Periodontal Disease


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		Periodontal Disease Gingivitis, periodontitis, etc. Excerpted from The ABC's of Disease by Phillip Day Profile Periodontal disease is a collective term for disorders which affect the support and surrounding structures of the teeth, namely the gums, alveolar bone, and the outer layer of the tooth root. The very common gingivitis affects the gums surrounding the teeth. The more serious periodontitis, usually following on from gingivitis, includes loose teeth, periodontal pockets (between gums and teeth) and signs of infection and the weeping of bacteria. Root fillings may also 'go bad', and produce infection, copious weeping of bacteria, and eventually the tooth should be pulled. Periodontal disease should be viewed as a systemic problem involving poor nutrition, immunity and hormonal imbalances in females. In America, 54% of adults over fifty suffer from periodontal disease. The disorder may also indicate a serious underlying condition, such as diabetes, anaemia, vitamin deficiency disorders and collagen irregularities. Patients suffering from the toxic immune disorder AIDS often suffer gum disease problems which progress rapidly. The condition manifests itself in several different forms: Gingivitis: One of the most common manifestations of periodontal disease is the reddened, swollen, and often bleeding gums of gingivitis, caused by the actions of bacterial plaque on the surfaces of the teeth adjacent to the inflamed tissues. Plaque, a soft, sticky film mostly comprising bacteria, if not cleared away by brushing and flossing of the teeth, hardens into tartar (calculus) within 72 hours, which has to be removed through dental cleaning. Gingivitis can also be prevalent during hormonal fluctuations in women, brought on by pregnancy, periods, puberty, menopause and the use of birth control pills. In gingivitis, the gums become red and swollen, they often bleed, and are moveable, rather than tight against the teeth. Periodontitis: Brought on by aggravated gingivitis, a long-term accumulation of plaque and tartar between the teeth and gums will cause pockets to develop between the tooth and gum, allowing the proliferation of bacteria in an anaerobic environment, which promotes their rapid growth. Eventually, jaw bone loss will result in loose teeth. Eventually the patient will lose the affected tooth. Periodontitis progress depends on a number of factors, including the condition of the patient's immune system, frequency of dental care, brushing and flossing, and whether they have an underlying disorder which often promotes the condition, such as those with diabetes mellitus, Crohn's disease, AIDS, or a lack of red blood cells. Patients with acidosis problems may also develop periondontitis, as will those whose diet contains a high degree of acidity which promotes the growth of bacteria and plaque. Commentary Bacteria have long been blamed for causing periodontal disease, and yet each of us has bacteria in our mouth. The deciding factors in poor or healthy teeth revolve around, not only their lifestyle and diet, but also the condition of the patient's internal environment and immune system. Here is a checklist: · Does the patient have poor immunity and catch infections easily? · Do they suffer from fungal, bacterial or yeast infections, manifesting elsewhere in the body? · Do they have poor dental hygiene, which results in the proliferation of bacteria? · Are these bacteria secreting endo/exotoxins, collagen-destroying enzymes and bacterial antigens? · Does the patient have an underlying systemic disorder, such as diabetes? · Does the patient suffer from nutritional deficiency problems, bringing on disorders such as scurvy, heart disease, pellagra or schizophrenia? · Does the patient eat a highly processed, sugary diet? · Does the patient drink fizzy soda drinks? · Has the patient received one or more root fillings? · Is the patient elderly and malnourished in general? · Is the patient exhibiting hormonal problems? · Are they pregnant or going through the menopause? · Has the patient complained of faulty dental work? · Does the patient have an acidosis problem? Smoking One of the chief causes of periodontal disease is smoking, where acidity and free-radical damage to the structures of the mouth cause bacteria to proliferate. Smoking also consumes huge levels of available vitamin C in the body, often contributing to other immunity problems. Stubborn smokers should be taking increased levels of C complex (ascorbates plus bioflavonoids) as well as carotenes to improve their immunity. Alternatively, you should dump this nasty, destructive habit. Take action A systemic approach to periodontal disease will provide the best results. There are a few do's and don't's, which must be adhered to: · DIET: COMMENCE THE FOOD FOR THOUGHT LIFESTYLE REGIMEN, ensuring no sugar, no sugary foods, absolutely no white bread and no teas and coffees - green teas OK · RESTORE NUTRIENT BALANCE: COMMENCE THE BASIC SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM, ensuring: · Vitamin C complex, 2 g, twice per day · Flavonoids, such as quercetin, catechin, anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins. These can be supplemented or provided for in a diet rich in extracts from hawthorn, bilberry and green tea · Vitamin E, 400 IU, twice per day · Selenium, 200 mcg, twice per day · Coenzyme Q10, as directed · Beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor), as directed · TIPS: Keep to an alkalising diet · Stop smoking · Reduce alcoholic intake or stop altogether · If suffering from hormonal irregularities or other disorders, see appropriate section(s) of this book · Exercise regularly to boost circulation, detoxification and immunity Further Resources Toxic Bite by Bill Kellner-Read The ABC's of Disease by Phillip Day Available through www.credence.org