#BlogchatterA2Z- “G”- Gingivitis: causes, symptoms & homeopathic treatment!

April 7, 2021 /

Gingivitis: causes, symptoms and homeopathic treatment — Gingivitis: causes, symptoms & homeopathic treatment

This is day 7 of #BlogchatterA2Z and as “G”, I am talking about another common disease.

As alphabet “G”, I am talking about Gingivitis? What is gingivitis? What are causes and symptoms? What can we do to prevent gingivitis? And what is scope of homeopathic treatment in treating gingivitis? Read the post to know more.

What is gingivitis?

By definition, inflammation of gum or gingiva is called gingivitis. The part of your gum around the base of your teeth is called gingiva. When this gingiva or gum tissues become inflamed, they cause the symptoms of red, tender, swollen and bleeding gums and these symptoms collectively called, “Gingivitis”. The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene.

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease and can be prevented and treated easily. But when left untreated, this may cause serious gum disease called periodontitis, which could eventually result in teeth loss.

According to the Global burden of disease study (2016), severe periodontal disease was the 11^th most prevalent condition in the world. The prevalence of periodontal disease reported to range from 20% to 50% around the world.

Pathology of gingivitis (how it happens?)

Image source: flintolockdental.com

There are mainly two steps involved in the development of gingivitis condition.

Plaque formation

Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that gets formed around the teeth frequently. When starchy and sugary food substance interact with the bacteria normally found in your mouth, they form a thin film of bacteria around the teeth and gums. this thin, sticky film of bacteria is called “Plaque”.

Tarter formation

It is very important to clean plaque properly by regular brushing and flossing. When plaque remains on the teeth long time, it gets hard and covert into tarter. Tarter is hard calculus like substance that can removed only be professional cleaning.

Plaque and tarter formation are two main reason for gingivitis. When plaque and tarter remains on teeth for a longer time, they start irritate the gums tissues (gingiva) and results in condition of “Gingivitis”.

Causes of gingivitis

Here are some common causes of gingivitis.

Poor oral hygiene habits (improper brushing and flossing)
Age: old age is another common cause of gingivitis.
Genetic factors
Smoking: gingivitis is more common in smokers than non-smokers.
Tobacoo chewing
People who suffering from certain diseases like diabetes, and HIV infection. These diseases lower the immunity level of body, make it more prone to get gum disease.
Hormonal changes (like in pregnancy and menopause) make cause gingivitis.
Dental issues like (crooked teeth, broken filling) also causes gingivitis in some people.
Certain medications like anti-convulsant medicines can cause gingivitis as a side effect of medication.
Nutritional deficiency, especially deficiency of vitamin C is also linked to gum diseases.

Symptoms of gingivitis

mage source: emedihealth.com

Here are some prominent symptoms of gingivitis.

Dark red or purple color gums
Bleeding while brushing
Receding gums or loosening of gum tissue from its place
Painful and inflamed gums
Bad breath
Tooth pain and sensitivity (in some cases)

Prevention

Gingivitis can easily be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene. Here are some important steps:

Brush teeth at least twice in a day.
Floss regularly (at least once in a day)
Avoid eating too much sugary and starchy food
Regular dental checkup and cleaning (at least twice in a year)
Perform “Oil pulling”, at least twice in a month to get rid of toxins from the oral cavity.
Use anti-septic mouth wash once in a while to make oral cavity cleaner.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of gingivitis is usually made on the basis of clinical symptoms and physical examination.

In severe cases of gingivitis, doctor take dental X-ray and perform other test (like periodontal examination) to rule out the possibility of periodontitis. Some other tests (like blood sugar test for diabetes) are also performed to rule out the possibility of diabetes and underlying cause of gum disease.

Complication

When left untreated, gingivitis can cause periodontitis. Periodontitis is serious form of gum disease that may cause losing of teeth bone and eventually may lead to losing of teeth too.

Homeopathic treatment for gingivitis

Here are some important remedies that gives good results in treating gingivitis.

Belladonna

Image source: distacart.com

As I mentioned in previous post, belladonna is an excellent “Anti-inflammatory remedy”. It works great in treating inflammatory symptoms (redness, hotness, swelling, pain and burning) in any parts of body. When gums are red, swollen, have pain and burning (and hot sensation), then belladonna works great. Use belladonna only in early stage of gum problems.

Dose: 30 c potency, 5-6 globules, 3-4 times a day

Calendula

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Calendula is a great “Anti septic remedy” in homeopathy. It gives great results in controlling infection and get rid of bacteria from oral cavity. Calendula can be used internally as well as externally to treat gum diseases.

Dose: 30 c potency, 5-6 globules, 3-4 times a day

Merc sol

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Merc sol is one of the best remedies in homeopathy to treat various kinds of gum diseases. It works best in later stage of gingivitis (more in case of pyorrhea), where gums are swollen, spongy and bluish-purple in color. When there are symptoms of increased salivation, bad ( metalic) taste in mouth and receding gums are present Mer sol gives great results.

Dose: 30 potency, 5-6 globules, 2 times a day

Kreosotum

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Kreosotum is another wonderful remedy for gum and teeth disease. When there is gingivitis is present with rapid decay of teeth, kreosotum gives good results. Gums are spongy, inflamed and bleed easily. Bad smell from mouth with bitter taste is also present. Teeth are crumbly and have black spots.

Dose: 30 c potency, 5-6 globules, 3-4 times a day

Few other important homeopathic remedies for gingivitis

Carbo veg: when there is bleeding from gum while brushing.
Silicea: when gums are sensitive to cold air and cold water.
Alumen: when gingivitis is present with loose teeth.

External application

Homeopathic mouth wash

Image source: distacart.com

Image source: distacart.com

You can make your own homeopathic mouth wash by mixing following medicines.

Take calendula Q and Plantago major Q. add 10-10 drops of both Q in a half cup of Luke warm water and do gargle at least 2-3 times in a day. This “Homeopathic mouth wash” works great in reliving minor gum issues and clean the mouth cavity as well.

Wheezal tooth powder containing hecla lava and calendula

Image source: distacart.com

This tooth powder is an excellent option for various dental issues. It fights germs, prevent plaque, helps in treating bleeding gums, eliminate bad breath and prevent tooth decay too. It contains Plantago q, Kreosotum Q, Calendula Q and various other indicated homeopathic remedies that work great in improving dental health.

How to use it: wet the mouth, apply the tooth powder and massage gently like other routine tooth powder. Use after each meal for getting more effective results.

Special note

It is very important to make a professional dentist visit, if you are not sure about the cause and diagnosis of your gum disease. Regular dental check-ups are very important to early detection and treatment of any dental issues.

So, these are some important remedies that help in treatment of gingivitis.

If you have any questions regarding this, feel free to ask.

This is all for now.

As “H”, I will talk about “hair fall and homeopathic treatment”. Stay tuned to learn more.

Read the previous posts of the series here:

A: Acidity: causes, symptoms & homeopathic treatment

B: baby colic : causes, symptoms & homeopathic treatment

C: Common childhood injuires: causes, symptoms & homeopathic treatment!

D: Diarrhea: causes, symptoms & homeopathic treatment!

This post is a part of Blogchatter A2Z Challenge

Disclaimer: the post is written for educational purpose only. did not intend to cure, treat or diagnose any disease condition. always consult your doctor before making any significant changes to your medication or starting any new medication.