When you brush your teeth, do you usually end up with blood on your spit? Do you see a lot or just small traces of blood? Do you have reddish, puffy or sore gums? Has someone ever told you that you have bad breath? Does your dentist advise you to brush and floss after meals and to pay him a visit more often than usual? If you are experiencing some of these things, then, you might be suffering from gum disease.
Gingivitis is the most familiar stage of this condition, probably because it is the first stage and the most possible to cure. Frequent dental prophylaxis in addition to proper and regular brushing and flossing can possibly undo the damage brought about by this disease. However, if the condition has become worse, one can end up with some missing teeth.
The teeth are set on the jaw through the periodontal membrane, which is composed of living tissue. This membrane serves as a cushion for the tooth and connects it to the jawbones through many tiny fibers. When you look into a healthy and normal mouth, you will find a small gap measuring 1 to 2 millimeters known as a pocket connecting the periodontal membrane and the tooth.
Plaque, the sticky gunk that is a combination of food bits and bacteria can easily get caught in the pockets and remain stuck to the teeth. When plaque sets and develops into tartar, it stays and accumulates into layers inside the pocket. The pocket gets deeper as a result. Eventually, the gums become red and swollen, losing its natural pinkish tone. At this time, it may also start to bleed during brushing. If the condition is neglected, tartar will continue to develop and may reach the roots of the tooth. Soon enough, it will penetrate the periodontal membrane and begin to eat away the bones holding the tooth. The affected tooth will begin to loosen and fall out in the end.
According to study, 3 out of 4 individuals aged 20 and above go through some period of periodontal disease. Lucky are those who do not get it, but why do some people get it and some people do not? The truth is, gum disease is contagious because the bacteria that cause it can easily be transferred through kissing. Medical experts also say that individuals who develop adult-onset diabetes are also likely to have gum disease. A deficiency of Vitamin C in the body may also be a factor since its shortage leaves the tissues surrounding the teeth vulnerable to the disease-causing bacteria.
In recent years until today, studies are being conducted to find out why most of the people who are affected by this disease also suffer from cardiovascular disease. Results imply the possibility of similar eating practices or vitamin deficiencies encourage the onset of both types of disease. Gingivitis, minor as it may seem, can in fact cause pneumonia when breathed in into the lungs. On the last note, this oral problem should be treated as early as possible because it could be your body’s way of telling you that there’s something wrong with your immune system.
The following herbal treatments may help you with gum disease:
1. Hawthorn and Bilberry
These berries are rich in procyanidins, which are powerful anti-inflammatory substances that can promote strong gum tissue. These herbs are effective in treating gingivitis. You may purchase powdered bilberry or hawthorn herb to be mixed with water to form a paste. You may then apply it on the affected areas, leave on for 6-10 minutes, then wash off with water. End the process with a good floss.
2. Goldenseal
The roots of this plant contain berberine, which is an effective anti-bacterial compound. It is also considered an astringent thus having the ability to improve the color of the gums. Goldenseal herb can also help improve bile secretion and digestion, which aids the body’s absorption of food nutrients. As a result, increased immunity against gingivitis. Check with your doctor before using this herb especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or suffering from heart disease.
3. Echinacea
This herb is not only a proven cure for colds or flu, it can also fight gum bacteria by improving one’s immunity. You can use it as a natural mouthwash or apply directly to swollen gums.
Aside from these herbs, the most effective way to treat gum disease is to go through a dental procedure wherein a dentist performs intensive cleaning to remove deep-seated plaque from the tooth down to the gums. Then again, prevention is better than cure so practice correct dental hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth after meals and seeing your dentist every six months.
