This week’s edition of Hood Health deals with the importance of oral health
By Nakeasha Johnson

If you don’t know what a mouth monster is, it is gingivitis. Gingivitis is a bacteria in plaque buildup that causes the gums to become inflamed and to easily bleed during tooth brushingaccording to WebMd. WebMd also states that when gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. In a person with periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. If this does not sound like a monster to you, I do not know what to tell you.

Some symptoms of gum disease are listed below:

*​Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing

*​Red, swollen, or tender gums

*​Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth

*​Receding gums

*​Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums

*​Loose or shifting teeth

I always recommend that you see a professional for advice on your particular situation but below I have listed some things that will help with gum disease:

*​Make a sea salt solution and swish it in your mouth for 30-45 seconds 2 to 3 times a day

*​Place tea bags after you have steeped them on the infected area of your gums and let it sit there for about 5 to 7 minutes

*​Create a paste using lemon juice and salt, and apply them to your teeth. Let it rest in your mouth for 5 to 7 minutes and then rinse with warm water

*​Brush your teeth with baking soda. Simply take a small amount and make a paste, then proceed to brushing your teeth with it

*​Add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to your toothpaste or simply buy a tea tree oil toothpaste.

The Whole Health Chicago Center for Integrative Medicine offers this routine to combat gum disease:

You will need:

* ​High absorption Coenzyme Q-10 (UBQH)

* ​Folic acid in liquid form

*​Vitamin E 400 IU in capsule form

* ​Buffered vitamin C powder

The Co Q 10 is the easiest: just take one capsule daily.

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: after brushing your teeth, brush your gums GENTLY, with the softest tooth brush you can find. Then, open a vitamin E capsule with a pin, squeeze out the oil, and massage it into your gum line with your finger.

On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: after brushing your teeth, brush your gums GENTLY, using the powdered vitamin C as a tooth powder. Rinse.

Every night at bedtime: after brushing your teeth, use a cotton swab to paint your gum line with liquid folic acid.

You’ll notice results in about 3 to 4 weeks

Having issues with your teeth and gums can be very painful and indicate serious problems regarding your oral health. This type of issue should be taken seriously. Taking care of your teeth so that they will take care of you is the focus that I hope you will have. Treat your teeth at the first sign of Gingivitis before gum disease sets in and I guarantee you, you will not regret it.

-Nakeasha Johnson(@NakeashaJ)