Gum disease is an insidious menace that can start out unnoticeably small, but it can lead to permanent damage such as tooth loss or jawbone erosion if it is allowed to progress for too long. While soft and spongy gums can be a symptom of oral infection, this problem may also result from insufficient intake of vitamin C. Here’s a brief guide to why your gums may seem too squishy for comfort and how your dentist can help.
When Life Gives You Scurvy, Get Some Lemons
Scurvy is a serious health condition most commonly associated with pirates and naval personnel of centuries past. This ailment leads to symptoms such as soft and spongy gums as well as more serious ones like difficulty breathing and severe pain. For a long time, no one had any idea how to resolve this problem that was quite ubiquitous on the high seas until a British doctor finally figured out that it could be remedied by ensuring that seafaring crews had plenty of citrus fruit to enjoy. Today, we know that scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C.
It can be hard to eat a balanced diet in today’s world. If your gums have seemed soft and spongy lately, adding fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges to your diet can play a critical part in getting these crucial oral tissues back into shape. Just remember to brush your teeth and floss afterward, as these fruits are quite acidic.
Seek Dental Help for Soft and Spongy Gums
While getting enough vitamin C is the best way to prevent scurvy, it’s still important to see your dentist if your gums are soft and spongy. While improving your oral hygiene regimen is often enough to reverse gum disease in its early stages, treating more advanced cases requires the intervention of a qualified dentist. Treatments include scaling and root planing, which involves removing built-up plaque from beneath the gumline, and antibiotic therapy to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection.
Scurvy and gum disease are both horrible for your oral health. By making smart eating decisions and getting help from your dentist when you need it, you can help your smile stay in great shape for life.
About the Author
Dr. Mihran Asinmaz earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at Nova Southeastern University and has completed many hours of continuing education to ensure that he stays abreast of the latest developments in his field. He is proud to serve as a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association. His office in West Palm Beach provides general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as gum disease treatments. If you are worried about gum disease, contact his office online or dial (561) 640-9200.