GUM DISEASE
D0 YOUR GUMS BLEED - even a little? Are they red, sore or puffy? Have you ever had bad breath, or has your dentist ever told you that you need to brush and see the hygienist more frequently? If you answer 'yes' to any of these questions, you may have some form of periodontal or gum disease. Up to three out of four people over age 20 have some stage of gum disease. It might be gingivitis, the earliest and most treatable stage, when careful brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings can reverse the damage. Or it might have progressed to the point where tooth loss can occur.
Teeth are not embedded in the jaw like fenceposts in concrete. They are surrounded by living tissue called the periodontal membrane. This tissue acts as a shock absorber for the tooth. Thousands of tiny fibres connect to the tooth and to the bones of the jaw.
In a normal, healthy mouth, a slight space called a pocket exists between the tooth and the periodontal membrane. It usually measures one to two millimetres. When food particles and bacteria remain trapped in this space, they form plaque, a sticky goo that clings to the teeth.
Plaque hardens into tartar, which settles into this pocket in layers, eventually deepening it. Over time, the gums lose their normal pink colour, get puffy and red, and may bleed when brushed. Left untreated, tartar continues its progress down the roots of the tooth, eventually penetrating the periodontal membrane and eroding the bones that hold the tooth in place. The teeth involved loosen and eventually fall out.
Why do some people get gum disease and not others? For one thing, the bacteria that cause it are contagious; they can be spread by kissing. For another, there seems to be a link between gum disease and adultonset diabetes. Vitamin C deficiency may also play a role, allowing greater passage of the bacteria into the tissues that surround the teeth.
Researchers are now investigating why many of the same people who suffer from gum disease also have cardiovascular disease. It's possible that the same dietary habits or deficiencies promote both problems. And although gingivitis may seem minor, the bacteria that cause it can be inhaled into the lungs, causing pneumonia. Finally, gingivitis is one of the early signs that the immune system may be having problems and it should not be ignored.
The best way to prevent gum disease is to brush and floss regularly. Also, see a dentist periodically to remove the plaque that builds up. If you tend to get a lot of plaque, see a dentist at least twice a year.
Treatment for periodontal disease usually involves some sort of mechanical procedure in which a dentist or dental hygienist deepcleans the gums and removes plaque from the area of the tooth under the gum. This is often accompanied by antibiotic treatment; more and more, antibiotic treatment alone is being used. There are no drugs, however, that can be taken internally to reverse the progress of gum disease. In advanced cases, surgical procedures are performed.
DRUG TREATMENT
Antibiotics
Penicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V). Function: kill the bacteria responsible for gum infection. Side effects: development of penicillin-resistant bacteria, excitability, skin rash and yeast infections; and alteration of intestinal bacteria, which may cause intestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
BACTERIA-FIGHTING GUM RINSE
Although this rinse isn't especially tasty, it will help heal inflamed gums.
5 drops goldenseal tincture
5 drops myrrh tincture
2 crushed garlic cloves
1 dash of cayenne
450 millilitres water
Combine all ingredients. Swish in the mouth for two to three minutes, three or four times per day.
Other Drugs
Doxycycline (Vibramycin). Function: kills the bacteria responsible for gum infection. Side effects: development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria; alteration of intestinal flora, which causes intestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea; anorexia; yeast infections; less commonly, liver and kidney toxicity.
Metronidazole (Flagyl). Function: kills anaerobic bacteria that may cause gingivitis. Side effects: nausea, headache, dry mouth, metallic taste in the mouth, weakness, potentially dangerous reaction with alcohol.
HERBAL REMEDIES
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida)
Just as it fights the bacteria and viruses that cause colds, flu and minor infection, echinacea fights gum bacteria by enhancing the functioning of the body's immune system. Use it as a mouth rinse or dab it on to sore or swollen gums. You can also take it internally. Typical dosage: up to nine 300- to 400-milligram capsules per day; or up to 60 drops of tincture three times per day.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
One of this root's compounds, berberine, is a potent antibacterial substance. Goldenseal also stimulates digestion and the secretion of bile, which helps you get more nutrients from the foods you eat - a good thing in case nutritional deficiencies have made you more prone to gingivitis. In addition, goldenseal is astringent, which helps tone gum tissue. Typical dosage: up to six 500- to 600-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 50 drops of tincture per day. Caution: goldenseal has not been proven safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have heart problems, consult your doctor before using it.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Well-known for its healing properties, calendula benefits gums with its antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating compounds. It may also help treat ulcers and sore throats. Typical dosage: apply tincture to the affected area up to three times per day.
Aloe (Aloe vera)
Aloe is a proven healer of skin injuries. Because it has the same effect on the gums, a number of mouth rinses and other dental products include aloe. Look for it in herbal dental products, or mix pure aloe vera gel with tinctures of the herbs in this chapter. Swab this paste on sore gums as needed.
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
Both of these berries contain procyanidins, substances that are powerfully anti-inflammatory and may help strengthen gum tissue. To use them against gingivitis, buy a small amount of the powdered version of either herb. Mix the powder with enough water to make a paste and swab on to the infected gums. Leave on 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse and floss.
