"If you’re over 30 years old, chances are better than 90% that you have some form of gum disease." So writes David Kennedy, D.D.S., author of the book: How to Save Your Teeth. More people lose their teeth from gum disease than from decay, so learning how to prevent or treat gum disease is crucial if we want to keep our teeth for a lifetime.

When you go to the dentist, does he or she take a plaque sample and examine it under a microscope? Not all do, but it is an important part of preventive dentistry. Bacteria cause gum disease. In the early stages, there are no symptoms, so most people have no idea what those insidious little critters may be doing to their gums and the bone structure around the teeth. In the later stages the gums start to bleed easily and look red and puffy instead of a healthy pink color. But by that time, a lot of the damage has been done.

Even if your dentist doesn’t use a microscope to test for gum disease, there is much you can do on your own to prevent it. One of the best things to use on your teeth is good old-fashioned baking soda. Plain salt is also good. These substances are great for killing bacteria, although they may not taste that great. Commercial toothpastes are full of flavor enhancers and artificial sweeteners. Some even contain sugar. They may give the illusion that your teeth and mouth are sparkling fresh, but few of them have any effect on the bacteria living in the gums. Many of them also contain fluoride, which is toxic and can cause depressed immune function.

Your toothbrush can be a source of bacteria. Soak it in hydrogen peroxide regularly to kill germs and replace it when it gets worn, as bent bristles can injure the gums. An electric toothbrush like Interplak is excellent because it massages the gums while cleaning the teeth, which helps to keep them tough. Don’t use baking soda or toothpaste with your electric toothbrush, though…the head will clog up from the sediment.

A good oral hygiene program ideally includes an oral irrigator like ViaJet or WaterPik. These instruments shoot liquid just below the gum line, which helps clean plaque off the roots. Commercial solutions, like commercial toothpastes, are unnecessary and may even be somewhat toxic. Make your own by combining ½ cup baking soda, ½ cup salt and ½ gallon boiling water. Let cool and allow the sediment to settle (the sediment could clog your irrigator). Pour ½ cup of this solution in the irrigator with ½ to 1 cup warm water and add a capful of hydrogen peroxide. This is an extremely effective germicide and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.

Another important habit to develop is flossing at least once a day. It’s amazing how many food particles can lodge themselves between your teeth, out of range of toothbrush or irrigator. You don’t want to provide a banquet for any bacteria that may have evaded your cleaning efforts!

Last but not least, diet has a profound effect on the health of your teeth and gums. Primitive people living on natural foods had no tooth decay, no gum disease, and no crowding of teeth. Many of our modern convenience foods undermine our immune systems and allow bacteria to thrive in our bodies, including the mouth.

~ Tys Dammeyer