Gingivitis

Gingivitis refers to the inflammation of the gum. If unchecked, inflammation may spread to the supportive tissues surrounding the tooth and the alveolar bone. This may eventually lead to tooth loss.

Probable Causes

• Poor oral hygiene like not brushing of teeth right after eating especially after snacks, and irregular or wrong way of flossing

• Initiated by dental plaque and intensified by lack of niacin (Vitamin B3) and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in the diet

• Other systemic diseases such as diabetes and syphilis

Probable Symptoms

• Ulcer gum at base of tooth

• Pain

• Foul-smelling breath

• Bleeding

• Dying gum cells

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat a bland diet with an abundance of Vitamin C- and Vitamin B-complex - rich foods.

• Avoid strong-flavored (spicy, acidic) and coarse foods which are very irritating.

• Brush teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush immediately after eating.

• Avoid between-meal snacks.

• Avoid foods that contain small seeds that can be trapped in a gum ulcer.

 

Note: This dietary management also applies to mouth sores and ulcers.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.24 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6