Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed and bleed easily, this is the early stage of gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. Plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque stimulate a chronic inflammatory response and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Eventually, the teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.
Chinese medicine’s classical viewpoint is that periodontitis originates from Heat accumulation in the Yang Ming stomach meridian. This is treated with dietary changes, herbal remedies, and acupuncture to stabilize the organ physiology. The combination of these approaches provides a path to a higher level of health for not only the gums but for the whole body.
I suggest the following nutritional protocol. Increase the variety of mineral-rich, green leafy vegetables such as kale, collard greens, arugula, and dandelion. Eliminate processed foods, soda, refined carbohydrates, and all concentrated sweeteners. Take supplements such as Vit. A, C, E, Co-Q10, and MSM for rapid cell repair and healing. Try herbs such as Huang Lian, neem, aloe, calendula, turmeric, chamomile, clove, gotu kola, miswak, and Triphala in plaque and inflammation control.
