Healthy Options For Gum Disease And Halitosis Protection

Preventing gum disease and halitosis can be difficult, since there is a large variety of factors that causes these conditions. Sugar is the main reason for the manifestation of these dental conditions. Bacteria feeds on sugars, giving way to plaque and tartar growth. This is the main reason why people should avoid eating foods rich in sugar.

For those of us with a sweet tooth, there is good news on the dental front. Despite the fact that raisins are sweet and sticky, scientists at the University of Illinois in Chicago have found them to contain compounds that prevent gum disease and halitosis.

There are a list of components in raisins that focus on the problem of plaque-causing bacteria inside the mouth. A few, such as oleanolic acid can be effective in eliminating these bacteria. Oleanolic acid, oleanolic aldehyde, and 5-(hydroxy methyl)-2-furfural can as well lower the bacteria’s ability to multiply. Particularly, they fend off Streptococcus mutans, and Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Also effective in preventing the Streptococcus mutans from clinging on the tooth surface is oleanolic acid. in order to form plaque, bacteria needs to cling on to the teeth then start to erode the tooth enamel. Sucrose, unlike the fructose and glucose that raisins contain, produces the environment beneficial for gum disease and halitosis.

Cranberries is also capable of preventing bacteria (particularly Streptococcus mutans) from clinging on teeth, generating gum disease and halitosis. Dental floss products and toothpastes in the US that contain cranberry extract are also available. Likewise, the British Dental Health Foundation recommends cranberry extracts and juice in countering gum disease and halitosis, and other problems. Nevertheless, due to the acidity of cranberry juice, it’s recommended to be taken at mealtimes. Acidic food and drinks Acidic food and drinks momentarily weaken the enamel of teeth.

Symptoms of gum disease include red and swollen gums that bleed easily, tooth sensitivity, spaces developing between teeth, pus between teeth, chronic halitosis, pain in the mouth, and changes to the bite of teeth. Plaque is the main cause of gum disease and halitosis, though other factors can speed up the process of gum degradation. These include smoking, a genetic predisposition, pregnancy, puberty, stress, poor diet, medications like anti-depressants, and oral contraceptives, grinding teeth at night, diabetes, and some other systemic diseases.

Practicing proper oral hygiene is the best at home gum disease and halitosis remedy. Through everyday brushing, flossing and using mouthwash, you can stop the bacteria from taking over your dental health and eliminate gum disease and halitosis from the start.