How to Heal Periodontal Disease Naturally
Periodontal disease is second only to the common cold as the most prevalent infection ailment in the United States. It affects 75 percent of Americans over the age of thirty-five and is the major cause of adult tooth loss. The rate of periodontal disease increase with age.
Periodontal means “located around a tooth” Periodontal disease therefore can refer to any disorder of the gums or other supporting structure of the teeth. Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) is the early stage of periodontal disease. It is caused by plague- sticky deposit of bacteria, mucus, and food particles- the adheres of the teeth. The accumulation of plaque causes the gums to become infected and swollen. As the gums swell, pockets form between the gums and the teeth that act as a trap for still more plaque. Other factors that contribute to the development of gingivitis include breathing through the mouth, badly fitting filling and prostheses that irritate surrounding gum tissue, and a diet consisting of too many soft foods that rope the teeth and gums of much-needed ”exercise.” Genetics also may be a factor, as a tendency towards periodontal disease seems to run in families. The gums become red, soft, and shiny, and they bleed easily. In some cases, there is pain, but gingivitis can also be essentially painless.
If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a condition called pyorrhea or periodontitis. This is an advanced stage of periodontal disease in which the bone supporting the teeth begins to erode as a result of the infection. Abscesses are common. Pyorrhea causes halitosis, with bleeding and often painful gums. Poor nutrition, improper brushing, wrong foods, sugar consumption, chronic illness glandular disorders, blood disease, smoking, drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption make an individual most likely to that develop pyorrhea. It is often related to a deficiency of Vitamin C, bioflavonoids, calcium folic acid, or niacin. Smokers are more susceptible than non smokers to periodontitis and teeth and tooth loss. Periodontal disease can be made worse by missing teeth, food impaction, malocclusion, tongue thrusting teeth grinding and toothbrush trauma.
Stomatitis is inflammation of the oral tissues and may affect the lips, plates, and inside of the cheeks. It often occurs as part of another disease, Stomatitis produces swollen gums that bleed easily. Sores may develop in the mouth and eventually become blister like lesions that can affect the gums. Two common type of stomatitis are acute herpetic stomatitis (better known as oral herpes) and aphthous stomatitis (canker sores).
Problem in the mouth often are reflection of deficiency for underline disorder in the body. Bleeding gums may signal a Vitamin C deficiency; dryness and cracking at the corner of the month may indicate a deficiency of Vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Both conditions may also signal a generalized nutritional deficiency. Dry or crack lips can be the result of an allergic reaction. Raw red mouth tissue may be a sign of stress; a smooth, reddish tongue can indicate anemia or poor diet. Sores under the tongue can be an early warning sign of mouth cancer. Regular dental checkup can help detect these conditions early.
Warning signs of potentially service periodontal disease include the following:
- Loose death teeth.
- A change in the way your teeth fit together.
- A change in the fit of partial dentures.
- Red swollen and tender gums.
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss.
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth.
- Constant bad breath.
- Dry Mouth.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding).
Unless otherwise specified, the dosages recommended here for adults. For children between the age of twelve and seventeen, reduce the dose to three- quarters the recommended amount. For children’s between six and twelve, use one half the recommended dose, and for children under the age of six use one- quarter the recommended amount.
Nutrients To Heal Periodontal Disease
SUPPLEMENT | SUGGESTED DOSAGE | COMMENTS |
Essential | ||
Coenzyme Q10 | 100 mg daily. | Provides energy needed for gum cell growth and healing of gum tissue. |
Plus
Coenzyme A from Coenzyme –A Technologies |
As directed on label | Work effectively with coenzyme Q10 to support the immune system’s detoxification of many dangerous substances. |
Vitamin C with bioflavonoida | 4,000 – 10,000 mg daily, in divided doses throughout the day. | Promotes healing, especially of bleeding gums. Bioflavonoids retard the growth of plaque. |
Very Important | ||
Bone Support from Synergy Plus | As directed on label. | Contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and other nutrients that are easily absorbed by the body to rebuild bone. |
Or calcium | 1,500 mg daily, | Helps prevent bone loss around the gums. |
And magnesium | 750 mg daily | Work with calcium. Use a chelate form |
Methylsulfonyl-methane(MSM) | As directed on label. | Have remarkable therapeutic properties. |
Vitamin A
Plus carotenoid complex (betatene) |
25,000 IU Daily for 1 month, then reduce to 10,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000IU daily. | Need for healing of gum tissue. Emulsion form is recommended for easier assimilation and greater safety at high doses. |
As directed on label | Antioxidants used by the body to manufacture vitamin A as needed. | |
Vitamin E Plus | 200IU daily or 400IU every other day. Also open a capsule and rub the oil on the gums 2-3 times daily | Needed for healing of gum tissue. Use d-alpha-tocopherol form. Do not use the dl-form. |
selenium (E-Sel from Carlson Labs) | 200 mcg daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 40 mcg daily. | A powerful antioxidant that works with Vitamin E. |
Important | ||
Grape seed extract | As directed on label. | A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. |
Proteolytic enzymes
with pancreatin |
As directed on label. Take between meals and also at bed time. | Aids in keeping down inflammation and aids proper digestion. |
Quercetin | As directed on label | Has an anti-inflammatory property. |
Vitamin B complex | 50 mg of each major b vitamin 3 times daily, with meals (amounts of individual vitamins in a complex will vary). | Needed for proper digestion and healthy mouth tissues. |
zinc | 50-80 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg daily from all supplements. | Enhances immune function. Needed to prevent infection and promote healing. Use zinc gluconate lozenges or optiZic for best absorption. |
Plus copper | 3mg daily | Needed to balance with zinc. |
Herbs For Periodontal Disease
- Applying Aloe Vera gel directly to inflamed gums is discomfort and soothes the tissues.
- Strained chamomile tea and calendula flower tea are both soothing and help to heal gum tissues.
- Clove oil is good for temporary relief of both tooth and/ or gum pain. Simply rub a drop or two of clove oil on the affected area. If the oil is too strong in its pure form, it can be diluted with a drop or two of clove oil.
- Echinacea, hawthorn berries, Myrrh gum, and rose hips all help to keep down inflammation and enhance immune function. You can apply these herbs directly to the inflamed areas as a poultice or drink them in tea form.
- Goldenseal destroys the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Take 3,000 milligrams daily. Your place a dropperful of alcohol- free goldenseal extract in your mouth, swish it around for three minutes, then swallow. For inflamed gums, please 5 drops of alcohol- free goldenseal extract on a piece of gauze or pure cotton and place this on the inflamed area. Do this immediately whenever mouth sores or inflammation starts, and you will be amazed at the results. In severe cases, it may take 3 to 5 nights for sores to heal. Be sure to pack the gauze or cotton tightly up under the inside of the front of the mouth between the lips and gum.
Caution: Do not take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, as it may disturb normal intestinal flora. Do not use it during pregnancy, and use it with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
- Sage is good for its anti-inflammatory properties. Boil 2 tablespoon of dried, crushed sage leaves in one cup of water, steep for twenty minutes, strain, and rinse your mouth several times daily.
- Tea tree oil. Rubbed on the gums, helps to prevent and treat gum disease.
Caution: Do not take tea tree oil internally.
- Thyme is a natural antiseptic that reduces the level of bacteria in the mouth.
Recommendations To Heal Periodontal Disease
- Eat a varied diet of fresh fruits, green leafy Vegetables, Meat and whole grains to provide the teeth and gums with needed exercise and supply the body with the vitamins and minerals that are essential for dental health. Although all vitamins and minerals are essential for the proper formation and continued health of the teeth, adequate vitamin C intake is particularly important for the prevention of gingivitis and pyorrhea. Vitamin A seems to control the development and General Health of the gums; a lack of this vitamin often results in gum infection. Vitamin A is also necessary for healthy tooth development in children. Minerals important for healthy teeth include sodium, Potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium.
- Eat plenty of high-fiber foods, such a as whole grains, vegetables, and legumes.
- Avoid sugar and all refined carbohydrates. Sugar causes plaque buildup and inhibits the ability of white blood cells to fight off bacteria.
- Brush your teeth with goldenseal powder everyday for at least one month. You can open up a capsule of goldenseal and mix the contents with toothpaste, or use a liquid extract in the same way. After one month, change brands of toothpaste. Don’t stay with the same band: some brands me irritate the gums.
- Change toothbrushes every month to keep the disease in check, and keep your toothbrush clean between uses. Bacteria live in tooth brushes. There are special devices that kill bacteria that you can keep your toothbrush in when not in use.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day. Unwaxed dental floss is good for getting under the gum line.
- Scrape your tongue each morning after you brush and floss to remove bacteria. use a tongue scraper( available in health food stores and some pharmacies )or the back of spoon. This is important because bacteria thrive on a moist tongue.
- Stim-U-Dent, found in drug stores, is beneficial for keeping the gums massaged and clean between brushing. Make sure you soak it in water or hold it in the mouth until it softens so as not to damage the gums. Massage between each tooth between meals. This also helps to remove plaque and should be used daily after eating.
- Use your fingertips to massage your gums to increase circulation.
- Interdentally- space brushes are good for cleaning the space between teeth.
- Try using a dental rinse called Plax to help loosen plague. Unlike mouthwashes, this is designed to be used before brushing Listerine also helps to remove plaque.
- Use a very soft natural bristle toothbrush; be sure to brush your gums and tongue as well as your teeth at least twice a day. The most effective way to get under the gum line is to tilt the toothbrush so that the bristles are at a 45 degree angle to the gum, and brush in a forward and backward motion using short strokes across the gum to remove bacteria.
- If inflammation is present, run very hot water over the toothbrush to soft and it before brushing, and be gentle until healing is complete.
- Open a capsule of Vitamin E and rub the oil on inflamed gums. This is very healing and helps to alleviate soreness.
- For relief of tooth ache pain until you can get to your dense dentist, apply ice to the gums. Clove oil can also be helpful (See under Herbs, above).
- Avoid taking antibiotics. The mouth is the hardest place for them to work and they destroy needed friendly bacteria in the colon. Try goldenseal first
- In addition to the product described above, we recommended the following tooth and gum products. Most of these can be bought at health food store:
- Nature de France (Pierre Cattier). Contains a clay base for healing.
- Nature’s Gate. Contains baking soda and sea salt, which is effective against plaque and gum disease. Also contains vitamin C.
- Contains a natural tooth whitener derived from the small peelu tree, native to the Middle East and Asia. People have chewed its branches for centuries to keep their teeth white. Also contains natural flavor, fruit pectin, sodium lauryl sulfate (from coconut oil), and vegetable glycerin. Unlike many year over the counter tooth whitening product these does not irritate a for damage gums.
- Herbal Toothpaste and Gum therapy with baking soda from the natural dentist. Fights plaque and gingivitis.
- Herbal Cream de Anise. Another good product found in health food stores.
- Herbal mouth and Gum Therapy Mouthwash. Good for raising the mouth between Brushes.
- Tom’s Natural Toothpaste. Contains a natural calcium base. Features myrrh (an astringent herb) and propolis.
- Weleda Salt Toothpaste. Contains baking soda and salt formulation with medicinal herbs and silica.
- Vicco Pure Herbal Toothpaste, Contain extracts from plants, bark, roots, and flowers used in Ayurvedic medicine.
- Be sure your dentistry taking the proper steps to avoid transmitting disease. The dentist’s office and waiting room should be clear. Dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants should wash their hands and change clothes between patients. Every reusable instrument should be sterilized between patients, and large equipment and all surfaces in the treatment room should be cleaned and disinfected periodically. If you have questions about your dentist procedures do not hesitate to ask.
Considerations For Periodontal Disease
- Periodontal disease should ideally be treated by a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in the area of dentistry.
- The process of periodontal disease is easier to reverse if it is caught early. It is important to know the symptoms and get regular dental check-ups for periodontal disease.
- Severe cases of periodontal disease may necessitate surgery to remove the infected tissue from the gum and reshape the bone.
- Certain illnesses, such as diabetes and several kind of blood disorders, create a higher risk for developing gum disease.
- Research suggests that people who have severe Rio periodontal disease are at greater risk of heart disease, lungs disease, stroke, ulcers, poor control of diabetes, and giving birth prematurely. Studies are ongoing regarding the affect period no tell disease has on the health of the body. It is suspected that bacteria that exist in periodontal pockets may easily enter the bloodstream. So by caring for your teeth you may also be caring for whole- body health.
- A simple blood test can detect gum disease up to eight months before symptoms appear, according to Dr. Jeffrey Ebersole, associate professor of periodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Centre. A dentist can draw a drop of blood from a finger and have it analyze for the bacteria that cause gum disease.
- Regular intimate contact with an infected person can transmit the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.
- Smoking is major factor in irritating the gums and mouth. It has also been linked to mouth and esophagus cancer.
- Some people appear to be more susceptible than others to the bacteria that cause gum disease because of a genetic predisposition.
- Dry mouth, a condition in which there is not enough saliva in the mouth, can promote tooth decay and periodontal disease. Saliva is essential for ridding the mouth of plaque, sugar, and debris. Dry mouth problems increase with age; more than half of people over the age of fifty-five are affected by it. It can also be caused by alcohol conjunctions or by prescription or over- the- counter drugs, especially those for high blood pressure, depression, cold, and allergies. Diabetes is also associated with dry mouth. The best treatment for dry mouth is to draw more moisture from the salivary glands by chewing carrots, celery, or sugar free gum; drinking 8 to 10 cups of water a day; chewing ice chips; and/or breathing through the nose.
- Dental implants look more natural then dentures, and many people are opting from them. Unfortunately, improperly inserted dental implants can cause or exacerbate periodontal disease. If you are interested in implants, consult an implant specialist.
- Researchers are studying a possible link between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and a decrease in tooth loss. Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and women’s Hospital in Boston found a 24 percent decrease in tooth loss among women’s using HRT. it is expected that this maybe because HRT aids in protecting against loss of bone-mineral density in the jaw. HRT is not without it risks, however some of them potentially serious.
- Air abrasion technology, a dental technique then painlessly removes tooth decay without drilling, allow dentist to make smaller fillings and save more of the natural tooth. The new technique, considered, to be a major breakthrough, does not necessitate numbing drugs or anesthesia.
- Regular dental checkups are important in detecting oral cancer, a disease that risks that strikes 30000 Americans each year. If oral cancer is caught early, nine out of ten people survive.
- One advantage (perhaps the only one) to having allergy is that people who suffer from allergies are less likely to lose teeth to periodontal disease. The reason apparently is that the allergy sufferer’s overactive immune system is better to fighting of the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.
- There is a tablet you can purchase at most drug stores that shows areas your toothbrush missed. Chew a tablet after brushing then brush until the color is gone.
- Electric toothbrushes, such as the Braun or Oral B systems, help to remove plaque.
- An automatic toothbrush sanitizer has been proven effective in keeping toothbrushes free of bacteria, The device automatically turns on every half-hour for two minutes to sanitize the bristles twenty-four hours a day as an alternative, you can store your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide or grapefruit seed extract to kill germs (if using hydrogen peroxide design it’s well before brushing).
- Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens the underlying structure supporting the teeth -especially important for Menopausal women who have lost density in their jaw bones. Fluoride also helps to protect from decay root surfaces that become exposed as gum recede with age. There is debate among healthcare professionals regarding the use of fluoride. Some believe in using it, while others do not.