Periodontal Disease

Description

Periodontal disease, the most common cause of lost teeth in persons over 35 years of age, affects the supporting structures of the teeth, primarily the gums and the bones in which the roots of the tooth are embedded. Two forms of the disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the milder of the two forms. It can be an acute or a chronic swelling inflammation of the gums. It can be found in younger persons; in a mild form it is extremely common in adults.

Periodontitis, the more severe form, occurs when the bone and connective tissues are gradually lost and the affected tooth becomes loose. In this case the tooth may fall out.

Treatment includes good oral hygiene, including flossing to remove food and plaque which the toothbrush cannot reach and professional removal of calculus and inflamed tissues. Minor surgery may be required in severe cases.

Causes

Periodontitis
The cause of periodontitis is uncontrolled gingivitis.

Gingivitis
Primarily caused by uncontrolled bacteria and bacterial products constantly present in the mouth, especially between the teeth and at the gum margins, which inflame nearby tissues. The formation of tartar will aggravate the situation.

Poor oral hygiene	Misaligned teeth
Fillings	Clenching of teeth
Grinding of teeth	Food impaction on teeth
Mouth breathing

Using individual teeth more than others when eating
Overhangings or rough edges on bridges, crowns, or faulty dental restorations

Medications such as: Antiseizure drugs, especially phenytoin and Oral contraceptives

Vitamin deficiency	Hormonal changes
High levels of heavy metal in the body	Allergic reactions
Debilitating disease	Pregnancy
Aging	Smoking
Diabetes mellitus	Thyroid disorders
Blood disorders, including leukemia

Signs & Symptoms

Gingivitis
Primary symptom is easily bleeding gums
Soft, shiny, red, and/or swollen gums
Slight tenderness in the gums
Pain in the mouth
Malaise

Periodontitis
Primary symptom is loose teeth
Pus and/or abscess in the mouth
Bad taste in the mouth
Halitosis
Pockets in the gums between the teeth
Gaps between the teeth
Changes in bite
Toothache when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods
Dull sound produced upon tapping the tooth

Nutritional Supplements

Structure & Function:
        Antioxidants &
        Cardiovascular Support

---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------

	Adult
Bioflavonoids**	100 - 500 mg
Calcium	200 - 600 mg
Chromium	50 - 200 mcg
CoQ10*
Folic acid*
Proanthocyanidins*
Vitamin C	500 - 1,000 mg
Vitamin E	floss between teeth
Zinc	10 - 20 mg

* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.

**Commonly used bioflavonoids include: quercetin and rutin. Of related benefit is: Proanthocyanidins Pycnogenol).

Note 1:Portions of this information are more to do with dental hygiene than nutrition. Flossing is one example; another is the benefit of activated charcoal in preventing this condition. Another indirect approach is fiber, which promotes salivary production. This would apply particularly to fiber foods, like raw vegetables, rather than a commercial mucilagenous beverage.

Note 2:All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.

Dietary Considerations

When there is oral stimulation from food, the primary fluid-secreting (saliva) stimulus comes from the parasympathetic nerves, which release acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter.

Many foods have also been advocated to inhibit cariogenesis (tooth decay).

· proteins
· short-chain glucans
· non-nutritive sweeteners (non-calorie)
· phosphates
· trace elements
· fats and fatty acids


Nutritional management for periodontal disease involves maintaining a High Calcium Diet with an emphasis on foods which require mastication, to clean teeth and provide bone stimulation. Calcium is needed throughout life for healthy teeth and gums. A diet low in calcium over the course of 20 to 40 years will result in periodontal disease. Fluoride protects against jawbone fragility and tooth loss.

Vitamin C and niacin deficiencies can produce symptoms similar to periodontal disease.

Homeopathic Remedy

See toothache and dental caries

1. Avena sativa tinct. - 30C
2.* Causticum - 30C or higher
3. Carbo vegetabilis - 30C

Description	Remedy
Gum-boil	Calcarea fluorica tinct.
Inflamed	Calcarea phos. tinct.
Swollen	Apis Mellifica
Ulcers	Mercurius Vivus

Treatment Schedule

Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.

Legend

X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency

Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.


References

Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.

Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.

Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.

Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.

Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.

Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.

Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.

Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.

Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.

Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.

Tissue Salts

Ferr. Phos.	swollen gums;
Kali Phos.	bleeding gums;

Herbal Approaches

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Herbs
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Goldenseal
Cayenne
Myrrh

Gingivitis:

Echinacea
Goldenseal
Myrrh
White oak bark

Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.

References:

Hoffmann, D: The New Holistic Herbal. Element, 1983. Third edition 1990.

Aromatherapy - Essential Oils

Clove Essence,	Cypress Essence,
Clary Sage Essence,	Lemon Essence,
Marjoram Essence,	Myrrh Essence,
Tea Tree Essence,	Thyme Essence.

Related Health Conditions

Abscess	Aging
Allergy	Blood disorders
Diabetes mellitus	Infection
Oral contraceptives	Pain
Pregnancy	Smoking
Thyroid disorders	Toothache

Abstracts

References

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