PERIODONTAL DISEASE

INTRODUCTION

Periodontal disease is known as gum disease or periodontitis. It is characterized by the infection of the gums which causes severe inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. The most common symptoms are swollen and bleeding gums. It is a bacterial infection and mostly occurs because of non-maintainance of oral hygiene.

Periodontal disease is a common disease which can be easily preventable. There are various medicines which help in treating the bacterial infection. But if left untreated, it can damage the gums, teeth and underlying jaw bone. It can lead to loss of tooth. Regular brushing twice a day, flossing and regular dental checkup can help in prevention of periodontitis.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

The most common cause of periodontal disease is poor oral hygiene. This leads to accumulation of bacteria inside the mouth and it gets deposited as plaque on the teeth. If the teeth don’t get cleaned, the bacteria get beneath the gum lining and then the toothbrush and floss becomes unable to reach it. This bacteria destroy the gum tissue leading to tooth and bone loss.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

The factors which make a person more prone to Periodontal disease are:

• Having a family history of periodontal disease
• Suffering from diabetes
• Hormonal changes like pregnancy, menopause
• Cigarette smoking
• Using oral contraceptives
• Gingivitis
• Lack of physical exercise
• Increased body weight
• Intake of drugs
• Low vitamin C in diet
• Chewing tobacco
• Weakened immune system
• Suffering from autoimmune disorders like AIDS, SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, crohn’s disease

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

The common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease are:

• Swelling in gums
• Dark red or dark purple gums
• Tenderness in gums
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Pus formation in gums
• Loosening of teeth
• Receding gums
• Spitting of blood during brushing
• Pain during chewing
• Abnormal taste of food
• New gaps between teeth

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

The complications which are associated with periodontal disease are:

• Exposure of roots of the teeth
• Receding gums
• Formation of painful abscesses
• Increased complications during pregnancy such as preeclampsia, low birth weight
• Increased risk of developing heart problems, respiratory diseases, etc

HOW THE DIAGNOSIS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE IS DONE?

The dentist will carefully examine the teeth and ask about the signs and symptoms of the disease to the patient. He will look for the inflammation and tenderness in gums. He will check the color of gums and see if the patient has pockets around the teeth. He uses a periodontal probe for pocket assessment. The patient is advised to have a dental X-ray also.

SOME OF THE HOME REMEDIES FOR TREATING PERIODONTAL DISEASE 

Here are some of the remedies which can be done at home for management of periodontal disease:

CLOVE

• Clove is used as the most effective treatment for gum disease. The main component present in it is eugenol. Eugenol has analgesic and antiseptic properties, thus helps in curing gum disease.

PEPPERMINT

• It has been in use for breath-freshening, teeth whitening and its cool taste. It also has anti-bacterial properties which prevents plaque formation.

LICORICE

• Licorice is also known as mulethi. It contains two important chemicals – licoricidin and licorisoflavin A. These two components inhibit the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity and thus good for treatment of bad breath associated with periodontitis.

NEEM

• Neem has been used since times immemorial as a natural toothbrush. It is a very rich antibacterial agent. It protects against tooth decay and gingivitis by reducing plaque formation. It helps in gum strengthening and maintaining gum health.

CALENDULA

• Calendula is an anti-inflammatory herb which helps in relieving inflammation and gum swelling. It helps in fighting bacterial infection and thus good for curing gum disease.

MANAGEMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE WITH THE MEDICINES OF CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE

Here are some of the medicines of Chandigarh Ayurved centre which are used for the treatment of periodontal disease:

1. Detox Premium Powder

The eczema sachet consists of various herbo-mineral preparations in it.

Parwal Pishti:This Pishti is prepared from natural coral calcium processed with rose water. It reduces the inflammation in the eczema patients.

Shukta Pishti:It contains pearl oyster shell calcium processed in different ways. This Pishti balances the pitta dosha in the body.

Giloy Satv:This satv is prepared from the herb Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). The antioxidant nature of this herb removes all toxins out from the body.

Gandhak Rasayana:The main ingredient in this is purified sulphur that acts as a blood purifier. This rasayana deal with all signs and symptoms related to eczema.

Sudhyog Tab:These are herbal tablets that provide very effective result in eczema patients.

Moti Pishti:This is an ayurvedic preparation that shows anti-inflammatory properties. As it reduces inflammation in eczema patients.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 sachet twice daily with plain water.

2. Blood Purifier Syrup

The herbal syrup is prepared from herbs like Khadir Chall (Acacia catechu), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Harad (Terminalia bellirica), Baheda (Terminalia chebula), & Amla (Emblica officinalis) that acts as a natural blood purifier. This herbal syrup reduces redness, itchiness, swelling on the skin.

Recommended Dosage: Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily.

3. Pitta Balance Tablet

Pitta doshas is responsible for digestion, metabolism, blood quality, thirst, appetite, eyesight, skin color and quality, body temperature, and mental abilities of intelligence and courage. Pitta doshas is composed of a fire element that digests almost everything that a person eats or drink. The eaten food is transformed into energy for the body to use in various functions of the body.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.

4. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu

The tablet cures almost all the oral problems by pacifying aggravated doshas and helps in recovering the normal skin The tablet is composed of Shuddha guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Amrita (Tinospora cordifolia), Gajapippali (Piper chaba), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), etc. The tablet is Tridoshahara, thus is very effective in maintaining the hormonal level in the body. It thus helps in the healing of the ulcers naturally.

Recommended Dosage– Take two tablets twice a day with normal water.