x
Account
  • Sign In Sign In Create Account
    Sign In

    Forgot your password?

    Create Account
  • my Wishlist
  • Toll Free: (800) 869 9159
  • Customer Care
    • Contact Us
    • Help Center
  • My Account
    • Log in
    • Create an account
  • Rewards Program
  • Become a Humanized+ Member
  • Become a Humanized+ Member

Cart 0

Your cart is currently empty.

Continue Shopping

Total: $0.00

Or View Cart

  • Sign In Sign In Create Account
    Sign In

    Forgot your password?

    Create Account
  • my Wishlist
My Village Green
My Village Green

FREE SHIPPING! On online orders of $74+. Use code: SHIP74
This offer is for standard shipping available in the continental U.S.
Cannot be combined with any other offers.

  • My Account Log In
  • Brands
    Practitioner Brands
    • Pathway
    • Sinus Survival
    • Klaire Labs*
    • Kirkman
    • Metagenics
    • Nordic Naturals
    • Pure Encapsulations*
    • Thorne Research
    • Xymogen
    Top Brands
    • Megafood
    • Jarrow Formulas
    • Solgar
    • Nature's Way
    • Garden of Life
    • Life Extension
    • Bluebonnet
    • Derma E
    • Innate Response
    • Ollois
    Top Brands
    • Gaia Herbs
    • Herb Pharm
    • Boiron
    • Host Defense
    • Inika Organic
    • Carlson Labs
    • Enzymedica
    • Solaray
    • Renew Life

    * = Restricted Access Brands

  • Pathway Supplements
  • Categories
  • Consultations
  • Resources
    • Lab Testing
    • Rewards Program
    • Ask the Expert
    • Help Center
    • Pharmacy & Compounding
    • Medication Disposal Progam
    • Healthy Pets
    • Green Initiatives
    • Practitioner Brands
    • Reviews
    • My Account
    • Create an Account
  • Education
    • Blog
    • Humanized - Your Health Personalized
    • Articles & Health Info
    • Radio Show Archive
Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts

Blog

How to Have Healthy Gums

Posted on May 05, 2015 by Paula Gallagher

20150414_082901I recently had our entire family in to the dentist for check-ups, and some of us came back with less than stellar reports. The dentist kept reminding me how important it is to floss to avoid cavities and also to maintain good gum health. Healthy gums are really the cornerstone of a healthy mouth. According to the American Dental Association, almost 50% of Americans suffer from gum disease. Good oral hygiene, eating the right foods, and using supplements or supplement-enriched dental products can help keep gums – and us – healthy and happy. Risk factors include: • Heredity • Smoking • Diabetes • Stress • Immune deficiencies • Defective fillings or bridges • Pregnancy and oral contraceptives • Dry mouth • Poor dental hygiene habits Gum disease starts as gingivitis and can lead to periodontitis. Plaque forms on teeth and gums daily, and if it is not removed, it hardens into tartar. Gingivitis begins when bacteria feeding on tartar cause infection where our gums attach to our teeth. Left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, in which pockets of infection form between gums and teeth. The infection gradually breaks down the tissue and bones holding our teeth in place, making gum disease the main cause of tooth loss. Worse, recent studies suggest possible links between advanced gum disease and medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and stomach cancer. There are some signs and early symptoms to check for, including: • Changes in gum appearance – redness, shininess, or puffiness • Frequent gum bleeding while brushing or flossing • Constant bad breath • Metallic taste in the mouth • Tooth sensitivity or looseness • Painful chewing • Receding gums The first line of defense is daily dental hygiene. Developing healthy dental habits is as simple as forming a regular routine, especially for young children. • Brush the teeth and tongue twice a day, and floss. • When flossing, make sure that you wrap the floss around the tooth and not just slide it in-between. • Develop a routine to cover every surface of each tooth. My dentist recommends an electric tooth brush, and to go over each tooth. • Pay special attention to the gum line where plaque and tartar form. • Use a soft-bristled brush and non-fraying floss that won’t scratch the surface of the gums, allow bacteria to enter, or cause receding gums. What you eat also plays an important role in maintaining a healthy smile. Not only will the following foods help with gum health, they also do a body good! • Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as fatty fish, fish oil, and flaxseed) to reduce inflammatory response. • Snack on crunchy vegetables and fruits with the skin intact, to scrub off plaque. • Foods like dairy, meat, and nuts are high in calcium and phosphorus and may help remineralize teeth and bones. • Avoid tooth-unfriendly foods high in sugars, simple carbohydrates, or stickiness, such as candy, baked goods, sweetened soft drinks, fruit juices, and dried fruit. Supplements can also help support gum health. Studies have shown that people with lower dietary intakes of vitamin C, flavonoids, and beta carotene had higher incidences of periodontal disease. Other supplements and herbal preparations show promise in promoting gum health, targeting bad bacteria, reducing inflammation, or remineralizing teeth and bone when ingested or applied topically. A natural health care practitioner can help determine which supplements are best for you. Options include: • Probiotics • Combination of calcium and vitamin D • Omega-3s • Coenzyme Q10 Rinses containing herbs and essential oils may help reduce plaque and gingivitis. Pathway GUM TONIC is a comprehensive mouth rinse that supports healthy oral hygiene. Swollen, bleeding, and receding gums may find benefit from this comprehensive herbal mouth wash. Pathway GUM TONIC strengthens gum tissue with its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. It also supports the production of saliva. Ingredients include goldenseal root, bayberry root bark, prickly ash bark, myrrh gum, and coptis root.
  • Category_Health Concerns, cavitites, dental health, gingivitis, gum disease
← Older Post Newer Post →

Categories

  • Body Care & Beauty
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Green Living
  • Health Concerns
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Lab Testing
  • Nutritional Supplements
  • Pharmacy & Compounding
  • Stress Management & Lifestyle
  • Village Green News

Humanized Health - NEW!

Learn about personalized health from top experts! Check out our fascinating new shows every week, available as videos, podcasts and transcripts.:

  • How to Never Die of Heart Disease
  • Strategies to Improve Your Brain Health

Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
    read more..
  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
    read more..
  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
    read more..
  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
    read more..
  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
    read more..
  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
    read more..
  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
    read more..
  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
    read more..
  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
    read more..

Other Contributors

Caroline Blazovsky
Heather Gunn
Jared Rice
Ellen Kittredge
Naz Amini
Carmen Ugas
Steve Stillwater
Farzin Farid
Joe Ailts
Scott O’Dell
James Brodsky, MD
Christine M. Gonzales
Beth Ritchie
Jim Fox

Invalid password
Enter
Stay Informed
Join our mailing list for the latest news & exclusive discounts + FREE shipping on your first order.
Learning Resources
  • Consultations
  • Green Initiatives
  • Pharmacy/Compounding
  • Humanized Health
  • Village Green Blog
Customer Care
  • Help Center
  • Return Policy
  • Best Price Guarantee
  • Privacy Policy
  • Leave a Review
General Information
  • Curbside Pick-Up
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Job Opportunities
stay connected

Village Green Apothecary
5415 W Cedar Ln
Bethesda, Maryland, 20814
(301) 530-0800
Toll Free: (800) 869-9159

© 2021 Village Green Apothecary - All Rights Reserved. The information provided on this site is not intended to be a substitute for advice or treatment from a qualified physician, nor is it intended to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Consult your physician prior to starting any new health program or if you any questions regarding a medical condition.
Loading...
Error
 

is added to your shopping cart.

is added to your wish list.

Close
Liquid error (message-modal line 32): Could not find asset snippets/icon-close.liquid
You have successfully subscribed!

 

Limited-Time Offers, End in

-
+
:
Close
Back to top