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Health Remedies - Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a severe form of gingivitis (inflammation of gums) where the inflammation and destruction extends to the supporting structures of the tooth. Periodontitis is also known as pyorrhea. As the disease progresses, the gums may recede, exposing the root surfaces and increasing sensitivity to heat and cold. Teeth may even loosen because of bone destruction. The early symptoms of periodontitis are bleeding, red gums, and bad breath. As more and more bone is lost, the teeth loosen and shift position. Long-term periodontitis can lead to even more-serious problems, including higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

The most common cause for periodontitis is poor oral hygiene. Unhygienic practices lead to accumulation of bacterial plaques and tartar on the teeth causing periodontitis. Hence daily brushing and flossing and regular professional cleanings can greatly reduce the chances of developing the disease.

Useful herbs

Baptisia tinctoria	In the treatment of upper respiratory infections such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis, and is also valuable in treating infections of the chest, gastro-intestinal tract and skin (infusion); soothes sore or infected nipples and infected skin conditions (root); as a gargle to treat mouth ulcers, gum infections and sore throats (decoction of plant).
Berberis vulgaris	Diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice and skin diseases (root bark juice); sporadic fever (root bark decoction); throat and mouth irritation (fruit or root decoction); for strengthening the gums and relieving pyorrhea (fruit juice); stomach cancer and stomachache.
Persea americana	For dysentery (fruit skin); as a remedy for pyorrhea, on wounds, to relieve neuralgia, for diarrhea, sore throat and hemorrhage (leaves); to cure dandruff (seed powder); relieve toothache (seed); on skin eruptions (oil from seed)
Vaccinium myrtillus	For indigestion, dysentery and diarrhea (especially for juveniles) (fruit); in infections of the urinary tract, to treat gastrointestinal ailments (leaf); in periodontal disease (leaf and fruit); to improve night vision; in the treatment of ulcers and in ulceration of the mouth and throat (decoction of leaves and bark)