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DESCRIPTION
Periodontal disease is second only to the common cold as the most prevalent infectious ailment in the United States. It is the major cause of adult tooth loss. The rate of periodontal disease increases with age, ranging from 15 percent at age 10 to more than 50 percent at age 50 years. You will find many helpful links to the American Academy of Periodontology listed below. These will take you off MoonDragon's website... to return to this page, press the "BACK" button on your browser.
TYPES OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Periodontal means "located around a tooth." Periodontal disease therefore can refer to any disorder of the gums or other supporting structures of the teeth.
Graphics courtesy of www.perio.org
GINGIVITIS
Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) is the early stage of periodontal disease and is considered the mildest form of periodontal disease. It is caused by plaque - sticky deposits of bacteria, mucus, and food particles - that 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 fitted fillings and prostheses that irritate surrounding gum tissue, and a diet consisting of too many soft foods that rob the teeth and gums of much needed "exercise." The gums become red, soft, and shiny, and they bleed easily. In some cases, there is pain, but gingivitis can also be essentially painless.
Graphics courtesy of www.medicdirect.co.uk
PYORRHEA (PERIODONITIS)
Pyorrhea (Periodontitis) is a condition that occurs when gingivitis is left untreated. This 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 (bad breath), 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 more likely to develop pyorrhea. It is often related to a deficiency of vitamin C, bioflavonoids, calcium, folic acid, or niacin. Smokers are more susceptible than nonsmokers to periodontitis and tooth loss. Periodontal disease can be made worse by missing teeth, food impaction, malocclusion, tongue-thrusting, tooth-grinding, and toothbrush trauma.
There are four basic forms of advanced periodontitis:
- Aggressive Periodontitis: A form of periodontitis that occurs in people who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.
- Chronic Periodontitis: A form of periodontal disease resulting in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss and is characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is recognized as the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.
- Periodontitis as a Manifestation of Systemic Diseases: Periodontitis, often with onset at a young age, associated with one of several systemic diseases, such as diabetes.
- Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases: An infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions including, but not limited to, HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.
Graphics courtesy of www.healthcentral.com
STOMATITIS
Stomatitis is inflammation of the oral tissues, and may affect the lips, palate, and insides 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 blisterlike lesions that can affect the gums. Two common types of stomatitis are acute herpetic stomatitis (better known as oral herpes) and aphthous stomatitis (canker sores).
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers)
CAUSES
The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. However, factors like the following also affect the health of your gums.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Problems in the mouth often are reflections of deficiencies or underlying disorders in the body. Bleeding gums may signal a vitamin C deficiency. Dryness and cracking at the corners of the mouth may indicate a deficiency of vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Both conditions may also signal a generalized nutritional deficiency. A smooth, reddish tongue can indicate anemia or poor diet. See below for more information about correcting or preventing nutritional deficiencies.
- Researchers Find Link Between Obesity and Periodontal Disease (Press Release)
- Low Dietary Vitamin C Can Increase Risk for Periodontal Disease (Press Release)
- Healthy Gums Are Likely to Lie Behind Milk Mustaches (Press Release)
- Calcium Consumption and Oral Health (Video News Release)
Underlying Disorders & Systemic Diseases: Diseases that interfere with the body's immune system may worsen the condition of the gums. Dry or cracked lips can be the result of an allergic reaction. Raw, red mouth tissue may be a sign of stress. Sores under the tongue can be an early warning sign of mouth cancer. Regular dental checkups can help detect these conditions early.
One advantage (perhaps the only one) to having allergies 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 at fighting off the bacteria that cause peridontal disease.
- The Mouth Body Connection (Consumer Article)
- Healthy Gums, Healthier Bodies (Press Release)
- Why Periodontal Disease May Pose a Risk to Your Health (Video News Release)
- People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Have More Periodontal Disease (Press Release)
Poor Oral Hygiene: Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care. Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.
Regular intimate contact with an infected person can transmit the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.
Smoking/Tobacco Use: Tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. Tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.
- Smokers May Want to Kick Butt Before Dental Procedures (Press Release)
- Smoking and Periodontal Disease (Consumer Article)
- Cigar and Pipe Smoking Are as Dangerous as Cigarettes to Periodontal Health (Press Release)
- Study Points to Smoking as Major Cause of Gum Disease (Press Release)
- Smokers Have Lower Success Rates with Periodontal Treatment (Press Release)
- Study Shows Yet Another Reason Why Quitters Are Winners (Video News Release)
- Periodontists Encourage Patients To Quit Smoking Habit (AAP Member Survey)
Genetic Factors: Some people appear to be more susceptible than others to the bacteria that cause gum disease because of genetic factors. Research proves that up to 30 percent of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early interventive treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.
- Study Finds Substantial Genetic Basis for Risk of Periodontal Disease (Press Release)
- Genetic Marker Common in People of European Heritage Doesn't Explain High Rates of Periodontal Disease in Chinese (Press Release)
- Families and Periodontal Disease (Press Release)
Women & Periodontitis: As a woman, you know that your health needs are unique. You know that brushing and flossing daily, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are all important to help you stay in shape. You also know that at specific times in your life, you need to take extra care of yourself. Times when you mature and change, for example, puberty or menopause, and times when you have special health needs, such as menstruation or pregnancy. During these particular times, your body experiences hormonal changes. These changes can affect many of the tissues in your body, including your gums. Your gums can become sensitive, and at times react strongly to the hormonal fluctuations. This may make you more susceptible to gum disease. Additionally, recent studies suggest that pregnant women with gum disease are seven times more likely to deliver preterm, low birth weight babies.
- Dental Procedure May Reduce Risk of Premature Births (Press Release)
- More Severe Periodontal Disease Poses Additional Threat to Pregnant Diabetics (Press Release)
- Women and Periodontal Disease (Consumer Article)
- A Mouthful of Reasons to Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy (Press Release)
- Oral Health Advice for Mothers-to-Be (Press Release)
- Research Provides Further Evidence on the Importance of Good Oral Health in Pregnant Women (Press Release)
Stress: As you probably already know, stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.
- Identifying Patients' Stress Coping Behavior Key to Treatment Outcomes (Press Release)
- Financial Stress Doubles Periodontal Disease Risk (Press Release)
- Researchers Find Clinical Depression May Have Negative Effect on Periodontal Treatment Outcome (Press Release)
Medications: Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health. Just as you notify your pharmacist and other health care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health, you should also inform your dental care provider.
- Common Treatment for Acne May Cause the Appearance of Discolored Gums (Press Release)
- Patients Taking Medication for High Blood Pressure Benefit from Frequent Dental Care (Press Release)
Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth: Have you been told that you grind your teeth at night? Is your jaw sore from clenching your teeth when you're taking a test or solving a problem at work? Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.
Dry Mouth: 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 55 are affected by it. It can also be caused by alcohol consumption or by prescription or over the counter drugs, especially those for high blood pressure, depression, colds, 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 gum; sipping liquids; chewing ice chips; or breathing through the nose.
Diabetes: Diabetes is a disease that causes altered levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes develops from either a deficiency in insulin production (a hormone that is the key component in the body's ability to use blood sugars) or the body's inability to use insulin correctly. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes; however, more than half have not been diagnosed with this disease. If you are diabetic, you are at higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal diseases. These infections can impair the ability to process and/or utilize insulin, which may cause your diabetes to be more difficult to control and your infection to be more severe than a non-diabetic.
TREATMENT
Medical Treatment of Periodontal Disease
Regular dental checkups are important in detecting peridontal disease and oral cancer. Oral cancer is a disease that strikes 30,000 Americans each year. If oral cancer is caught early, 9 out of 10 people survive.
A simple blood test can detect gum disease up to 8 months before symptoms appear, according to Dr. Jeffery Ebersole, associate professor of periodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center. A dentist can draw a drop of blood from a finger and have it analyzed for the bacteria that cause gum disease.
Air abrasion technology, a dental technique that painlessly removes tooth decay without drilling, allows dentists 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.
If you're diagnosed with periodontal disease, your periodontist may recommend periodontal surgery. Periodontal surgery is necessary when your periodontist determines that the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment. Severe cases of peridontal disease may necessitate surgery to remove the infected tissue from the gum and reshape the bone. Following are the four types of surgical treatments most commonly prescribed:
If you've already lost a tooth to periodontal disease, you may be interested in dental implants – the permanent tooth replacement option. Dental implants look more natural than dentures, and many people are opting for them. Unfortunately, improperly inserted dental implants can cause or exacerbate peridontal disease. If you are interested in implants, consult an implant specialist.
Find Out More From www.perio.org:
- Determine if you are at risk for periodontal disease.
- See a periodontist for a periodontal evaluation.
- View online samples of AAP brochures about periodontal disease and your oral health.
Be sure your dentist is taking the proper steps to avoid transmitting disease. The dentist's office and waiting room should be clean. Dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants should wash their hands and change gloves 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's procedures, do not hesitate to ask.
HOLISTIC & NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Good oral hygiene is important. There is a tablet you can purchase at most drugstores that shows areas your toothbrush missed. Chew a tablet after brushing, then brush until the color is gone.
Electric toothbrushes, such as 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 24 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, rinse it well before brushing).
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, magnesium.
Eat plenty of high fiber foods, such 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 every day for at least one month. After one month, change brands of toothpaste. Don't stay with the same brand; some brands may irritate the gums.
Change toothbrushes every month to keep the disease in check, and keep your toothbrush clean between uses. Bacteria live on toothbrushes.
Floss your teeth daily. Use a product called Stim-U-Dent (available in drugstores) between meals to clean and stimulate the gums with a massaging motion. Do this faithfully every day.
Try using a dental rinse called Plax to help loosen plaque. 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. 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 gums to remove bacteria.
If inflammation is present, run very hot water over the toothbrush to soften 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 toothache pain until you can get to your dentist, apply ice to the gums. Clove oilcan also be helpful (See under HERBS below).
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; it works faster and has no side effects (See under HERBS below).
These are some additional products that are recommended for tooth and gum care. Most of these can be found in health food stores or online.
- Nature's Gate Dental Care. Contains baking soda and sea salt, which is effective against plaque and gum disease. Also contains vitamin C.
- Peelu Dental Care. 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 glycerine.
- 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. Contains extracts from plants, bark, roots, and flowers used in Ayurvedic medicine.
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HERBS
Applying aloe vera gel directly to inflamed gums eases discomfort and soothes the tissues.
Clove oil is good for temporary relief of tooth and/or gum pain. simply rub a drop or two of clove oil on the affected areas. If the oil is too strong in its pure form, it can be diluted with a drop or two of olive oil.
Echinacea, hawthorn berries, myrrh gum, and rose hips 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. Place a dropperful of alcohol-free goldenseal extract in your mouth, swish it around for 3 minutes, then swallow. For inflamed gums, place a dropperful 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. 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.
NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Nutrients Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Essential Coenzyme Q10 100 mg daily. Increases tissue oxygenation. Goldenseal 1 dropperful alcohol-free extract as directed under HERBS above. Kills bacteria that causes peridontal disease. 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. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids 4,000-10,000 mg daily, in divided doses throughout the day. Promotes healing, especially of bleeding gums. Bioflavonoids retard plaque growth. 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
and
Magnesium
1,500 mg daily.
750 mg daily.Helps prevent bone loss around the gums.
Works with Calcium. Use a chelate form.Vitamin A 25,000 IU daily for 1 month, then reduce to 10,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily. Needed for healing of gum tissue. Emulsion form is recommended for easier assimilation and greater safety at high doses. Plus
Natural Beta-carotene
Or
Carotenoid Complex (Betatene)AS directed on label. An antioxidant used by the body to manufacture vitamin A as needed. Vitamin E Start with 400 IU daily and increase slowly to 1,000 IU daily. Also open a capsule and rub the oil on the gums 2-3 times daily. Needed for healing of gum tissue. Plus
Selenium (ESEL from Carlson Labs) 200 mcg daily. A powerful antioxidant that works with vitamin E to ward off cancer. Important Grape seed extract As directed on label. A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Proteolytic enzymes
With
PancreatinAs directed on label. Take between meals and at bedtime. Aids in keeping down inflammation and aids in proper digestion. Vitamin B complex 50 mg 3 times daily, with meals 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 OptiZinc for best absorption.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You have symptoms of peridontal disease.
Your symptoms are not relieved after treatment. You may need to try another therapy method or a specialist in peridontal disease. If you symptoms worsen consult with your dentist or peridontist about therapy and/or surgical choices and treatment options.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
