Dental hygiene is a crucial, if sometimes overlooked, component of overall good health, so it is important to follow a few simple and natural steps that can boost gum health.

Healthy gums need vitamin C which people can obtain from citrus fruits, kiwi, mango, papaya, strawberries, red pepper, broccoli and cantaloupes.

Vitamin D also supports strong teeth so it is important to get about 15 minutes of sun exposure per week, as recommended by the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.

While there is some disagreement as to the optimal level of daily vitamin D intake – with established standards dictating 200 IUD – newer studies have suggested that as much as 1,000 IUD may be needed, especially during winter months and in northern geographical regions.

Another great natural remedy for gum disease is Coenzyme Q10, according to Caymanmama.com, a green news service, and is found mostly in meat, such as liver, and fish.

It also suggests trying tea tree essential oil that is used to treat gum disease holistically and can be found at health food stores.

A recent study in Japan has also found that the antioxidant catechin found in green tea and many nutritional supplements reduces the inflammation associated with periodontal disease.