Gingivitis (Periodontal Disease) Gingivitis (also called periodontal disease) is an inflammation of the gums (gingivae). This common problem is often progressive and can eventually result in loss of the underlying bone that supports the teeth. After age thirty, periodontal disease is responsible for more tooth loss than is dental cavities. Severe gingivitis sometimes requires surgery to repair damaged gum tissue.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Individuals with periodontal disease who take 1 gram of calcium per day for six months show improvement in gum condition and tooth mobility.1
A 0.1% solution of folic acid used as a mouth rinse (5 ml twice a day for 30-60 days) reduces gum inflammation and bleeding in people with gingivitis.2 3 Depending on the preparation, the folic acid solution is rinsed in the mouth for one to five minutes and then either swallowed or spat out. Folic acid may also be effective when taken in capsule or tablet form (4 mg per day).4
Coenzyme Q10 (50 mg per day for three weeks) has been found to relieve the symptoms of gingivitis.5 Vitamin C deficiency is known to cause periodontal disease. In one study, administration of vitamin C plus bioflavonoids (300 mg per day of each) improved gingival health in a group of individuals with gingivitis. The improvement was somewhat less when vitamin C was given without the bioflavonoids.6
Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to the individual supplement for complete information.) Some individuals develop diarrhea after as little as a few thousand milligrams of vitamin C per day, while others are not bothered by ten times this amount. However, high levels of vitamin C can deplete the body of copper—an essential nutrient. It’s prudent to ensure adequate copper intake at higher intakes of vitamin C (copper is found in many multi-vitamin/mineral supplements).
Folic acid is remarkably safe. However, folic acid supplements can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency in individuals lacking adequate vitamin B12, which could lead to permanent neurological damage. Although this problem is rare, folic acid and vitamin B12 should always be taken together, to prevent masked vitamin B12 deficiencies.
Herbs that may be helpful: Herbs that may help treat gingivitis include chamomile, echinacea, green tea, peppermint, sage, clove, and myrrh. A mouthwash combination that includes sage oil, peppermint oil, mint oil, menthol, chamomile tincture, expressed juice from Echinacea purpurea, myrrh tincture, clove oil, and caraway oil, has been used successfully to treat gingivitis.7 In cases of acute gum inflammation, 0.5 ml of the herbal mixture in half a glass of water three times daily can be used. Rinse slowly in the mouth before spitting out. For daily hygiene, use slightly less of the mixture in half a glass of water and repeat only one or two times daily.
A toothpaste containing sage oil, peppermint oil, chamomile tincture, expressed juice from Echinacea purpurea, myrrh tincture, and rhatany tincture has been used to accompany this mouthwash in managing gingivitis.8
Of the many herbs listed above, chamomile, echinacea, and myrrh should be priorities, if only a few are to be used. These three herbs can provide anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions critical to successfully treating gingivitis.
Bloodroot contains alkaloids, principally sanguinarine, that are sometimes used in toothpaste and other oral hygiene products because they inhibit oral bacteria.9 10 Sanguinarine-containing toothpastes and mouth rinses can be used in the same way as other oral hygiene products.
Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to the individual herb for complete information.) Although rare, allergic reactions to chamomile have been reported. These reactions have included bronchial constriction with internal use and allergic skin reactions with topical use. While such side effects are extremely uncommon, persons with allergies to plants of the Asteraceae family (ragweed, aster, and chrysanthemum) should avoid use of chamomile. There are no contraindications to the use of chamomile during pregnancy or lactation.
Echinacea is essentially non-toxic when taken orally. People shouldn’t take echinacea without consulting a physician if they have an autoimmune illness, such as lupus, or other progressive diseases, such as tuberculosis or multiple sclerosis. Those who are allergic to flowers of the daisy family should take echinacea with caution. There are no known contraindications to the use of echinacea during pregnancy or lactation.
Green tea is extremely safe. The most common adverse effect reported from consuming large amount of green tea is insomnia, anxiety, and other symptoms caused by the caffeine content in the herb.
Peppermint tea is generally considered safe for regular consumption. Peppermint oil, in large amounts, can cause burning and gastrointestinal upset in some people. It should be avoided by persons with chronic heartburn. Rare allergic reactions have been reported with topical use of peppermint oil. Use peppermint tea with caution in infants and young children, as they may choke in reaction to the strong menthol; chamomile is usually a better choice for this group.
No adverse effects have been reported with myrrh.
Long-term use of dental products containing sanguinarine are believed to be safe. Only small amounts of bloodroot should be taken internally, since this herb can cause visual changes, stomach pain, vomiting, paralysis, fainting, and collapse. Long-term oral intake of bloodroot has been linked to glaucoma. Bloodroot is unsafe for use in children as well as during pregnancy and lactation.
Women who are breast-feeding should only use sage in medicinal doses if they want to dry up the flow of milk. Sage should be avoided when fever is present.
Checklist for Gingivitis
Nutritional Supplements
Herbs
Calcium Chamomile Clove
Rhatany
Arnica 30c Gelsemium 6c
Calendula MT
Mercurius sol 6c
References:
1. Krook L, et al. Human periodontal disease. Morphology and response calcium therapy. Cornell Vet 1972;62:32-53.
2. Pack ARC. Folate mouthwash: effects on established gingivitis in periodontal patients. J Clin Periodontol 1984;11:619-628.
3. Vogel RI, et al. The effect of topical application of folic acid on gingival health. J Oral Med 1978;33(1):20-22.
4. Vogel RI, et al. The effect of folic acid on gingival health. J Periodontol 1976;47:667-668.
5. Wilkinson EG, et al. Bioenergetics in clinical medicine. VI. Adjunctive treatment of periodontal disease with coenzyme Q10. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol 1976;14:715-719.
6. El-Ashiry GM, et al. Local and systemic influences in periodontal disease. II. Effect of prophylaxis and natural versus synthetic vitamin C upon gingivitis. J Periodontol 1964;35:250-259.
7. Serfaty R, Itic J. Comparative trial with natural herbal mouthwash versus chlorhexidine in gingivitis. J Clin Dentistry 1988;1: A34.
8. Yamnkell S, Emling RC. Two–month evaluation of Parodontax dentifrice. J Clin Dentistry 1988;1:A41.
9. Dzink JL, Socransky SS. Comparative in vitro activity of sanguinarine against oral microbial isolates. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1985;27(4):663–65.
10. Hannah JJ, Johnson JD, Kuftinec MM. Long-term clinical evaluation of toothpaste and oral rinse containing sanguinaria extract in controlling plaque, gingival inflammation, and sulcular bleeding during orthodontic treatment. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 1989;96(3):199–207.
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It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally-oriented health care practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.The information presented in HealthNotes Online is for informational purposes only.