When the enamel protecting teeth is attacked by bacteria, the first signs to appear are certain pains and discomforts triggered by heat and cold, by acidic or sugary foods, and subsequently, once the inner part of the tooth is affected, the pain intensifies. Diet can do a great deal for the health of teeth and gums.

Gum pain, the causes

Diet helps prevent tooth decay, above all by supplying fluoride and the other essential nutrients needed to keep both teeth and gums in good condition. Foods rich in calcium, such as whole milk, yoghurt and cheese, are recommended, as is vitamin D to improve calcium absorption.

Remedies for bleeding gums

Magnesium is also important (alongside calcium and fluoride) for the formation of tooth enamel: magnesium is found in the diet in wholegrain cereals (pasta, rice, bread), in soya, nuts and dried pulses. Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene is also very important for dental health.

Foods to avoid for the sake of dental health include sweet drinks and snacks between meals, and the regular consumption of acidic drinks,
such as fruit juices: this is because the risk of tooth decay increases when teeth are not generally brushed between meals. The purpose of oral hygiene is in fact to remove food residues and sugars from the teeth: it is therefore clear that teeth should be brushed every time food is consumed, not only after main meals.

Gum pain, the remedies

There is also gingivitis, a very common condition that causes redness, swelling and a tendency for the gums to bleed, and which over
time leads to the gums receding and exposing the neck of the tooth. It is advisable to follow a diet rich in lemons and citrus fruit in general, blackcurrants, blueberries, kiwi fruit, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, radicchio, and so on.

One of the most effective remedies is to hold lemon juice in the mouth for a prolonged period: it is antiseptic, promotes healing and tones the
gums. To tone the gums it is beneficial to rub them regularly with the inner side of a lemon rind (it is worth applying this treatment to healthy gums as well, to keep them in good condition for longer), and also with a few leaves of sage, which has a whitening effect on teeth and freshens the breath.