Gingivitis: Homeopathic Approach

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that causes irritation, redness and swelling (inflammation) of our gingiva, the part of gum around the base of teeth. It is important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly. Gingivitis can lead to much more serious gum disease called periodontitis and tooth loss.

Symptoms:

• Swollen or puffy gums, Dusky red or dark red gums.
• Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss.
• Bad breath.
• Receding gums, Tender gums.

Causes:

The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene that encourages plaque to form on teeth, causing inflammation of the surrounding gum tissues.

Risk Factors:

• Poor oral care habits, Smoking or chewing tobacco, Older age, Dry mouth.
• Poor nutrition, including vitamin C deficiency, Dental restorations that do not fit properly or crooked teeth that are difficult to clean, Conditions that decrease immunity such as leukemia, HIV/AIDS or cancer treatment, Certain drugs, such as phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) for epileptic seizures, and some calcium channel blockers, used for angina, high blood pressure and other conditions.
• Hormonal changes, such as those related to pregnancy, menstrual cycle or use of birth control pills, Genetics, Medical conditions such as certain viral and fungal infections.

Complications of Gingivitis:

• Untreated gingivitis can progress to gum disease that spreads to underlying tissue and bone (periodontitis), a much more serious condition that can lead to tooth loss.
• Chronic gingiva inflammation has been thought to be associated with some systemic diseases such as respiratory disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Some research suggests that the bacteria responsible for periodontitis can enter our bloodstream through gum tissue, possibly affecting our heart, lungs and other parts of body.

Homeopathy for Gingivitis:

The Homeopathic mode of treatment is very effective in treating gingivitis. It can treat gingivitis of both recent and chronic nature. The swelling, pain and bleeding are wonderfully controlled with Homeopathic medicines. These medicines, if started well in time, help treat the acute symptoms of gingivitis as well as prevent complications like periodontitis.

Homeopathic medicines boost the body’s own healing mechanism to eradicate the disease at the root and prevent recurrence. Homeopathic medicines are natural and safe for use among all age groups.

Few Homeopathic medicines for gingivitis are Merc Sol, Kreosote, Carbo Veg, Silicea and Alumen.