Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth. It is one of the many periodontal diseases that affect the tissues surrounding the teeth including the gums, soft tissues, and bone, which are known as the periodontium.

Often classified by their severity, periodontal diseases can range from mild gingivitis, to more severe periodontitis, and finally acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, which can actually be life threatening.

Inflammation of the gums is primarily caused by bacteria. Certain types of bacteria exist in the body provide protection while others can be harmful. Harmful bacteria can live extensively in the mouth because it is a warm, moist environment and bacteria flourish from constant food supply. The only reason why bacteria in the mouth don’t reproduce excessively is because of the immune system, which protects the body from harmful substances. Every once in a while, the immune system becomes overwhelmed and that is when an infection develops. When too much bacteria invade the periodontinum, gingivitis occurs.

The exact cause of gingivitis still remains unknown, although several theories exist including:

Plaque - Although plaque alone doesn’t cause gingivitis, it does contain large amounts of bacteria that experts feel are responsible for the condition.

An Underlying Illness - People with diabetes, Addison disease, HIV, and other immune system diseases lack the ability to fight bacteria invading the gums and are therefore at higher risk.

Hormonal Changes in the Body - The gums become vulnerable to bacterial infection during pregnancy, puberty, and steroid therapy.

And last but not least...Prescription Medications - Here’s yet another great reason to avoid the bottled chemicals. Certain meds such as one’s used for treating seizures, high blood pressure, and organ transplants can suppress the immune system and alter the structure of the gums to the point that they give bacterial infection a "green light".

If you are suffering from the following symptoms, you may in fact have gingivitis:

- Swelling, Redness, Pain, and Bleeding of the Gums

- Fouls Smelling Breath

- Loss of color and/or structure in the gums

- Inflammation of the Gums

Here’s what to do:

First, make sure that you see your dentist for check-ups and cleansing on a regular basis.

Second, brush your teeth at least twice a day and make daily flossing a habit. Massage the gums with the fingertips to increase circulation.

Third, pick up some natural supplements from your local health food store such as:

Coenzyme Q10 (100 mg daily) - Promotes gum healing and cell growth. As always I recommend Q-absorb Co-Q10 by Jarrow Formulas. This is the brand I personally use and recommend.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (4,000 - 10,000 mg daily) - Promotes healing, especially of bleeding gums.

Calcium (1,500 mg daily) and Magnesium (750 mg daily) - Both help prevent bone loss around the gums.

Vitamin A (25,000 IU daily for 1 month, then reduce to 10,000 IU daily) and Vitamin E (start with 400 IU daily & increase slowly to 1,000 IU daily) - Both are needed for healing gum tissue.

Grape Seed Extract (take as directed on label) - Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Zinc (50 - 80 mg daily) plus Copper (3 mg daily) - Both enhance immune function.

Applying Aloe Vera Gel directly to the affected area eases inflamed gums and soothes the tissues.

Chamomile Tea - Soothing to gum tissues.

Clove Oil - Good for temporary relief of tooth and gum pain.

Echinacea - Keeps inflammation down and enhances immune function. You can apply directly to the affected area or drink in a tea form.

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