PERIODONTAL
DISEASE
(Gingivitis,
pyorrhea, periodontitis)
About
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal
disease is almost as common a problem as the common cold.
It’s the main cause of loss of teeth in adults.
About three in twenty children have periodontal disease, four in ten
20-year olds, and over 50% of older adults.
Early stages involve inflammation of the gums (gingivitis).
It’s caused by plaque which causes the gums to become infected and
swollen, red, soft and bleeding. Sometimes
gingivitis causes pain, but it can also be painless.
If
left untreated, gingivitis can lead to pyorrhea or periodontitis.
Here the bone supporting the teeth begins to erode as a result of the
infection. Abscesses are common.
Pyorrhea causes bad breath, with bleeding and often painful gums.
Causes of pyorrhea include poor nutrition, poor mouth hygiene or improper
brushing, chronic illness, glandular disorders, blood disease, smoking, and
excessive alcohol. Smokers are more
likely to develop pyorrhea and lose teeth as a result.
Nutritional
deficiencies can make individuals more prone to pyorrhea, particularly vitamin C
and bioflavonoids, calcium, folic acid and niacin. Other
mouth problems can also indicate nutrititional deficiencies:
Dryness
and cracking at the corners of the mouth may indicate a deficiency of vitamin B2
(riboflavin) or a general nutritional deficiency. Dry or cracked lips can point to allergy.
Raw, red mouth tissue may be a sign of stress. A smooth, reddish tongue
can indicate anaemia or poor diet. Sores
under the tongue can be an early warning sign of mouth cancer.
Regular dental checkups can help detect these conditions early.
Nutrition Facts
& Diet Advice for Periodontal Disease
Consider the following nutrition guidelines:
-
Eat
a high-fibre diet, such as whole grains, vegetables, beans and pulses,
fruit.
-
Eat
wholefoods (as opposed to soft, refined foods) to exercise and clean the
teeth and gums and provide a range of nutrients.
-
All
nutrients are required, but particularly vitamin C, bioflavonoids, vitamin
A, vitamin E, and a range of B vitamins, Co-enzyme Q10, natural sodium
from vegetables (not table salt), potassium, calcium, selenium, zinc,
phosphorus, iron and magnesium.
-
Avoid
sugar, fruit juices, white flour, white rice, soft drinks, syrups.
Other
tips
-
Brush
your teeth with goldenseal powder every day (open a capsule)
-
Change
toothbrushes every month and store the brush in a solution of grapefruit
seed extract to kill bacteria – see supplements below.
-
Floss
teeth every day and brush teeth and gums gently with a soft brush.
-
Open
a capsule of vitamin E and rub the oil on inflamed gums to aid healing and
alleviate pain.
-
Make
tea from herbs of echinacea, rose hips, hawthorn berries or goldenseal;
allow to cool to comfortable temperature and hold liquid in mouth for a
few seconds before swallowing.
-
Rinse
mouth with a solution of water and essential oil of myrrh. Do not swallow.
Health Supplements for Periodontal
Disease
Often, a combination of
supplements may help in alleviating this condition. You may
wish to consult a nutritional therapist for personal advice.
Supplements that may be helpful in alleviating symptoms are
shown below:
(please
also read this important notice concerning supplement
medical claims)
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