Posts Tagged ‘Gingivitis’
Gum Disease
Thursday, August 13th, 2009Q: I was at the dentist last week and was shocked to discover I have gum disease! Is there anything I can do to help this?
A: Gingivitis or gum disease occurs where pockets of bacteria accumulate and produce more plaque, separating the gums from the teeth. The Bacterial growth causes the gums to become red, soft and shiny.
What Alternative Can Help For Bleeding Gums?
Monday, November 17th, 2008Q : I’m on medication for heart problems, and as a side effect my gums bleed badly. What can I take that could help?
A : Gingivitis is a condition which develops at the early stage of periodontal disease, where pockets of bacteria accumulate and produce more plaque, separating the gums from the teeth. Bacterial growth causes the gums to become red, soft and shiny. Therapeutic considerations for general gingivitis sufferers include assistance in the following areas.
• Hygiene: Biannual visits to your dentist for a full exam and removal of plaque and calculus; Brush after meals with sanguinaria toothpaste and floss daily.
• Diet: High in dietary fibre – protective via increased salivary secretion; Eliminate sugar from your diet.
• Cigarettes: Introduce a smoking cessation programme.
• Vitamin C (improves the integrity of the gums)
• Vitamin E, selenium (boosts anti-oxidant status)
• Vitamin A, beta-carotenes, zinc (decreases the healing time).
• Folic acid (reduces inflammation)
• Quercetin (rich in flavonoids which also helps reduce inflammation)
• Homoeopathic remedies that may assist include Merc Cor 6C where the gums are spongy, swollen and purple in colour. If you have increased saliva production and loose teeth with a salty or bitter taste, try Kreosotum 3C. if your symptoms are worse after cold drinks, water or air, try Silica 6C or Phosphorous 13C if you’ve a tendency for boils and abscesses.
• Botanical medicines that possess anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties include Sanguinaria Canadensis (bloodroot) when used as a toothpaste, and Centalla asiatica (gotu kola) which possesses gum healing properties.
For further information on Gingivitis please visit the Irish Centre of Integrated Medicine on www.icim.ie or tel 00353-045-844819
