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Bleeding gums and mouth ulcers
I am a 36-year-old otherwise healthy female but for all of my adult life, I have had a problem with bleeding gums. Each time I brush my teeth and even eating an apple will bring this on. I have very sensitive teeth and am prone to mouth ulcers when I feel run down. I see my dentist every three months. He says it is just a question of oral hygiene but I clean my teeth three times a day and floss regularly. What else can I do?
Dr Robert Hempleman, principal of the Brompton Dental and Health Clinic in London,
specialises in holistic dental care. He suggests the fact you are prone to mouth ulcers is a sign your immune system is compromised and recommends you take a good quality multivitamin supplement.
You will already know that by the end of the 18th century, sailors were given citrus fruits to prevent scurvy caused by a lack of vitamin C - which is important for bone, connective tissues and wound repair. What you may not know is that before this, nasturtium, which was called Indian Cress, was used to cure the symptoms of scurvy - which include bleeding, loose teeth and inflammation of the gums. Dr Hempleman advises you step up your intake of vitamin C by dissolving 1/4 tsp of vitamin C powder in fresh orange juice each morning.
You may also benefit from a supplement of Coenzyme-Q10. This substance is found in every cell in the body and is essential for the production of energy. It can help lower blood pressure but the most impressive results by far are its action on gum disease. Researchers at Osaka University in Japan, for example, gave patients with gum problems 60mg a day of Co-Q10 or a placebo. After eight weeks, the patients taking Co-Q10 showed a marked reduction in discomfort and inflammation.
Nasturtium leaves are high in vitamin C and you can also use an infusion to treat colds and flu. To make this, pour 1/2pt boiling water over 2 tsp of fresh leaves and infuse for 15 minutes. Drink up to three times a day. Solgar’s CoQ-10 is suitable for vegans. 60 x60mg vegetarian capsules cost £41.99. Call 01442-890355 for stockists. Lambert’s make a vitamin C powder called Ascorbic Acid, 250g costs £13.95. Mail order on 0800-252875, add £1.50 p&p. Dr Robert Hempleman charges from £30 for an initial consultation. Call 0171-370 0055.