|
by
Dr. Rita Louise
Natural
Remedies For Combating Periodontal & Gum
Disease
Periodontal
disease is an infection of the tissues that
support our teeth. Classified according to
severity, in its mildest form, gingivitis, the
gums can become reddened, swell, and bleed
easily. When left unchecked, it can become
a more serious disorder, periodontitis, which
can lead to tooth loss.
Dental plaque
is the primary cause of both gingivitis and
periodontitis. Plaque is an adhesive fluid
made up of epithelial cells, mucin, and
bacteria. It begins to form about twelve
hours after we brush our teeth. If it is
not removed, mineral salts in the foods we eat
trigger the formation of tartar (calculus).
The calculus is irritating to gum tissue.
It also changes the pH in the mouth, allowing
bad bacteria to thrive and eventually eat away
at the support structures that hold our teeth in
place.
There are a
number of factors that can underscore
periodontal disease. Some people are
genetically predisposed to this disorder.
Other causes can include poor oral hygiene,
smoking/tobacco use, hormonal changes including
pregnancy in women, diabetes, certain
medications, stress, clenching the teeth or
nutritional deficiencies.
It’s possible
to have periodontal disease without any warning
signs; however, there are several things that
can indicate a problem. Red, swollen and
tender gums that bleed easily is usually the
earliest sign of a problem. If you find
that your gums pull away from your teeth or if
you are experiencing loose teeth and persistent
bad breath, it may be a sign of a more serious
problem.
Recommendations
For Wellness
Brush your
teeth twice a day and have regular dental
checkups and professional cleanings.
Flossing or
using an interdental cleaner can help to remove
bacteria and food particles from between the
teeth.
Chew your food
thoroughly in order to stimulate your gums.
Reduce sugar
intake. This includes both snacks and
drinks that are high in sugar. If you do
consume foods that contain sugar, ideally, brush
your teeth right away.
Quit smoking.
Smoking plays a significant role in over half of
the chronic cases of periodontal disease.
Supplement with
calcium, folic acid and zinc. Deficiencies
in these important nutrients may increase the
permeability of gum tissues, making you more
susceptible to bacterial plaque.
If you suffer
from bleeding gums, incorporate vitamin C into
your health plan. Vitamin C promotes
healing, especially from bleeding gums. It
also is known to help retard plaque growth.
Herbal extracts
can be made into a tea and used as a mouthwash.
Herbs that can be used include hawthorn berry,
echinacea and goldenseal.
Hawthorn
berry has a tightening effect on the gums if
used over a period of time.
Echinacea
has anti-microbial properties, which can kill
bacteria in the mouth and prevent infection.
Goldenseal
can be used whenever mouth sores or inflammation
starts. Goldenseal has a history of
killing bacteria including the kind that causes
periodontal disease.
A mouthwash
made from a combination of chamomile, echinacea
and myrrh has been successfully used for
treating gingivitis.
Folic acid can
also be used as a mouth rinse. It has been
shown to reduce the inflammation and b
lee
ding often associated with periodontal disease.
A couple of
drops of olive leaf extract or tea tree oil on
your toothbrush can arrest infection and kill
the bacteria in the mouth.
Aloe vera can
be applied directly to inflamed gums and used to
sooth the tissues in the mouth.
Coenzyme Q10
increases tissue oxygenation and has been shown
to help decrease receding gum lines.
Clove oil can
be used as a temporary relief for tooth or gum
pain. Simply rub a drop or two on the
affected area.
© Copyright
Body, Mind & SoulHealer –
www.soulhealer.com 2007. All rights reserved.
RETURN TO PERIODONTAL DISEASE
About The
Author: Dr. Rita Louise, Ph D is a
Naturopathic Physician, founder of the
Institute
Of
Applied Energetics
and the host of Just Energy Radio.
Author of the books “Avoiding the
Cosmic 2x4” and “The Power Within”,
it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and
professional clairvoyant that enlivens her work.
Let Dr. Rita assist you bringing health, healing
and wholeness back into your life. Visit http://www.soulhealer.com/
or listen live online to Dr. Rita on http://www.justenergyradio.com
Try the
all natural Pain
Relief
Formula,
not a
drug, and it works
.
|
