Gingivitis

Description

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. The condition is caused by deposits of plaque-a sticky, gum-irritating film that forms on the exposed portion of teeth. If enough plaque develops, the gums become red and swollen, and have a tendency to bleed, especially when brushing. Although gingivitis is seldom painful, it can lead to periodontitis a more serious gum condition that can lead to gum and tooth loss if left unchecked.

Poor dental hygiene is the primary cause of gingivitis. Most people can prevent gingivitis by brushing their teeth after meals, flossing daily, and getting routine professional cleanings at the dentist's office. Gingivitis can also be caused by poor-fitting orthodontia or dentures. People with a severe overbite or underbite are also at increased risk of developing the condition.

Signs and Symptoms

• Soft, swollen, red gums
• Tender gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing
• Bad breath
• Change in the contours of gums

Conventional Medical Treatment

If your gums are swollen and red or bleed easily, visit your dentist, who will examine your gums carefully, looking for inflamed tissue and excess deposits of plaque at the base of your teeth. If your dentist or dental hygienist discovers gingivitis, he or she will thoroughly clean all the plaque and tartar off your teeth.

Once you are diagnosed with gingivitis and receive a cleaning, you must maintain a strict program of oral hygiene to keep the condition in remission. This includes brushing your teeth after all meals and flossing at least once a day. Your dentist or dental hygienist can show you exactly how-and how long-to brush and floss to prevent the condition from returning. You also will need to return to your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Nutrition and Supplementation

It's no surprise that there is such a high rate of gingivitis and other dental disorders. Today's diet of refined foods fuels bacteria, and our resistance to those bacteria is lowered by the high intake of sugar. So the bacteria are able to flourish and spread throughout the mouth. Avoiding refined foods and those high in sugar is a good starting point.

Your diet should consist of fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, lean meat, and whole grains. These foods require chewing, a form of exercise for the teeth and gums. High-fiber foods, such as whole grains, legumes, and vegetables, are also important.

Vitamin C is essential for the prevention of gingivitis, while vitamin A aids in general health of the gums. Recent research found that the same compounds in cranberries that prevent urinary tract infections may also reduce your risk of gum disease by inhibiting plaque from forming. More research needs to be done, but it can't hurt to add cranberry juice to your diet. Follow the daily supplement guidelines below to help prevent and/or treat gingivitis.

• vitamin C (4000 to 10,000 mg in divided doses throughout the day)-retards plaque growth and promotes healing
• coenzyme (chewable form; 100 mg) increases tissue oxygenation
• calcium (1500 mg)-helps prevent bone loss
• magnesium (750 mg)-works with calcium
• vitamin A (25,000 IU for 1 month, then reduce to 10,000 IU, do not exceed 8000 IU daily if you are pregnant)-heals gum tissue (Use emulsion form for best assimilation)
• mixed carotenoid formula (as directed on label)-manufactures vitamin A on an as-needed basis
• vitamin E (400 IU, increase slowly to 1000 IU)-heals gum tissue. (Open a capsule and rub the oil on the gums 2-3 times daily)
• zinc (2 15-mg lozenges)-prevents infection and promotes healing
• oral glutathione spray (as directed on label)-promotes healing of gums

(For an acute condition, take supplements until your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of your healthcare provider. For a chronic condition, consult your healthcare provider regarding the duration of treatment.)

Aromatherapy

For a soothing rub to maintain gum health, combine 1 ounce canola, sun flower, or sesame oil; 10 drops tea tree oil; 6 drops myrrh oil; 3 drops lemon oil; and 1 drop peppermint oil. Blend well. Massage mixture into your gums after brushing your teeth and using a mouthwash. Take care not to swallow.

For a refreshing mouthwash, try adding either of these combinations to 1 cup cooled boiled water: 1 drop myrrh oil and 1 drop peppermint oil, or 2 drops clove oil and 1 drop thyme (linalol) oil.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda views excess pitta and vata doshas as responsible for the receding, bleeding, and swollen gums associated with gingivitis. For general gum care, practitioners may advise brushing your teeth with a toothpaste containing neem or another bitter, astringent herb.

Rinsing with neem tea also may be beneficial. Such products and herbs are available in health food stores.

For bleeding and receding gums, practitioners may suggest rubbing your gums with sesame or coconut oil; drinking diluted lemon juice; and eating raw apples, pears, and melons.

Herbal Therapy

A number of herbal mouthwashes, toothpastes, and teas can be effective in treating and preventing gingivitis. Bloodroot and stinging nettle, which are available in toothpastes and mouthwashes, can help prevent plaque buildup.

Chamomile can reduce inflammation and bacteria. Look for it in toothpaste form or prepare a strong chamomile tea and drink it between meals or use as a mouthwash. To make the tea, place 2 to 3 teaspoons of the herb in 1 cup boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, and strain. (If you notice an allergic reaction, such as itching, discontinue use.)

Echinacea and peppermint also have antibacterial properties. To use echinacea, add a dropper or two of tincture to a tea or mouthwash. For peppermint tea or mouthwash, add 2 teaspoons crushed peppermint leaves to 1 cup boiling water and steep for 10 minutes; strain.

Homeopathy

Gingivitis may respond to homeopathic treatment. However, the selection' of a remedy-more than one is available depends on your symptoms and the stage of the condition. Don't try treating this disorder yourself. See a homeopathic professional.

Hydrotherapy

Apply alternating hot and cold compresses to your face several times a day to increase blood flow and lessen inflammation.

You can also rinse your mouth with a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon sea salt in 1 cup warm water. Follow this rinse with a mouthwash of 1 dropperful each of myrrh and goldenseal in 1 cup warm water. Salt, myrrh, and goldenseal all have antimicrobial effects.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture Oral acupuncture, in which saline or local anesthetics are injected in various acupuncture pomts within the mouth, has been successful at remedying gingivitis.

Acupressure This modality is thought to quell bleeding gums and prevent teeth from loosening. In most cases, the acupressure points to be massaged include Large Intestine 14 (on the hand), and Stomach 6 and 7 (on the face).

Chinese Herbal Therapy Some Chinese herbalists recommend pseudoginseng and achyranthes, which can be used to heal bleeding gums. Stomach herb formulas also may be prescribed.