Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

Overview

Periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation or degeneration of the tissues that surround and support the teeth–gingiva (gums), the bone the teeth are set in (alveolar bone), the periodontal ligament, and the cementum (the tissue that connects these structures).

The most common and often initial form of periodontal disease is inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can spread, causing increased inflammation in the membranes and tissues around the base of the teeth and potential erosion of the underlying bone, a conditions known as periodontitis that is the major cause of bone loss in adults.

The most common symptoms of periodontal disease is red, inflamed gum tissue that bleeds easily due to flossing, brushing of the teeth, and/or eating hard foods such as raw apples.

Periodontal disease is primarily due to poor dental hygiene (lack of teeth brushing and flossing) leading to a buildup of bacterial plaque. In can also occur during pregnancy and puberty, due to hormonal factors, and/or be due to nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin C, folic acid and other B vitamins, and calcium.

Additional risk factors include problems with the biting surface (malocclusion), breathing through the mouth, food impaction, decreased tissue in and around the gums due to plaque buildup, and poor diet. It can also be caused by hydrochloric acid deficiency. Smoking and the use of birth control pills can also play roles.

There are natural cures for Periodontal Disease that do not involve the use of pharmaceutical drugs. The natural remedies which are used to treat the effects of Periodontal Disease focus on restoring the biochemical balance of the body, and making dietary and lifestyle changes designed to improve one’s general health.

Definition
Periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation or degeneration of the tissues that surround and support the teeth–gingiva (gums), the bone the teeth are set in (alveolar bone), the periodontal ligament, and the cementum (the tissue that connects these structures).

Types
The most common and often initial form of periodontal disease is inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can spread, causing increased inflammation in the membranes and tissues around the base of the teeth and potential erosion of the underlying bone, a conditions known as periodontitis that is the major cause of bone loss in adults.

Symptoms
The most common symptoms of periodontal disease is red, inflamed gum tissue that bleeds easily due to flossing, brushing of the teeth, and/or eating hard foods such as raw apples.

Cause
Periodontal disease is primarily due to poor dental hygiene (lack of teeth brushing and flossing) leading to a buildup of bacterial plaque. In can also occur during pregnancy and puberty, due to hormonal factors, and/or be due to nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin C, folic acid and other B vitamins, and calcium.

Caution: Gingivitis may be one of the first signs that there is an underlying systemic problem or debilitating disease such as diabetes or leukemia, heavy metal toxicity, lowered resistance, allergies, or vitamin deficiencies. In addition, the bacteria associated with periodontal disease has been shown to migrate through the body, creating a burden on the cardiovascular system and contributing to heart disease.
For infected gums, increase your dosage of vitamin A for three days and then slowly reduce to maintenance dose over one to two weeks. You can also massage your gums with oil from vitamin A and E capsules along with zinc oxide cream.

For gums that bleed, drink pure filtered water with fresh squeezed organic lemon juice upon arising and before going to bed.

Symptoms

Symptoms generally progress over time, and include the following:

Gum bleeding. Bleeding of the gums, even during brushing, is a sign of inflammation – the major marker of periodontal disease. One exception is juvenile periodontitis; where symptoms are mild or even absent. It should be noted that the gums of those who smoke with periodontal disease tend to bleed less than non-smokers.
Red and swollen gums
Bad breath, caused by debris and bacteria
Gum recession and loose teeth. The gums will recede as the disease advances, and the supporting structure of the bone is lost. Teeth will loosen, causing a change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together when biting down, or how partial dentures fit.
Abscesses. Tartar and food particles can cause blockages of the deepening periodontal pockets between the gums and bone. White blood cells, which fight infection, can become trapped and die, and pus will form leading to the development of abscess. Abscesses can destroy both gum and tooth tissue, causing nearby teeth to become loose and painful. This can then lead to fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Be aware that pain is not usually a symptom, which explains why the disease may be advanced before treatment begins

Causes

Periodontal disease is caused by bacterial overgrowth, although a persistent immune response to chronic infections in the mouth is also believed to play a part in gum destruction in general.

Bacterial culprits – Healthy and disease-causing bacteria can generally be grouped into two categories

The harmless or helpful bacteria are usually known as gram positive aerobic bacteria
In periodontal disease, the bacterial balance shifts over to gram negative anaerobic bacteria. Be aware that inflammatory disease cannot develop without these bacteria

Some bacteria are related to gingivitis, but not plaque development. They include various streptococcal species.

Viral causes – Certain herpes viruses (herpes simplex and varicella-zoster virus, the cause of shingles and chickenpox) are known causes of gingivitis. However, other herpes viruses (such as cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr) may also play a role in the onset or progression of some forms of periodontal disease.

Do

This content is for members only. Please JOIN NATURAL CURES OR LOGIN

Diet

If you have periodontal disease, there are a number of dietary changes you can make, including:

Eat fatty fish – Mackerel, salmon, herring, tuna and halibut all contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been associated with a lower incidence of gum disease.
Consume dairy products – A study from 2008 published in the ‘Journal of periodontal disease found that participants who consumed more dairy products like milk and cheese had significantly lower levels of severe periodontal disease.
Eat foods high in vitamin C – The vitamin helps promote healthy gums and reduces the risk of developing gingivitis. Choose vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries and green peppers
Choose foods rich in folic acid – A deficiency in this vitamin can cause gingivitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Try spinach, dark leafy greens, beets, whole grains, soybeans, wheat germ, milk and orange juice.

Juice Therapy:

Juicing offers a way you can get the nutrients you need without having to eat the fruits and vegetables whole. Because most fruits contain sugar and vegetables produce starch, your teeth and gums can be affected, so do juice your juices and juice ingredients wisely.

Drink juices high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, such as carrot or cantaloupe juice.
Eat an organic, whole foods diet, at least seven servings of fresh organic fruits and vegetables per day, as well as other high-fiber foods. Eliminate sugar, refined carbohydrates, processed foods, soda, and commercial fruits juices.

It is important to not add further toxicity to your system so try to adhere to the following:

Do not consume any artificial sweeteners, such as Splenda, NutraSweet or Aspartame

Do not consume high fructose corn syrup or mono-sodium glutamate.

Do not drink any carbonated beverages.

Avoid all fast food restaurants.

Avoid all canned food.

Eliminate conventional dairy products. The best dairy products are raw, unpasteurised and homogenised dairy from grass fed cows. If this is unavailable, then buy organic dairy.

Avoid conventional beef. The best beef is organic grass fed beef.

www.grasslandbeef.com The second best is organic meat; this includes beef, veal, lamb, chicken and turkey.

Topical Treatment:

Tea Tree Oil – The anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil in the treatment of gingivitis has resulted in positive outcomes in a number of studies. In June 2004, the “Australian Dental Journal” published research on the effects of topically applied tea tree oil on plaque and gingivitis. The study found that a gel containing tea tree oil significantly reduced bleeding and gingival inflammation, but did not decrease plaque formation.

Brush your teeth with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, and massage your gums with your fingers. In cases of bleeding gums make a mouthwash by combining one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of pure filtered water. Use this to gargle with in the morning and evening. Using a toothpaste made from tea tree oil, citrus seed extract, and/or hydrogen peroxide can also be helpful.

Supplements:

Vitamin C, Flavonoids, Coenzyme Q10 – All three of these substances are powerful antioxidants which help preserve gum disease and hasten healing.

Coenzyme Q10 decreases the depth of the pockets which form between the teeth and gums, speeding healing and reducing bleeding, while vitamin C and mixed flavonoids are particular effective when taken together and work by building up connective tissue in the gums and reduce inflammation.

Try a natural mouth rinse for some relief, too.

Take Vitamin D3 50,000-100,000 International Units a day for periods of 4 weeks at a time.
Wholefood supplements are the best way of ensuring your nutritional needs are met. The best we know on the market is Kevin Trudeau’s “KT Daily” product. You can find more details here.
Take an Omega 3 supplement:

Krill oil – www.

Fish oil – www.shoporganic.com

Cod liver oil – www.drrons.com

Vegetarian – www.

Prescription and non-prescription medication:

What non-prescription and prescription drugs are you taking? Your non-prescription and prescription are partially the reason that you have this illness or disease – you need to get off these medications but do so only under the guidance of a licensed health care practitioner.

Mind

We know that when the body is out of balance, energy doesn’t flow, leading blockages and eventually disease. Here are some things you can do to combat stress and restore balance:

Go to a Dr Morter BEST (Bio-Energetic Synchronisation Technique) Practitioner.

Stephen Lewis, founder of the Aim Program. Find out more by clicking here.

. Find out more by clicking here.

Consider using Mary Millers Iching System Products – ichingsystemsinstruments.com

Reiki healing is very powerful in releasing stress and emotional baggage. Find a practitioner here.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) has had remarkable results in dissolving stress. Find a local practitioner here or go to www.thetappingsolution.com or www.tftrx.com