[quote=scaredyclassic]My gums disease has gotten worse recently. I could brush and floss more. But my recent research informs me that diet may make a big difference. Some periodontists believe carbs, refined flour esp, create a nasty mouth environment that fills with plaque for susceptible people like me.[/quote]
Refined starch/sugar is bad for almost everyone in large amounts. Refined starches convert to sugars very quickly, and sugars feed the bad bacteria in the mouth. I also wonder about other parts of your health and how you are brushing as well.
[quote=scaredyclassic]
So I am trying a 90 day experiment until my next cleaning…no carbs, no bread or rice or sugars just olive oil salads beans and meat, and see if it gives my gums a chance to heal. … also going to drink green tea all day as some research says this helps gums heal.[/quote]
Good start, the salad-lean meat is similar to the Atkins diet. You also might want to look at how you are brushing/flossing and with what type of toothpaste.
I would brush first to get most of the bacteria out. Flossing first can drive bacteria into the gums if there is more bacteria on the surface than under the gums. I use Arm&Hammer PeroxiCare – tastes like crap but really seems to work. Contains hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Many toothpastes still contain sugar (to make them more palatable). PeroxiCare is available at Walmart.
I tend to floss with some of the toothpaste still in my mouth (because it has hydrogen peroxide and baking soda). It is a little messy to do, but seems to do a better job of cleaning under the gums. The other thing I sometimes do is use a WaterPik.
Rinse with water, swishing it to try and force it between your teeth (mouth and jaw closed using the tongue to force the water between the teeth). Then rinse same way with Listerine. After spitting out the Listerine, I tend to let the remaining amount stay in my mouth for a few minutes before final rinse.
Sometimes using ACT restoring mouthwash also helps, but this is more focused on tooth integrity than gum.
When you brush is also important. If you are having problems, might be good after each meal. It is also more important to brush before going to bed – because bacteria will have all night to work at your gums and teeth if you don’t.
[quote=scaredyclassic]
This gum disease is related to plaque, the same crap in our arteries. I have a feeling my crappy mouth is related to internal crap.[/quote]
No they are not related other than they both may be diet related. The olive oil, salads and beans may help with plaque in your arteries. You need to increase the ratio of HDL to LDL fats on your blood. Omega 3 fatty acids also help your arteries.
By the way, the bacteria that attacks your teeth and gums can lead to Chronic Heart Failure if it gets in your blood because that same bacteria also attacks the heart.
