Adding ginger to your cooking is a great way to spice up your flavours and add a little zest to your dishes. That's probably one of the reasons why Asian cuisine is so delicious, with India producing a massive 34.6% of the world's ginger in 2011. But did you know that ginger also has powerful medicinal properties that can boost your oral health?
Ginger Reduces Inflammation
If you've ever experienced inflammation of the oral tissues, such as your gums, then you've also likely experienced pain. Inflammation in the mouth can occur for many reasons. A local infection around a tooth due to bacteria, a tooth infection and a traumatic injury can all causes inflammation of your oral tissues. Inflammation can make it difficult for you to eat and speak comfortably.
Fortunately, next time you experience any kind of inflammation in your mouth, if you eat some ginger, that inflammation should subside. Ginger has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling and redness. As such, if the soft tissues in your mouth become inflamed for any reason, chew some ginger or make some ginger tea to get some instant relief.
Ginger Fights Gum Disease
Gum disease occurs because oral bacteria invade the gum pockets around your teeth. Once in those pockets, the bacteria secrete acids that attack your teeth, gum tissues and periodontal ligaments. Your gums soon become red and inflamed and may bleed when you brush your teeth. Ginger can help you fight gum disease.
Ginger has antibacterial properties that can help to reduce the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth. That means fewer bacterial organisms to attack your teeth and gums. Moreover, ginger also reduces the inflammation that occurs due to gum disease or gingivitis. And along with ginger's ability to strengthen your immune system, this will help speed up the recovery of your gums.
Ginger Reduces Plaque
Although chewing on raw ginger can be a little tough, ginger's toughness is the very reason that you should chew it in the first place. Because ginger is so rough and fibrous, when you chew it, it rubs against your tooth enamel and scrapes off the harmful layer of plaque. Plaque contains bacterial colonies that can cause gingivitis and periodontitis, so removing it is important.
If you think that your oral health needs some added protection, consider adding ginger to your diet. Not only will it help keep your teeth and gums healthy, but it will also strengthen your immune system.
To learn more, contact a dentist.
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