my teeth are KILING me!!

[Zaphirah]

I am on day 26. Yesterday my gums and teeth started aching. it's awful. These are teeth I have had surgery on. My gums look TERRIBLE. They looked okay til this fast. I'm really confused as to why they would hurt and why my gums suddenly look so unhealthy. Any ideas?

[lafsalot]

You're fasting, right? If you are on the MC and/or are juicing a lot of other acidic fruits, it might be irritating your gums and teeth (especially the enamel). ~ Cathy

[Green Life]

I have found, for myself, since eating all raw foods, I have been eating alot more fruit. Since fruit is high in sugar, it feeds the bacteria living on your gums and teeth. When the bacteria grow, you get sore gums and teeth as the bacteria thrive on sweet fruits. So, my suggestion would be to cut out more fruit and replace with less sweet raw foods, especially green smoothies.

Do you floss? Flossing will help clean out the bacteria.

[KittyMommy]

But she's not eating fruit--she's on a fast (with a lot of water).

[lafsalot]

But she's not eating fruit--she's on a fast (with a lot of water).

Yes, but if she is adding lemon juice to the water, you can experience some teeth sensitivity, especially on a long fast. Should sip your drinks through a straw;drink a glass of plain water afterwards; and use a natural toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth. ~ Cathy

[Green Life]

Yes, lemons are high is acid, which can eat the enamel. Even a juice fast will cause tooth/gum deterioration (sp?)

[justinesmith]

If you had previous surgery it could be anesthetic coming out or anything the surgeon may have left behind.... there are so many things it "could" be! Yikes! Hope you feel better soon.....

[lodestar]

stop fasting...up green smoothies...you will heal. :)

[Judy]

If it's not a (high acidity) fruit fast, it could be detox symptoms.
When the body detoxes, especially when it does it that heavily, it will release a huge amount of toxins through the mouth, teeth and gums (amongst others) and this can cause a lot of tooth problems.
Maybe you can google it to learn more about it.
Anyway, if that's the case, I'd also suggest to stop fasting and slow down.
And take a lót of greens and green supplements, they will help your body get back into balance.

[Boo Radley]

I read somewhere that muscles unused leach calcium from the bones. Teeth aren't really bones, but they are part of the skeletal system.

I have read of alot of folks developing a problem with receding gums, bleeding gums, brittle teeth, and other gingivitis-like symptoms on juice fast and master cleanse. I think it could be partly because they are not chewing, and therefore not using the jaw, facial, and mouth muscles nearly as much.


And also, I have read of a few others simply missing the feeling of chewing their food so much, that they break their fasts early. Not because they have strong craving for certain food, but because they miss chewing so much.


Maybe look for plain, flavorless gum with no additives. It will keep the muscles exercized a little. Healthfood store might have some, but mine doesn't. :(

This is just an idea, and I have no real evidence to think it might prevent gum/tooth problems on long fasts. I've even less that it will improve current problems with teeth and gums on long fasts. But it might be worth investigating.

I haven't tried it yet, because I haven't found any truly plain gum yet. Still trying to find some, though. I'll post about it if I do find some.

Wishing you well,
Boo

[KatK]

My teeth have often hurt when fasting. I've assumed it was detox. Never had problems with gums though.