Journal of Natural Health Solutions – features Good-Gums in their CUTTING EDGE HEALTH UPDATE

Curb Gum Disease With This All-Natural Dental Powder That Offers Vital Protection For Your Teeth And Gums

If you find that your gums bleed frequently and you’re also experiencing swollen and sensitive gums, pain when chewing and bad breath, this could spell gingivitis – an infection of the gums that has been estimated to affect 50 to 90 percent of all adults.

It’s important you don’t ignore these symptoms, as left untreated gingivitis can lead to more serious problems… leaving you vulnerable to persistent infections, pain and loss of teeth. In its later stages, gum disease affects not just your gums but deeper tissues and your jawbone as well.

Gingivitis is caused by a build-up of bacteria between your teeth and gums and results in inflamed gums. Bacteria form plaque on your teeth, which hardens into tartar within 72 hours and is usually impossible to remove without dental intervention.

Plaque bacteria produce poisons, damaging free radicals and enzymes that destroy your gum tissue. As well as contributing to dental problems, these bacteria may enter the bloodstream via bleeding gums and contribute to wider, systemic problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.^[1]

There are a number of reasons for unhealthy gums including bacterial infections, inadequate brushing and flossing, poor diet, age, smoking and certain drugs such as nifedipine (a heart pill).

The ingredients in many toothpastes can also be harmful to the teeth and gums. Glycerin – which is present in almost all toothpastes – coats the teeth and tends to prevent saliva from re-mineralising them naturally. Fluoride is added to toothpaste to counteract this loss of natural demineralisation but there are now a growing number of studies linking fluoride consumption to serious conditions such as osteoporosis, genetic and cognitive disorders, and even cancer.^[2]Add other harmful chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate, artificial colourings and flavourings, abrasives and preservatives to the mix and suddenly toothpaste doesn’t seem such a healthy option.

Fortunately, a new dental powder called Good-Gums provides a safe and effective all-natural solution that can lead to dramatic improvements in your teeth and gum health. The fact that the ingredients – including baking soda, French grey sea salt, vitamin C, myrrh, peppermint, tea tree, cinnamon, and cranberry – are in dry powder form helps to retain their potency.

Natural ingredients help protect your teeth from decay and keep your gums healthy

Baking soda (along with salt) is what people used to clean their teeth with before the arrival of toothpaste. Baking soda neutralises acid, which wears down enamel and allows bacteria to thrive. It is a mild abrasive, so it cleans the teeth without damaging the enamel and also helps whiten the teeth and remove stains. Baking soda can also help combat unpleasant odours.

French grey sea salt has a healing effect on gums, and it also supplies minerals that are not present in ordinary salt. In particular, it supplies magnesium, which helps strengthen enamel.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps prevent free radical damage to the gums. It also increases the production of collagen – the natural fibrous tissue that supports your gums. This strengthens your gums and makes any infection difficult to spread. Vitamin C is vital for wound healing.³

People who are deficient in vitamin C have a higher risk of developing gum disease and supplements of this vitamin have been shown to improve the condition of the periodontal tissues in people with low levels.⁴

Myrrh is a well-known antiseptic that has a long history of use for treating infective conditions such as gingivitis.⁵ Latest research findings by US scientists working at the Dental Research Center, University of Tennessee, have confirmed its benefits in this area. The scientists found that myrrh oil works by decreasing the concentration of inflammatory toxins such as interleukin, cytokine and necrotic factor, which are often found in high amounts in gum tissue during an infection.⁶

Peppermint has been traditionally used as a painkiller and can help relieve a toothache and painful gums. It possesses antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions, and also acts as a breath-freshener.

Cinnamon has also been used by herbalists to soothe sore gums, particularly the gums of babies who are teething. As well as being a mild anaesthetic, it also has antimicrobial and astringent properties.⁵

Cranberries – Scientists have discovered that the flavonoids quercetin and myricetin found in cranberries can stop the formation of dental plaque and tooth decay. Cranberries also have natural antibiotic activities that are beneficial for overcoming gum infections. Bacteria can attach themselves to teeth and gums, forming a biofilm that becomes dental plaque; but cranberry helps to keep such bacteria from sticking to surfaces in the first place. Trials have shown that daily use of a cranberry mouthwash for six weeks significantly reduces levels of harmful bacteria in saliva.⁷

How to use for best results

The Good-Gums powder should be applied to the teeth and gums and dissolves instantly on contact with saliva. To benefit, place a small amount of Good-Gums powder onto a damp toothbrush and brush your teeth as normal, making sure that you also gently brush your gums and around your mouth, and ensuring that the powder is evenly distributed.

Any excess liquid can be spat out, but you are advised not to rinse as it is important that the ingredients are left in contact with the gums and teeth for as long as possible.

Good-Gums is claimed to be most effective when used as a toothpaste substitute, although some people still like to brush their teeth with traditional toothpaste first. If you choose the latter option then make sure you rinse your mouth and toothbrush before using Good-Gums, as toothpaste may block the ingredients from coming into contact with your gums.

1. Journal of Clinical Periodontology 29 (11) 1029-1034; British Dental Journal Vol 184 No1 33-38
2. Fluoride 1995;28(4):189-92; Fluoride 1996;29:190-2
3. J Western Soc Periodontol 1980; 28: 44-60
4. Int J Vit Nutr Res 1982; 52: 333-41
5. .Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal. 1998. Tiger Books
6. Phytother Res. 2002; 16(4):301-308
7. Eur J Med Plants. 2013; 3(1):1-9
8. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008;119(1):129-134