Ayurvedaforall: Ayurvedic Treatment for Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Periodontitis means “inflammation around the teeth.” Periodontitis, also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports the teeth. As known as a severe one among periodontal diseases (gum diseases), it affects the pink tissue holding the teeth in place badly.

Periodontitis can be a reason for the loosening of teeth and eventually the tooth may fall and be lost. It is a very common condition but largely preventable. It happens mostly due to poor oral hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and getting regular dental check-ups can prevent the occurrence and greatly improve chances of successful treatment for periodontitis.

Signs & symptoms of Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Swollen gums
Bright red, dusky red or purplish discolouration of gums
Tenderness of gums
Bleeding gums
Pink discolouration of the toothbrush after brushing
Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing the teeth
Bad breath
Pus between the teeth and gums
Loose teeth or loss of teeth
Painful chewing
New spaces developing between the teeth
The recession of gums from teeth, making the teeth look longer than normal
A change in the way the teeth fit together when biting

Causes of Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Gingivitis
Poor oral health habits
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Hormonal changes, such as those related to pregnancy or menopause
Recreational drug use, such as smoking marijuana or vaping
Obesity
Inadequate nutrition, including vitamin C deficiency
Genetics
Certain medications that cause dry mouth or gum changes
Conditions that cause decreased immunity, such as leukaemia, HIV/AIDS and cancer treatment
Certain diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease

Pathophysiology of Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Mostly it starts with plaque — a sticky film mostly caused by and composed of bacteria. If not removed from time to time, this plaque can develop into more serious diseases, like periodontitis:

Plaque is formed when a high amount of starch and sugar interacts with the bacteria in the mouth. It can be removed easily but reforms quickly. Cleaning up is needed from time to time properly. If it stays longer in the mouth, plaque hardens to form a thicker substance called tartar which gets deposited under the gumline. It is filled with bacteria and difficult to remove. This can lead to gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. Gingivitis is irritation and inflammation of the part of the gum tissue around the base of the teeth (gingiva). Gingivitis can be reversed with professional treatment and good home oral care. But if not treated, it can cause periodontitis, eventually causing pockets to develop between gums and teeth that fill with plaque, tartar and bacteria. Later, these pockets become deeper, make a house for more bacteria. If not treated, these deep infections cause a loss of tissue and bone, and ultimately loss of one or more teeth. Also, ongoing chronic inflammation can put a strain on the immune system.

Diagnosis of Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Medical history
Mouth examination
Measure the pocket depth of the groove between the gums and teeth by placing a dental probe
Take dental x-rays

Treatments of Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Treatment should be performed by a professional. The aim of periodontitis treatment is to deep clean the pockets surrounding teeth properly and prevent damage to underlying bone tissue. Following a daily routine of good oral care, managing health conditions that may impact dental health and stopping tobacco usage are also very important.

Nonsurgical treatments (In initial stages)

Scaling.
Root planing.
Antibiotics – Topical or oral

Surgical treatments (In advanced periodontitis)

Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery).
Soft tissue grafts.
Bone grafting.
Guided tissue regeneration.
Tissue-stimulating proteins.

Prognosis of Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Periodontitis is a serious condition. It can lead to permanent tooth loss and other infective conditions. But most people get cured with treatment.

Complications of Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Loss of teeth

Spread of infection through blood

Ayurvedic Concept of Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Upakusa

Nidana of Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Causative factors for the vitiation of Pitta along with raktadhatu

Purvaaroopa of Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Not mentioned

Samprapti of Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Due to the causative factors, Pitta along with rakta vitiates and reaches the mouth. When they get lodged in the gums, it causes paaka of gums leading to the manifestation of the disease upakusa

Lakshana of Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Dantamamsani dahyante Burning sensation, itching, and red colour of gums along with inflammation. Bleeding follows. Once the bleeding stops, teeth become loose and fall apart. Pain will be there but not so severe. A foul odour of the mouth will be present.

Raktani utsedhavanti

Kandoomanti

Asram sravanti

Asrji sthite aadhmayante

Chalaa dantaa

Mandaruja

Pootivaktra

Divisions of Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Not mentioned

Prognosis of Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Kricchrasadhyam

Chikithsa of Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Samana

Swedanam with hot water

After the sastrakarma, gandoosha with nalpamara kwatha

Sodhana

Chedana

Bhedana

Lekhana with yasti, sunthi, saindhava etc.

Commonly used medicines for Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Panchathiktakam Kashayam

Balaguluchyadi Kashayam

Manjishtadi kashayam

Khadiradi gulika

Anutailam

Arimedadi tailam

Nalpamara choornam

Thriphala choornam

Brands available

AVS Kottakal

AVP Coimbatore

SNA oushadhasala

Vaidyaratnam oushadhasala

Home remedies for Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

Try these measures to reduce or prevent periodontitis:

Brush your teeth twice a day or, better yet, after every meal or snack.
Use a soft toothbrush and replace it at least every three months.
Consider using an electric toothbrush, which may be more effective at removing plaque and tartar.
Floss daily.
Use a mouth rinse to help reduce plaque between your teeth, if recommended by your dentist.
Supplement brushing and flossing with an interdental cleaner, such as a dental prick, interdental brush or dental stick specially designed to clean between your teeth.
Get regular professional dental cleanings, on a schedule recommended by your dentist.
Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.

Diet for Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

To be avoided

Heavy meals and difficult to digest foods – cause indigestion.

Hard substances difficult to chew

Sugar and other artificial sweeteners can cause plaque formation

Junk foods- cause disturbance in digestion and reduces the bioavailability of the medicine

Carbonated drinks – makes the stomach more acidic and disturbed digestion

Refrigerated and frozen foods – causes weak and sluggish digestion by weakening Agni (digestive fire)

Milk and milk products – increase kapha, obstruct channels and obesity

Curd – causes vidaaha and thereby many other diseases

To be added

Light meals and easily digestible foods

Green gram, soups, honey

Freshly cooked and warm food processed with cumin seeds, ginger, black pepper, ajwain etc

Behaviour:

Protect yourself from the cold climate.

Better to avoid exposure to excessive sunlight wind rain or dust.

Maintain a regular food and sleep schedule.

Avoid holding or forcing the urges like urine, faeces, cough, sneeze etc.

Avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Be active,

Yoga for Pyorrhoea(Periodontitis)

No exercise or yoga is advised during the time of severe pain and infection.

Regular stretching and mild cardio exercises are advised during normal times. Also, specific yogacharya including naadisuddhi pranayama, bhujangaasana, pavanamuktasana is recommended.

Regular exercise helps improve the bioavailability of the medicine and food ingested and leads to positive health.

Yoga can maintain harmony within the body and with the surrounding system.

Pavanamuktasana