Prior to and during menopause, certain foods can help eliminate your symptoms of gum disease. Papaya, (‘paw-paw’) for example, contains phytoestrogen, which can be added to your diet to help increase estrogen in your body. Estrogen levels can increase with the intake of certain foods, such as soybeans and soy products such as tofu, miso, and boiled beans. Phytoestrogen is also found in apples, carrots, yams, green beans, peas, potatoes, red beans, brown rice, whole wheat, and sesame seeds. Flax seeds and other seeds have some estrogen potential. Phytoestrogens are similar but not identical to the estrogen produced by the body. Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds, and are more natural than the prescribed drugs on the market. If you notice that your skin is dry, take flax or pumpkin seed. Here are some additional remedies for problems affecting the gums:

• Herbs: Use rosemary or oregano (oil of oregano), which are both helpful in the prevention of gum shrinkage.

• Hormone replacement: To regulate the hormone levels in your body, seek a physician’s advice.

• Diet: Soybeans, tofu, miso, boiled beans, apples, carrots, yams, green beans, peas, potatoes, red beans, brown rice, whole wheat, rye, and sesame seeds are good. Flax seed acts as a lubricant, and will help prevent dry skin and gums from receding. Your gums are similar to your skin, and you want to moisturize your gum tissue as you would your skin.

Another medical condition which affects the gums is anemia. This is a disease in which people have reduced red blood cells, which can result in poor circulation. The blood in patients with anemia lacks iron, and carries less oxygen to the tissues, and this causes periodontal problems. The symptoms of anemia are extreme fatigue, weakness, confusion and loss of concentration, pale skin, rapid heartbeat, feeling cold, sadness, and depression. Getting oxygen to the tissue is important for healthy gums, and the lack of it reduces resistance to infection.

Anemia is most prevalent in women who are menstruating or pregnant; and Afro-Guyanese are prone to getting sickle-cell anemia. If you have this condition, you should know that you can have serious calcium loss. The chances of gum disease are great for anyone who has this condition, because calcium is needed for strong teeth and bones. If you have a shortage of calcium, it may affect the supportive bone structure that holds the teeth in their sockets.

Some useful remedies include seaweed, which may be purchased in pharmacies and is the best source of iron. Liver is another good source of iron. Pumpkin seeds are also good choices for people who are anemic. Apples contain substances that help the body absorb the iron in foods, such as eggs and liver. Cherries are high in iron, and are an excellent blood builder. Menstruating or pregnant women should seek the advice of their physician about taking supplements. And if your gum tissue is spongy and loose, see your dental professional for a good cleaning.

Herpes simplex is an inflammatory viral disease that manifests itself as ulcers in the mouth and gingival tissues. The gums can become inflamed, especially in the region of the ulcers. If you have a severe occurrence of the virus, then you should seek medical advice to see if there are other underlying factors causing this condition. Herpes simplex can be chronic and latent, returning later in life. The gums can become inflamed, especially in the region of the ulcers.

Remedies: Seek medical advice. Bed rest is important. Drink plenty of fluids, and stay away from juices that contain acid, such as grapefruit juice and orange juice.

Dermatitis is a diseased condition that appears as inflammation of the skin. The gum tissue is much like the skin on your face, and shares similar hisologic (cellular structure) characteristics. Diseases affecting your skin are lichen plaus, candidiasis, psoriasis, pemphigus vulgaris, and pemphigoid.

Lichen planus is a chronic disease related to the immune system, often affecting people in middle-age. It affects the mucous membranes of the mouth. You may see a white lacey line of the gingival (gum tissue). You may be prone to plaque retention on the teeth and therefore develop gingivitis.

Remedies: If you have lichen planus, seek medical advice. Topical steroids can be useful in controlling flare-ups. There is no cure for this problem.

Candidiasis is produced by Candida, a fungal yeast infection. It is also referred to as thrush or acute pseuodomembranous candidiasis. The roof of your mouth and cheeks are covered with white patches that when wiped off, leave sensitive, reddened, ulcerative areas. This condition can cause more plaque retention and poor oral hygiene conditions, thus creating severe gum problem.

Remedies: See your physician to have him or her suggest antifungal agents, which can be either topical or systemic.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes a sloughing of cells. It is often found on the elbows, knees, or other joints, and on the scalp. Psoriasis also can affect the fingernails, the gums and oral cavity. It may leave the gums loose and irritated. Psoriasis, when aggravated, can be itchy and flaky, and a source of great annoyance to the person who has it.

Remedies: A high-protein/low-fat diet can help in controlling the condition. Eating fats and sugars aggravates psoriasis, so it is best to eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables. Cucumbers, celery, and grapefruit, which are known as blood-cooling foods, are extremely good for people with psoriasis. Seek medical advice as well.

Pemphigus affects elderly people, and women more frequently than men. The skin and mucous membranes as well as the gingival are affected. A reddening of the tissue occurs, which can cause the gums to recede.

Remedies: Seek professional advice. Topical steroids may be necessary.

Pemphigoid is a lesion most common in women beyond middle-age. It can affect the oral mucous. It may be a cause of irritation to the gingival.

Remedies: Seek professional advice. Physicians are most likely to prescribe steroids.