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Natural Dental Remedies
A Partial List
| Subjects Covered: | ||
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Fluoride: more harm than good? | |
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The role of diet in dental health | |
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Nutritional supplements for gum disease | |
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Eight ways to stop gum disease | |
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Herbal remedies for dry mouth | |
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Homeopathy | |
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References | |
| Flouride: More Harm Than Good? (1) | ||
| The
issue of fluoridation has stirred up national controversy. American
Dental Association claims that water fluoridation decreases cavities
by 50 to 70 percent. Opponents of fluoridation cite dozens of studies
that confirm its toxicity. Both sides may be right. It's true that fluoride may help reduce the formation of bacterial acid in the mouth. However, research also shows that levels of one-half to one part per million of fluoride increases tumor growth in mice by 15 to 25 percent. Fluoride has also been linked to diarrhea, muscular pains, joint pain, excessive thirst and urination, bouts of acute abdominal pain, skin rashes, progressive exhaustion, stomachaches, nausea, and vomiting. Yale professor, Dr. J.A. Albright, reported that as little as one part per million of fluoride reduces bone strength and elasticity. One problem is that the difference between a therapeutic dosage and a toxic dosage of fluoride is quite narrow. Furthermore, some individuals are more sensitive to fluoride than others. |
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| The Role of Diet in Dental Health (2) | ||
| The
single most effective method of protecting against tooth decay and
gum disease is thorough and consistent dental hygiene. The second
most effective method is elimination of refined sugars from the
diet. Keep in mind that too much honey and fruit juice concentrates can also be hard on dental health. To protect your teeth and gums, avoid any sweets except fresh fruit in season. In The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing, author Gary Null, Ph.D., points out that all the refined foods in today's typical Western diet (especially sugar) fuel bacteria. At the same time, sugar lowers our defenses against bacteria, so they can spread. A solid dietary foundation reduces the risk of dental problems. Dr. Null recommends whole, fresh foods and a high protein breakfast. He also recommends calcium rich foods to nourish strong teeth. Raw fruits and vegetables are also essential, because they enhance enzyme functioning. |
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| Nutritional Supplements for Gum Disease (3) | ||
| Consult your dentist or periodontist about using the following dietary supplements to promote healthy gums and teeth: | ||
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Calcium is an essential mineral for strong, healthy bones and teeth. Magnesium works with calcium to nourish bones and teeth. | |
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Coenzyme Q10 treats gum disease by increasing circulation of oxygen to the cells. | |
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Garlic combats bacteria and fortifies the immune system. | |
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Vitamin A helps fight infection. It is also critical for collagen synthesis. | |
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B Vitamins help relieve stress, which has been implicated in gum disease. | |
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Vitamin C helps heal bleeding, unhealthy gums. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for healthy connective tissue. Zinc promotes healing, inhibits plaque growth, and helps stabilize membranes. | |
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Flavonoids reduce inflammation and help stabilize collagen structures. | |
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Vitamin E and Selenium protect the gums from free radical damage. Vitamin E also reduces wound healing time. | |
| Eight Ways To Stop Bleeding Gums (4) | ||
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Healthy
gums are firm and springy. A change in normal color is
one of the first signs of gum disease. A diet high in simple
carbohydrates and sugar, and low in nutrients, contributes
to gum disease. So does the use of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol.
Mix a tablespoon of aloe vera with warm water to soothe and heal inflamed, bleeding gums. Use goldenseal in a toothpaste product to treat inflamed, diseased gums. (Contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women and children under age 2). Take 500 mg of vitamin C daily to nourish the gums. Remove debris between your teeth. I endorse any method of removal of debris from between your teeth. I especially think toothpicks are fine because they are so ubiquitous for people. If you wait for any other method, you may forget to clean them. |
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| Herbal Remedies for Dry Mouth (7) | ||
| An
estimated 25 percent of older Americans suffer from dry mouth.
Dry mouth is associated with aging, and is also a side effect
of more than 400 common medications, including some prescribed
for hypertension and depression. Dry mouth is more than a minor annoyance. The salivary glands in the mouth help fight tooth decay by neutralizing the acid that germs produce. Saliva also helps prevent gum disease and mouth infections. The following herbs have proven successful in stimulating salivation: Echinacea contains a saliva-stimulating compound called Echinacea. Herbalist James A. Duke, Ph.D., recommends either mixing a dropperful of Echinacea tincture in juice or chewing the root of the fresh plant. Red pepper stimulates saliva, sweat and tears. Add red pepper to food, or mix it with juice or tea. Multiflora rose is used in China to relieve dry mouth. Simmer two to four teaspoons of the dried flower per cup of boiling water. Evening primrose oil provides a wealth of gammalinolenic acid (GLA). GLA treats autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren's syndrome, which causes dry mouth. Dr. Duke also points out that coffee, sugary beverages, alcohol, tobacco and salty foods can also exacerbate dry mouth. He recommends sipping water frequently. |
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| Homeopathy (6) | ||
| Homeopathy
is not typically used to replace conventional dental care, but to
complement it. The following remedies may help reduce dental pain
and treat dental problems: |
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For
people who fear going to the dentist —Aconite (monkshood) —Gelsemium (yellow jasmine) —Argenticum niticum (silver nitrate) Recommended
for toothaches caused by dental abscess —Belladonna (deadly nightshade) —Mercurius (mercury) —Hepar sulph (Hahnemann's calcium sulfur) —Silicea (silica) —Help relieve the pain an inflammation of wisdom teeth —Salvia (sage) tincture mouthwash. Recommended
for extremely painful neuralgic toothaches—Chamomilla (chamomile) For
a toothache with radiating pains to the ears —Plantago (plantain) is indicated. Used
to treat neuralgic pains after tooth extractions. —Hypericum (St. John's wort) is Help
control the bleeding after extraction, surgery, or accidental dental
trauma —Arnica (mountain daisy) . Treat
pain after dental surgery. — Ruta (rue) is used |
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References:
1. Ullman D: Discovering
Homeopathy: Medicine for the 21st Century. Berkeley: North Atlantic,
1991; Murray M, Pizzorno J: Encyclopedia
of Natural Medicine, Revised 2nd Edition. Rocklin: Prima Publishing,
1998.
2. Hobbs G: Herbs for Dental Health. Herbal Medicine, Health World
Online, 1996; Null G: The
Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. New York: Kensington,
1998.
3. Parsa Stay F: The
Complete Book of Dental Remedies. Garden City Park; Avery Publishing
Group, 1996; Murray M, Pizzorno J; Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised
2nd Edition . Rocklin; Prima Publishing, 1998.
4. Parsa Stay F: The Complete Book of Dental Remedies. Garden City
Park: Avery Publishing Group, 1996.
5. Duke J: The
Green Pharmacy, Emmaus: Rodale Press, 1997.
6. Ullman D: Discovering
Homeopathy: Medicine for the 21st Century. Berkeley: North Atlantic,
1991.
7. Excerpts reprinted from Health Security Magazine
The information contained herein has been obtained from a variety of
sources. This document is presented to increase awareness of the topic
and educate the general public. It is not intended to be an extensive
discussion of this subject, or to provide specific treatment guidelines