Apple a Day

Periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation or degeneration of the tissues that surround and support the teeth--gingiva (gums), the bone the teeth are set in (alveolar bone), the periodontal ligament, and the cementum (the tissue that connects these structures).

The most common and often initial form of periodontal disease is inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can spread, causing increased inflammation in the membranes and tissues around the base of the teeth and potential erosion of the underlying bone, a conditions known as periodontitis that is the major cause of bone loss in adults.

The most common symptoms of periodontal disease is red, inflamed gum tissue that bleeds easily due to flossing, brushing of the teeth, and/or eating hard foods such as raw apples.

Periodontal disease is primarily due to poor dental hygiene (lack of teeth brushing and flossing) leading to a buildup of bacterial plaque. In can also occur during pregnancy and puberty, due to hormonal factors, and/or be due to nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin C, folic acid and other B vitamins, and calcium.

Additional risk factors include problems with the biting surface (malocclusion), breathing through the mouth, food impaction, decreased tissue in and around the gums due to plaque buildup, and poor diet. It can also be caused by hydrochloric acid deficiency. Smoking and the use of birth control pills can also play roles.

There are natural cures for Periodontal Disease that do not involve the use of pharmaceutical drugs. They involve restoring the biochemical balance of the body, and making dietary and lifestyle changes designed to improve one's general health.

Does an Apple a Day Keep The Doctor Away?

A medium apple has just 60-100 calories, with virtually no fat and no sodium. Its 5 grams of fiber and 20 grams of carbs make it a filling snack. Apples' fiber, pectin, antioxidants and other compounds can lower bad (LDL) cholesterol and raise good (HDL) cholesterol. The flavonoids and other phytochemicals in apples help protect against lung and colon cancer. Apples contain boron, a mineral that helps maintain bone density and protect against heart disease. The tannins prevent tooth decay, gum disease and urinary-tract infections. The hardness of the fruit scrapes away the plaque that causes gingivitis and tooth decay. Eating an apple a day (with skin) can guard against stroke. The vitamins and antioxidants in apples may help prevent age-related vision loss. The quercetin (a flavonoid) may fight cancer better than vitamin C does. Apples are a good source of folic acid, a B vitamin that helps prevent serious birth defects as well as heart disease.

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