Omega-3 And Gingivitis

Gingivitis is characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the gums. Because gingivitis is rarely painful in its early stages, it often goes unnoticed until severe irritation or receding gums occur.

The bleeding gums is also a sign of periodontal disease, which affects the tooth structure and jaw bone, causing loose teeth, receding gums and tooth *abscesses.  

Chronic *bad breath usually signals poor mouth hygiene and periodontal disease. Healthy gums appear pink in colour. Yet gingivitis is both preventable and treatable. Although factors such as medications and lowered immunity make you more susceptible to gingivitis, the most common cause is poor oral hygiene. 

The disease that can usually be reversed with proper treatment. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care is treated by removing plaque from the teeth and clearing away any dead tissue. Infections may be treated with medical mouthwashes such as chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine; chlorhexidine contains alcohol, which can cause pain. 

It is estimated that over 80% of the world’s population suffer from this type of gum disease and need gingivitis treatment. The condition may be without many symptoms, though many people notice bleeding of the gums when they brush or floss. Scientists believe plaque-forming bacteria that live in the mouth and on tooth surfaces are a cause of gingivitis. 

However, it is important to make sure that you look after your teeth and gums, and that any case of gingivitis is sufficiently treated. A mild case of gingivitis can usually be treated simply by practising a good oral hygiene routine, such as brushing your teeth twice a day, (in the morning and last thing at night) and flossing daily (or at least three times a week). One of the most common causes of gingivitis is the accumulation of food particles in the crevices between the gums and the teeth. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. 

If gingivitis is allowed to progress without any intervention, it will severely weaken the support structures of the teeth and could even lead onto Pyorrhea. You may find that your teeth become flexible and move under pressure. The cause of gingivitis is not known. On histological examination the tissue usually has immune cell infiltrates (especially lymphocytes and plasmacytes) so it is thought to be an immune-related disease.

French researchers have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the inflammation and severity of the gum disease. In an experiment half the volunteers where given olive oil supplements and the other half where given Omega-3 supplements and both groups where instructed to practice intensive oral hygiene for two weeks. 

For the next three weeks they where asked to stop brushing their teeth and gums. Signs of gingivitis where less evident in the group taking the Omega-3 supplements. 

For further information concerning Gingivitis and Omega-3, Click Xtend-Life For Free Health Newsletter.