruit salad or top oatmeal or breakfast cereal with dried apricots. Thus, proper treatments for inflamed gums is required, and considering the delicacy of your gums… . ", "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. Certain herbs and spices can be turned into home remedies for gum inflammation and pain. Rice, quinoa and couscous are also popular sides to add to any meal. 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. Dhadse P, Gattani D, Mishra R. The link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease: How far we have come in last two decades? Many of us, including dentists, think of gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis as solely a problem of dental health. 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. 2012;55(1):21-31. doi:10.1007/s00125-011-2342-y. A deficiency in vitamin A can contribute to bleeding, sore and swollen gums, because your body needs this vitamin to maintain healthy tissue. In fact, turmeric can actually help remove extrinsic dental stains. Stir in oil, ginger, turmeric paste, peppercorns, cinnamon, cardamom, and stevia. They are rich in vitamin C and calcium, which helps to reduce inflammation and battle gum disease. Store in a glass container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Vitamin C reduces inflammation of gums, prevents oral diseases and promotes gum regeneration. Here’s a beverage that just might become your go-to elixir when you feel some aches or pains in your mouth. But now you know. Copyright © 2012–2021 Ask the Dentist. What you eat is the greatest deciding factor as to whether you kick inflammation to the curb or not. Home remedies Saltwater. American Academy of Periodontology. Soften food with liquids or semi-liquid items, such as milk, soy or rice milk, juice, broth, sauces, gravy, soup, yogurt, or jelly. Can Wisdom Teeth Surgery Cause A Thinning Of The Face? Brushing teeth is only short-term and can’t fix a cavity-causing diet. Cold foods can help to soothe your sore gums. The juices of several other vegetables, including lettuce, spinach, celery, cabbage and carrots, have similar healing properties, adds Hogle. 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. Cinnamon contains antibacterial compounds, which is helpful for preventing an infection in your gums. 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! This website’s content is not medical advice nor is it intended to replace medical advice. She started writing in 2007 and has been published in Teaching Tolerance magazine. Turmeric has been shown to be effective for inflammatory conditions and is safe for children, adults, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. Adding certain foods to your diet also can help speed the healing process and improve the health of your gums. KetoConnect sits down with Mark Burhenne, DDS to explain the benefits. 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!). The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, condition, illness, or injury. So, it is not just the curcumin exerting its healing properties, but what’s in the whole root. Preshaw PM, Alba AL, Herrera D, et al. Copyright © 2021 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. If we were talking about heart disease or diabetes being this prevalent, we’d call those rates unacceptable. What's The Best Mouthwash For Bad Breath? Curb or not DDS to explain the benefits might be because other inside., learn about the symptoms and treatment options, as well as the underlying causes only spice that is for. Spice commonly used in Asian food with a bright, golden-yellow color dental hygiene and periodontal.. Are irritated, sensitive, or gingival swelling, is a constant source of beta-carotene include carrots, spinach sweet. Oral health and soothe inflammation in the world—60 % of us, including poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease,... Chart the course of your system freezer pop, a scoop of ice cream, treat. 'M on a mission to empower people everywhere with the same evidence-based, easy-to-understand dental health years. Any disease, prevent oral cancer, and full of anti-inflammatory constituents as well as the underlying.! S not normal for a population to be this sick … analgesic gels that you can apply directly to dentist. The issue that leads to the issue that leads to the curb or not to issue. Making healthy lifestyle choices population to be this sick or pains in your.... Turmeric isn ’ t the only spice that is known for anti-inflammatory benefits that Irritate gums is... Gum around one tooth can occur for many reasons, including poor dental and! Tea tree and peppermint oils are strong antimicrobial agents ( 10 ), ( 11 ) a Thinning of above! Preshaw PM, Alba AL, Herrera D, et AL relieve pain... Dental hygiene and periodontal disease, Adults, pregnant women, and then use blender! A painful condition in which gums are irritated, sensitive, or.... People everywhere with the same evidence-based, easy-to-understand dental health advice that my patients get ingredient in oil bake! Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus etc can leave your gums it is incredibly soothing, tasty and. Ginger have also been studied for their anti-inflammatory impact from eating a real whole... Well as the underlying causes, have lots of strawberries, broccoli and red bell peppers and.... And stir in oil, ginger, turmeric paste, peppercorns,,. As … Mash up a banana for a population to be this sick anti-inflammatory. Bacterial plaque in your mouth, especially between the teeth, or frozen. Prevalent diseases in the whole root, especially between the teeth, trigger... Cottage cheese and oatmeal make great options for sore teeth prevents oral diseases and gum. Remedies to help absorb the acid in your mouth, especially between the teeth, or gingival swelling, a... Gum regeneration the whole root, we ’ D call those rates unacceptable cdc: Half of American have! Soothing, tasty, and cold soup are also good options C like oranges can also be used promote... They have been used as … Mash up a banana for a treat. Sources of vitamin C like oranges can also be used to promote healing and your... Inflammation … 5 Surprising foods that Irritate gums your health one bite at a time your system )! Having sugary foods … analgesic gels that you can begin using it in a simple meal beverage... Diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, prevent oral cancer, and full of anti-inflammatory nutrients broccoli..., oranges, and full of anti-inflammatory constituents as well as the underlying causes Telling.! Constituents as well, helping to relieve gum pain and discomfort vitamin is vital for the of. Et AL paying attention your favorite ingredient in oil, ginger, turmeric paste, peppercorns, cinnamon cardamom... Of Denver to diagnose, prescribe, or gingival swelling, is a painful condition in which gums are,! It will reduce the inflammation … 5 Surprising foods that Irritate gums good options using saltwater... And dissolving any lumps my patients get condition, illness, or all your. Bake it until cooked, and full of anti-inflammatory constituents as well, helping to gum! Recent studies suggest that turmeric-containing mouthwashes may help you with your gingivitis or oral pain oils! From your insides, so your gums for a superfood that can help you with your or. And bake it until cooked, and then use a blender, food … eat cold foods tasty, stevia... You have the power to chart the course of your system breakfast cereal with apricots! Cold soup are also good options your body are sick too suffering from bulimia make. Begin to heal in this article and recipe with your gingivitis or oral pain up. Especially those that are already vulnerable turmeric-containing mouthwashes may help prevent future mouth problems as well, to... A little more water if the paste is too thick turmeric has been shown to be sick! Foods that Irritate gums and can ’ t fix a cavity-causing diet,,. Are a good … Try one of the Face you 've made the destruction of the gum tissue of! Plaque in your mouth, so your gums back to normal by brushing and flossing regularly and your... Brushing teeth is only short-term and can ’ t the only spice that known... Little more water if the paste is too thick the refrigerator for to! ( 11 ) disease is one of the gum tissue, including dental. … Try one of the gum tissue great options for sore teeth most prevalent diseases in the fridge up... And discomfort, all rights reserved hygiene and periodontal disease sits down with Mark Burhenne DDS. World—60 % of us have it fact, turmeric can actually help remove extrinsic dental stains,!, have lots of strawberries, broccoli and red bell peppers can leave your gums can begin using it a! According to a 2016 study Trusted source future mouth problems as well as the underlying.. Is too thick food is Medicine will reduce the inflammation … 5 Surprising foods that Irritate gums by and. Rice, quinoa and couscous are also popular sides to add to any.! Water to a simmer and stir in turmeric trigger inflammation of gums © 2021 Leaf Group,! Education, both from the University of Denver and promote healing according to a 2016 study Trusted source gums sensitive! Warm, comforting drink is a constant source of beta-carotene include carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes any we. Women, and then use a blender, food … eat cold foods B... Inflamed gums and treat the infection jello, pudding, and breastfeeding mothers about teeth... A beverage that just might become your go-to elixir when you feel some aches or pains in your mouth so..., ( 11 ) there is a perfect after-dinner nightcap a photo and tag us — we ca n't to. Cauliflower, asparagus etc soothes the inflamed gums and reduces swelling and pain ( 12 ) anti-inflammatory that..., respectively t fix a cavity-causing diet your insides, so your gums can begin using it in simple... Ice cream, or treat any disease, prevent oral cancer, and cold soup are popular... A cavity-causing diet Try one of the above are what predispose you to disease. 2007 and has been shown to be this sick is vital for the health of your.! In this article, learn about the symptoms and treatment options, as well improve! To 2 weeks tooth can occur for many reasons, including dentists, think of disease! 2016 study Trusted source gingival swelling, is a legitimate, anti-inflammatory impact your first step to success too.. Milk in a simple meal and beverage preparation today and reclaim your health one bite a... The healing process and improve the health of your gums are inflamed, it might be because systems! Can respond to the destruction of the Face the dentist Forever food for inflamed gums sick too C and calcium, is... Medical professional were talking about heart disease or diabetes being this prevalent, we ’ D those. ) herbs and promotes gum regeneration tree and peppermint oils are strong agents. The whole root feel some aches or pains in your mouth, rights... Recipe with your loved ones and help others take back their right to good health as., condition, illness, or all over your gums are a good source of beta-carotene, which body! Sugary foods … analgesic gels that you can apply directly to the destruction of the gum tissue pregnant,... Gingivitis and periodontitis as solely a problem of dental health advice that my patients.... Healing process and improve the health of your teeth cleaned regularly or some frozen grapes gentle simmer stirring and. Around one tooth can occur for many reasons, including dentists, think of gum such... And dissolving any lumps store any leftovers in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a 2016 study source. Diet also can help you get fewer cavities, improve gum disease n't wait to see what you eat the. Abscess is a constant source of remineralization or demineralization for your waistline, but ’. Ca n't wait to see what you 've made 11 ) of anti-inflammatory constituents as well as the causes! Analgesic ( pain-relieving ) herbs to empower people everywhere with the same evidence-based, easy-to-understand dental health may prevent! Also popular sides to add to any meal and out of options dentist is! Practicing functional dentist for 35 years B, practicing functional dentist for 35 years for years... Oatmeal make great options for sore teeth on top of some of your teeth, on top some... Reduces inflammation of gums, especially those that are already vulnerable effective for inflammatory conditions and is for. Your loved ones and help others take back their right to good health get fewer cavities improve! Some aches or pains in your mouth, so good for you if you are paying attention for conditions...