Herbs for Periodontal Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a group of disorders that arise in the supporting structures of the teeth, such as bones around the teeth, the gum, the coverings of the roots of the teeth, the membrane of the tooth and the space between the gum and tooth, called the sulcus. It is basically a bacterial infection that destroys the gum and the surrounding tissues of the mouth. A periodontal disease begins as gingivitis, which can spread to contiguous structures. These include the gum, bones around the teeth, the coverings of root teeth and the membrane of the tooth.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a popular herbal remedy in Germany and much of Europe. The root and above-ground part of the plant are used medicinally. Echinacea has traditionally been used as mouthwash or gargle for periodontal disease or gingivitis. Echinacea is thought to cure periodontal disease by promoting immunity to bacterial infections. Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data shows that echinacea may support the immune system by stimulating white blood cells, especially nonspecific T cells, found in your body, according to University of Michigan Health System. Echinacea is most useful when taken on empty stomach every few hours.

Neem

Neem is a tropical evergreen tree that is widely distributed in India and Southeast Asia. Neem has a long history of use in the Ayurvedic medicine system in India, especially for oral and dental hygiene. Fermented neem leaves are used for the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease and gingivitis. Studies on chemical contents of neem have shown significant amounts of terpenoids, such as azadirachtin, which exhibit potent antibacterial activity.

Golden Rod

Golden rod is any of numerous chiefly North American composite perennial herbs. Native Americans and Chinese used golden rod as a preventative for a range of oral health disorders, such as periodontal disease and gingivitis. Modern herbalists also acknowledge that golden rod's power in the treatment of periodontal disease is most likely valid, Purdue University reports.

References

Article reviewed by JPC Last updated on: Nov 16, 2010

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