Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis, Periodontitis, and Scorbutic Gums

Periodontal disease is a scourge on our society. It accounts for more lost teeth in adulthood than any other dental problem. Gum disease will affect nine out of ten Americans, and one out of every four persons will lose all their teeth to periodontal disease by age 60. Thirty-two million Americans have gum disease right now in such an advanced state that they will lose teeth if they don't receive immediate attention.

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gingivae. Gingivitis associated with bony changes is referred to as periodontitis. Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is a progressive painful infection, also occurring in subacute and recurrent forms, marked by crateriform lesions of the interdental papillae that are covered by pseudomembranous slough and circumscribed by linear erythema. Fetid breath, increased salivation and  gingival hemorrhage are additional features. The etiology is uncertain, but fusiform bacilli and spirochetes, together with other microorganisms, are present in the lesions; many authorities believe that the disease is caused by a bacterial complex in the presence of predisposing factors such as pre-existing gingival disease and nutritional deficiency. Although the disease often occurs in an epidemic pattern, it has not been shown to be contagious.

Periodontitis is the inflammatory reaction of the tissues surrounding a tooth (periodontium), usually resulting from the extension of gingival inflammation (gingivitis) into the periodontium. Periodontitis has been classified into five clinical types; prepubertal, juvenile, rapidly progressive, adult, and necrotizing ulcerative gingivoperiodontitis. Called  also  alveolodental  osteoperiostitis,  cementoperiostitis, and paradentitis. Adult  periodontitis,  the  most common form of periodontitis, usually occurs after the age of 35 and usually is manifested by slow progression

of tissue destruction which may ultimately result in loss of the teeth.

Scorbutic Gums are gums that are red, spongy with possible bleeding.

Nutrients Involved

Vitamin C, bioflavonoids, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, zinc, coenzyme Q10.

Contributing Factors

Poor hygiene, poor diet, alveolar bone loss, prescription drug use, (i.e. hydantoinates such as dilantin, etc.).

Suggested Nutritional Supplementation

• 500-C Methoxyflavone - 2-4 tablets twice daily with food.

Vitamin C with hesperidin/methoxy-flavone complex.

• CoQ10 200 mg - 1-6 softgels daily.

Stablized Coenzyme Q10 with Natural Vitamin E

Although the research is preliminary, animal models have shown that Co Q10 may be useful in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The effects appear to arise form Co Q10's ability to protect against neurotoxicity.

Vitamin D3 with Isoflavones.  Iso D3 is designed to support optimal metabolism of vitamin D to its active form.

• Colloidal Silver - use as a mouth rinse 2-3 times daily
• Cal Apatite Plus - 2-3 tablets twice daily with food.

Cal Apatite Plus provides a unique combination of the same calcium-rich MCHC found in original Cal Apatite®, but with key nutritional factors added to help maintain healthy bone density.

• Appropriate Wellness EssentialsTM formula - 1-2 packets daily.
  Key Vitamins & Minerals, Essential Fatty Acids, PLUS Patient Specific Nutrition.

Dietary Suggestions

• Anti-Inflammatory Diet