Gum Surgery for Periodontal Disease

May 28, 2012 by

It may be necessary to restore or repair the damage caused by periodontal disease using surgical techniques.

According to the stages of development of periodontal disease, gum surgery will aim to:

Remove Tartar below the Gums

This procedure involves taking off the gum near the tooth to the root and remove the biofilm and calculus in it. This technique can promote complete the healing of the gum to the tooth and thus remove the periodontal pocket.

Restore Bone

This procedure involves filling with synthetic materials or autologous transplantation of bone loss .

Restore the Gum Tissue

Two approaches are possible to reverse the gum recession caused:

. Establishment of a membrane (resorbable or not) to restore the damaged gum. This membrane forms a barrier and allows new tissue to grow back.

. Autograft of the gum.

Relieve the Oral Mucosa

In cases of inflammatory or traumatic gum disease, the use of local applications may be recommended.

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Treating Gum Disease with the help of Your Dentist

May 23, 2012 by

Specific treatment for periodontal disease will be determined by your dentist based on:

  • your age, overall health and medical history
  • extent of the disease
  • your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
  • expectations for the course of the disease
  • your opinion or preference

Treatment may consist of one, or a combination of the following:

  • Plaque removal
    Thorough cleaning can help remove the plaque and infected tissue in the early stages of the disease, while smoothing the damaged root surfaces of teeth. This process is called deep cleaning or scaling. It can also be done using a laser.
  • Medicines
    Antibiotics can help in treating gum disease by killing the infection.
  • Surgery
    When the disease is advanced, the infected areas under the gums cleaned, and the tissues will then be transformed or replaced.Types of surgeries include:

    • pocket reduction
    • a regeneration procedure
    • a soft tissue graft
    • crown lengthening
  • Dental implants
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Herbs for Gum Disease

May 21, 2012 by

Periodontal disease should immediately be treated with oral medicines to prevent them from escalating to chronic disease that threatens your tooth and general health. You can do so by regular intake of natural, medicinal herbs which are known to cure gum disease.

Here are the popular herbs for gum disease which you should only use after consultation with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or suffering from any other physical condition:

Echinacea

This herb is not only a proven remedy for colds or flu, it can also fight against bacteria in gums and improves the immunity of a person. You can use it as a natural mouthwash or apply directly to the swollen gums.

Goldenseal

The roots of this plant contain berberine, which is an antibacterial compound. It is also considered as an astringent and has the ability to improve the color of the gums. Goldenseal herb can also help improve bile secretion and digestion, which facilitates the body’s absorption of dietary nutrients which results in increased immunity against gingivitis. Check with your doctor before using this herb, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or suffering from heart disease.

Hawthorn and Bilberry

These berries are rich in procyanidins, which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can promote strong gum tissue. These herbs are effective in treating gingivitis. You can use the blueberry powder or hawthorn herb mixed with water to form a paste. You can then apply the paste to affected areas, leave it for 6-10 minutes, then rinse with water.

Peppermint

An effective home remedy for bleeding gums is to rub a paste made of oak powder and herbal extracts of peppermint leaves. You can also add powdered clove and herbal myrrh extract to increase the efficiency of the solution.

A mixture of sage oil, peppermint and salt solution is also used as medication for bleeding gums.

Tabashir Bamboo

Unani and Ayurvedic doctors suggest this simple and effective remedy for bleeding gums. Tabashir bamboo contains silica, which actively works on bleeding gums and also prevents cavities from developing further. It is a reliable home remedy for gingivitis.

 In addition to the above, there are some more natural gum disease treatments:

These essential oils can be massaged directly onto the painful areas of the gums:

  1. tea tree
  2. clove
  3. eucalyptus
  4. evening primrose oil
  5. wintergreen

You can rinse your mouth with:

  1. fennel
  2. chamomile tea
  3. a mouthwash of goldenseal
  4. sage
  5. diluted tea tree oil

For severe gum disease

Packages of wrap bandage containing ingredients such as turmeric, aloe, willow bark, licorice root, the antioxidant vitamin E, and powdered alum, wrapped in gauze and placed in corners of the mouth at night, are known to heal.

 

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Aromatherapy Gingivitis Gel: Home Remedy

May 20, 2012 by

If you are suffering from red gums or gingivitis, here are some home remedies you can try:

1. Apply 2 drops of essential oil (ET) Tea tree or Laurel to the affected area 3 times daily for 3 days.

2. A combination of aromatic oil-effective in cases of gingivitis: HE 1 drop tea tree + 1 drop Laurel ET + 2 drops of oil of Hypericum macerate.

3. Aromatic Gingival Gel Formula:

HE Eucalyptus citriodora (Lemon Eucalyptus) ………. 2.5 ml
HE Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) ………………….. 1 ml
HE Mentha x piperita (Peppermint) ……………….. 0.5 ml
HE Laurus nobilis (Laurel) ………………………. 1 ml
Neutral gel ………………………………………… .. ad 50 ml

Dosage: Use a dab of gel to massage the gums, with emphasis on the red or inflamed areas, 3 times a day.

If problem persists, or plaque has hardened, consult a dentist for professional deep cleaning or other periodontal disease treatments.

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Laser Treatment for periodontal gum disease

May 20, 2012 by

Periodontal disease is one of the most common dental diseases. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in people over 40 years. During the development of periodontal disease, periodontal pockets located around the teeth become infected and are widening, with in extreme cases, destruction of supporting bone and tooth loss.

Laser Treatment being done to treat gum disease

Laser Treatment being done to treat gum disease

Early detection and treatment of periodontal disease is your best defense. Therefore it is advisable to visit the dentist regularly to check the status of the periodontal pockets.

Lasers for Treatment of Gum Disease

For the treatment of periodontal pockets, the laser is a highly effective non-surgical tool. It cleans and disinfects pockets, thanks to its sterilizing, anti-inflammatory and biostimulating. Associated with a possible scaling, dental surgeons use lasers which often achieve remarkable results, with the restoration of the bone. This treatment allows reattachment of tissue along the tooth root, which reduces or eliminates tooth mobility. It also eliminates the bleeding gum and bad breath originating from the gingiva.

The laser meets the gum, unlike surgical periodontal treatments, which can result in significant losses of gum tissue, which make for an unsightly smile.

Laser gum disease treatment helps patients keep their teeth longer by preventing tooth loss, caries, and recurrence.

In some European countries and the United States, the pocket therapy is often done by dental hygienists working in collaboration with dentists, who can then devote their time to more complicated cases.

Lasers can be expensive and some dentists even offer financing plans to their patients.

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Home Remedies for Gum Disease

May 20, 2012 by

The cure for gum disease may not always lie with the dentist. Several home remedies for gum disease are also popular. People swear by salt water as an effective home treatment for gum disease. Depending upon individual periodontal conditions (slightly inflammed, gingivitis, periodontitis etc.), you can also try a natural gum disease cure as opposed to a professional treatment.

1.Salt

A Remarkable Disinfectant! If you gargle, twice a day with warm salt water frequently, gum disease will immediately be combated. The salt water not only kills the harmful bacteria in the mouth, but also restores the healthy bacteria.

2. Sea Salt

Sea salt should be applied directly to the teeth and gums or dissolved in water and used as a mouthwash. The use of this remedy will see the swollen gums significantly reduced.

3.Vitamin C

Vitamin C will not cure your gum disease, but it is helpful in recovering from its adverse effects. So it will take care of the bleeding and pain caused by the disease causing your discomfort to some extent. It also plays an important role in preventing the gums of the retreating farther. Brush well after this remedy to ensure that no acidic Vitamin C is left on the teeth causing erosion of the enamel.

4. Baking Soda

It helps to neutralize acids in the mouth, which in turn helps reduce gum disease and tooth decay problem. You can either rub baking soda on teeth and gums or dip a toothbrush in a solution of baking soda and use it to brush the teeth. Alternatively, you can inject the solution of baking soda and water in the pockets of the gum using an injector.

5. Lemon

Lemon juice is acidic nature. It destroys the bad bacteria with success, thus preventing your teeth from further destruction. Moreover, it dissolves the plaque and makes your teeth free from gum disease.Take the fresh lemon and squeeze it in warm water. Gargle well with this solution and follow regularly for fast results. One note of caution, though. Citrus foods are not very good for the teeth in general. So, be sure to brush well after the treatment.

6. Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey has antiseptic and anti bacterial effects which work on the affected parts and help the healing of the gums. You can either rub it onto the gum or dilute in water and use the solution as a mouthwash. The last option is to inject the solution using an injection orally in gum pockets to soothe the gums.

7. Tea Tree Oil & Clove Oil

These vegetable oils are natural disinfectants. They prevent the harmful bacteria sticking to the surface of the teeth. Not only that, but these oils are the most famous home remedy for bad breath, bleeding gums, toothache and sore throat.

8. Chamomile

Chamomile can be used as a natural mouthwash for gum disease. It helps reduce inflammation and fight against bacteria. Regular drinking of chamomile tea also helps fight against gum disease.

9. Massage your Gums

Just like your body, your gums too long for a good massage. So make good use of your thumbs and index fingers and massage your gums every time you brush. This improves circulation and makes your gums healthy.

Most of the time, if periodontal disease is in its early stages, regular brushing and one of the below mentioned home remedies can help nip the problem in the bud. However, if the problem persists, or if the disease is chronic by the time it is diagnosed, do not waste time in seeing a dentist. There may be much more than what appears to the naked eye, in which case a dental health professional will be able to help.

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Gum Disease Treatment Options

May 20, 2012 by

Gum disease also known as periodontal disease, occurs in the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. If not treated early, the disease causes the loosening or even loss of teeth by the dentist gum disease. One good thing about gum disease is that they can be cured. Here are the different gum disease treatment options available:

Brushing and Flossing

Brushing regularly and effectively (Read how)helps prevent and treat gum disease. The main objective of the brush is to prevent the development of bacteria which cause periodontal disease. Dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day with a toothpaste that is effective in killing bacteria. Some dentists even recommend the use of electric toothbrush to remove plaque and oral irrigator to massage the gums.

Flossing: This is usually done either before or after brushing. After brushing, flossing is designed to remove particles between teeth that were not removed during brushing. Different types of dental floss include waxed, unwaxed, flavored and unflavored. If you have smaller spaces between your teeth, consider using waxed dental floss made with Teflon-like material.

Mouthwash

A dentist can also recommend the use of antibacterial mouthwash that may curb gum disease during the early stages. Mouthwashes may contain fluoride, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) or alcohol. A typical mouthwash approved by the Food and Drug Administration may be available on prescriptions. Although there are no reported side effects, repeated ingestion of mouthwash may lead to alcohol poisoning or fluoride overdose.

Gel

Patients who have gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis are commonly prescribed antibiotic gels. These gels can be purchased in a drugstore, with or without prescription. Some gels are made with tea tree oil, an effective treatment for swollen gums. If you consider using antibiotic gels, make sure you only use those that are recommended by a dentist.

Professional Deep Cleaning or Scaling

Apart from the use of gels and mouthwash, patients are also advised to undergo regular professional cleaning. This type of teeth cleaning is performed only by a trained dental hygienist or dentist. Professional cleaning is much more effective than simple brushing, because it can eliminate bacterial deposits that toothpastes and mouthwashes can not remove. Read more on Deep Cleaning.

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CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) for Gum Disease and Much More

May 16, 2012 by

Reports suggest that those with gum disease who took CoQ10 supplements found their gums healed faster. This is only one of the benefits of the miraculous Coenzyme Q10.

What is CoQ10?

CoQ10, the abbreviation for Coenzyme Q10, is necessary for the basic functioning of human cells, and the human body produces it. The antioxidant protects the heart and other vital organs from free radical damage, which can cause various diseases. Some studies suggest taking CoQ10 supplements can improve immune function, prevent heart attacks, help patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, lessen the damage from a stroke, hasten the healing for those with gum disease, treat  kidney disease, and may be used as a treatment for other diseases.

The beneficial relation between CoQ10 and gum disease extends beyond periodontal diseases. CoQ10 levels decrease in the body with age, and some prescriptions possibly lower its levels. Patients with such diseases as Parkinson’s, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, AIDs, and muscular dystrophy suffer from low levels of Coenzyme Q10.

CoQ10 for Heart Conditions

The University of Maryland Medical Center in a report  found CoQ10, when it is used as a supplement alone or combined with other drug therapies and supplements, may prevent many chronic diseases. The report was cited on natural-healing-health.com and on the official website of the University of Maryland Medical Center, umm.edu.

The report found that people who had a heart attack and began taking daily CoQ10 supplements within three days were less likely to have future chest pains or heart attacks. They were also less likely to die of the disease than those who did not take the supplements.

Medical researchers have often found that those who have had congestive heart failure have low levels of Coenzyme Q10. Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart, which is a large muscle, is not able to pump blood effectively because of fluid accumulation in the lungs. The University of Maryland Medical Study found several studies have reported CoQ10 can reduce this fluid accumulation, although not all studies agree the facts prove conclusive.

The study also noted other studies have found the supplement reduces high cholesterol and high blood pressure—two factors which are known to increase the risk of heart disease.

More Benefits of CoQ10

In addition to the benefits of CoQ10 for gum disease, the University of Maryland reported notes studies show CoQ10, combined with conventional treatment and other antioxidants, including vitamins E, C, selenium and essential fatty acids, may shrink tumors associated with breast cancer, as well as lessen pain, and even bring about partial remission in some women.

Partial studies suggest that possibly CoQ10 may improve the human immune function, aid those with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease, lessen the damage to the body of someone who has had a stroke, delay aging, boost an athlete’s performance, create healthy skin, create enhanced fertility by increasing sperm motility, increase a person’s tolerance for exercise, and help people in many other ways.

Doctor Mehmet C Oz, who has served as professor of surgery at Columbia University in New York City and was the health expert for the “Oprah Winfrey Show before staring in his own show, “The Doctor Oz Show,” believes in the benefits of CoQ10. He tells people older than 35 to take 100 mg of CoQ10 in the morning and 100 mg. in the afternoon. He says most people do not eat enough produce, and such supplements can help neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are organic molecules that cause aging, tissue damage, and some diseases. Doctor Oz says CoQ10 is an antioxidant that will help fight the effects of free radicals.

Although it has not reached definitive conclusions on using CoQ10 to treat or prevent a variety of diseases, the Mayo Clinic on its website, mayoclinic.com notes preliminary research suggests CoQ10 may be beneficial in helping prevent or treat a variety of illnesses. The facts may suggest such supplements could reduce angina and improve exercise tolerance in people with clogged arteries, may slow down, but not cure, dementia in people with Alzheimer’s, may help those with age-related macular degeneration, may lower blood pressure, and may benefit asthma patients, when added to other treatments. It also suggests supplements may improve the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, may reduce cocaine dependence when used with L-carnitine, may be used to treat kidney failure and migraine headaches, may improve the overall quality of life for those with muscular dystrophy, and may help those with various other diseases or conditions.

According to the natural-healing-health.com website, although more clinical trials may need to be done to conclusively prove the benefit of CoQ10 supplements, many doctors are uninformed about the research that has already been done. In addition, many companies that manufacture the supplement can’t financially afford to market what they make in the same way as pharmaceutical companies can market their medicine.

If doctors don’t consider recommending CoQ10 to their patients, informed patients, armed with facts they may have found through research, have the right to ask their physicians what they think of such supplements. Periodontal patients using CoQ10 for gum disease should be aware of the fact that this Coenzyme will lead to overall general health.

 

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