Remember how your parents always told you to brush your teeth before you went to bed? Well, for those of you that listened, I applaud you. I, however, was none the wiser when I was younger, and frequently dodged the before bedtime dental hygiene regimen my parents were so adamant about. Unfortunately, brushing habits often develop in your younger years, and then turn into habit as you grow older. It is a tough habit for most to break. Typically, the breaking point occurs sometime around when your dentist goes in for a routine cleaning, only to break the news that you have the early stages of periodontal disease (gum disease). While gum disease can be attributable to many things such as diabetes, stress, and medications, the fact is that the majority of Americans who are afflicted with gum disease have nothing more to blame than a combination of poor dental hygiene, poor nutrition, and tobacco use (if you are a smoker). Gum disease is no laughing matter folks. It is a very serious and unnecessary risk to your health, not to mention your smile and ability to chew solid food into your twilight years. The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis, where the gums redden, swell, and bleed easily, yet can be reversed with professional cleanings and proper dental hygiene. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis. Periodontitis is much more of a threat, and with time, plaque can spread below the gum line, creating a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and toxins. These toxins produce a chronic inflammatory response that cause the tissue and bone that support the teeth to be broken down and destroyed. Gums will separate from the teeth, forming pockets which can become infected by the already present bacteria. Ultimately, if no action has been taken, the resulting bone loss and infection will call for the tooth to be removed in the afflicted area. Sadly, gums cannot regenerate themselves, and the bones that hold your beautiful teeth in place will not reform. But, if caught soon enough (before your teeth fall out of your head), gum disease can be stopped dead in its tracks, pockets will close up, gums will become toned and healthy, and the former threat of bone loss will no longer exist. However, do not expect adequate information from your dentist. Most dentists are improperly informed about the natural treatments available to assist in your dental recovery, and the majority of them will suggest nothing more than traditional planar root scaling. Instead, I would like to recommend a combination of the traditional planar root scaling (assuming you have progressed past gingivitis), and the following natural treatments. If followed closely, you can be assured your mouth will be healthy once again. Although planar root scaling may not sound all that appealing to you, it is entirely necessary. The accumulated plaque and calculus below the gum line must be removed in order for your gums to find their way back to health. Your gums cannot tighten up against something that is covered with hardened plaque, which is a breeding ground for bacteria. So, root scaling is a good thing right? Yes, it is, but it will only be temporary if not combined with other natural treatments. Root scaling is quite harsh on your teeth and gums, and does nothing to address the already existing pockets that will allow food, bacteria, and other debris to begin accumulating below the gum line following your dental visit. To address this, I recommend a three step approach: SUPPLEMENT WITH CoQ10 100MG OR MORE PER DAY Doctors have documented that people with periodontal disease have significantly low levels of CoQ10 in the tissues of their gums. Researchers at Osaka University Faculty of Dentistry in Japan gave eight patients with moderately or severely inflamed gums 60 mg of CoQ10 a day for eight weeks. The patients received no other therapy. The results, according to clinicians: "CoQ10 was effective in suppressing gingival inflammation." In an additional study, Dr. T. Matsumura and Dr. Karl Folkers performed a double blind trial of CoQ10 versus regular periodontal treatments for advanced periodontitis. 24 subjects suffering from severe periodontal disease which had not responded to extensive flossing and brushing were studied. 13 subjects received 50 mg of CoQ10, while 11 received placebos. 9 of the 13 CoQ10 patients made dramatic improvements. Only 3 of the 11 placebo recipients displayed minor improvement. In 4 of the CoQ10 patients, symptoms of periodontitis completely disappeared within 8 weeks. "The therapeutic improvement with CoQ10 was better both by the number of improved patients and the degree of improvement," reported the doctors. CoQ10 is a miracle nutrient, and you should be taking it for daily health maintenance, if not for the health of your gums. While, studies show improvement with even small dosages of less than 100mg of CoQ10, a therapeutic dosage of 150mg while you are still showing symptoms of periodontal disease is advised. After your gums have healed, you can reduce the dosage down to around 50-100mg. The most effective CoQ10 is in softgel form. Also, because CoQ10 is a fat soluble nutrient, taking it with a good EFA supplement such as flax oil or virgin coconut oil can improve uptake. *Make sure you are supplementing with a softgel form of CoQ10 USE A WATER PICK WITH DR. SCHULZE'S "TOOTH & GUM FORMULA" Exceptional brushing technique goes without saying, but for those afflicted with gum disease, it just isn't enough. A high quality herbal formula by Dr. Richard Schulze available here offers a powerful liquid formulation of various herbs such as Bayberry root bark, Oak Gall, Tea Tree oil, Echinacea root, Clove oil, and Cayenne pepper. These botanicals serve to reduce inflammation, stop bleeding gums, and tighten the surrounding gum tissue so as to prevent plaque and debris from reaching below the gum line. For the most effective results, use a water pick. Place 4 to 6 full droppers of the formula into a water pick reservoir along with warm water. Use the strongest setting that you can tolerate. If done daily you should notice gum bleeding halts within 1 week. While not as effective as a water pick, you can also add 2 full droppers to 2 ounces of water and rinse your mouth thoroughly by swishing and straining the solution through your teeth. This formula can also be massaged directly, full strength, into the gums using a cotton swab. DITCH YOUR OLD TOOTHPASTE! Traditional toothpaste contains fluoride which has never been proven to fight cavities, and whose mythological benefits have been driven into common existence through the help of the ADA (much like amalgams). On the contrary, fluoride is actually very poisonous, and a tube of regular toothpaste contains enough fluoride to kill a small child. I don't want to delve too far into the controversy of fluoride for now, as I will expand upon that issue at a later time. Instead, use a mixture of 5 parts baking soda to one part sea salt. Combine and thoroughly mix the two ingredients in a mixing bowl or blender and store in a small container for later use. When brushing, be sure to use a very soft, wide bristle brush as you do not want to further scratch your already inflamed gums. Wet the tip of your index finger and place a small amount of the baking soda and salt mixture on your gums. Take your toothbrush, and at an angle, gently brush your teeth and gums, making sure to reach below the gum line. |
