What is Periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a disease of the teeth socket. It is one of the most widely prevalent diseases these days. It affects the membrane surrounding the teeth-root, with loosening of the teeth, pus formation and shrinkage of the gum. This disease is the primary cause for tooth loss among adults.
Periodontal disease affects persons of all ages. About half the adult population over the age of 18 suffer from early stages of this disease. Even children of five years or so may have signs of the disease. It progresses with increasing age. Unless treated properly, it may lead to loss of supporting bone of teeth and ultimately to tooth loss.
Periodontal Disease Symptoms
The gum becomes tender and on pressing pus oozes out along the margin of teeth. Pus from the cavities continually finds its way into the stomach. When the disease is far advanced, the gums become swollen and the stomach, being dosed with increasing quantities of pus, does not function properly. Sepsis may appear in various forms, digestion is disturbed, liver trouble sets in and the whole system is adversely affected. Some of the common symptoms of periodontal disease are :
- Bad breath.
- Gums that bleeds when you brush or floss your teeth.
- Loose teeth.
- Gums that are red and swollen.
- Pus coming out of your gums.
- Itchy gums.
What are the causes of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is triggered by bacterial activity. A thin layer of harmful bacteria is continuously building up in our teeth. If it is not removed by tooth cleansing, especially after meals, it forms an organized mass on the tooth surface in a short time. This is referred to as a “bacterial plaque” when accumulated, bacteria in plaque produce many toxins which irritate the gums, cause them to become inflamed, tender and bleed easily.
The bacterial activity is, however, facilitated by the lowered vitality of the system caused by acidosis as a result of wrong feeding habits. The habitual use of white bread, white sugar, refined cereals and much meat, leads to swamping of the blood and tissues with acid waste matter, and to the development of disease in one form or another. Periodontal disease is one of the many forms this swamping of the system with acid impurities takes.
Other factors contributing to the development of periodontal disease include injury to the gums and supporting structures by physical and chemical irritants in the mouth, wrong brushing, stagnation of food particles and improper use of tooth picks. In many cases, prolonged tension and even allergy can lead to this disease. In some cases, the use of the pill and pregnancy can give rise to or aggravates the condition.
Home Remedies for Periodontal Disease
1. Guava
Chewing unripe guava is an excellent tonic for the teeth and gums. It stops the bleeding from the gums due to its styptic effect and richness in vitamin C. Chewing the tender leaves of the guava tree also helps in curing bleeding from the gums and keeps the teeth healthy. A decoction of root-bark can also be beneficially used as a mouthwash for swollen gums.
2. Lemon
The regular use of lemon and lime useful in periodontal disease due to their high vitamin C content. The strengthen the gums and teeth, and are very effective in preventing and curing acute inflammations of the gum margins.
3. Orange
The use of orange has also been found beneficial in the treatment of periodontal disease. This fruit should be eaten regularly and its skin rubbed over the teeth and gums. This will improve the condition.
4. Pomegranate
Powder of the dry rind of pomegranate, mixed with pepper and common salt, can be applied as a very good dentifrice. Its regular application strengthens the gums, stops bleeding, and prevents periodontal disease.
5. Spinach
The juice of raw spinach is another valuable remedy for the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease because of its beneficial effect on the teeth and gums. This effect is grew enhanced if spinach juice is taken in combination with carrot juice. Both spinach juice and carrot juice should be taken in quantities of 125 ml each daily. A permanent aid for this affliction has been found in the use of natural raw foods, and in drinking an ample quantity of carrot and spinach juice.
6. Lettuce
Lettuce has proved useful in preventing periodontal disease. The leaves of this vegetable should be chewed everyday immediately after meals for this purpose.
7. Wheat
Wheat is especially valuable in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. Wheat chapattis are usually taken with other foods, and hence, the other food also gets chewed properly. This not only provides the needed exercise for the teeth and gum but also aids in digestion.
Useful References