Cause: Plaque deposits.

Useful Supplements: calcium, Coenzyme Q10, Folic Acid, Vitamin C.

Useful Herbs: Bloodroot, Chamomile, Caraway Seed, Clove Oil, Echinacea, Menthol, Myrrh, Peppermint Oil, Sage Oil.

Further information: Gingivitis (periodontal disease) is an inflammation of the gums caused by damage from plaque deposits. Symptoms can include swollen or painful gums, bleeding, and tender gums. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to the loss of teeth.
Treatment includes the removal of plaque deposits and possible of decayed or loose (due to loss of gum tissue) teeth. This treatment can leave the gums sensitive and tender for up to several weeks.
The best prevention for gingivitis is good dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly removes the plaque build-up that causes gingivitis. In addition, eating low-sugar foods is recommended.

The following herbs and supplements may be effective in the treatment of gingivitis:

Calcium is useful in general for gum and tooth care. Individuals with gingivitis who take calcium supplements for six months show a marked improvement.¹

Coenzyme Q10, taken for at least three weeks, relieves the symptoms of gingivitis.²

Folic Acid in a .1% solution can be used as a mouth rinse to reduce gum inflammation and bleeding.³ A rinse should be done for up to five minutes twice daily. Folic Acid taken as tablets may also be effective in alleviating symptoms.⁴

Vitamin C deficiency is often associated with gingivitis. Taking Vitamin C can improve gum condition.⁵ Taking Vitamin C with Bioflavenoids appears to be even more effective.⁶

A mouthwash made from Sage oil, Peppermint oil, Menthol, chamomile tincture, echinacea, Myrrh tincture, clove oil, and caraway seed has been shown effective in treating gingivitis.⁷

Toothpaste containing Sage oil, Peppermint oil, chamomile tincture, echinacea, and Myrrh tincture is also effect, especially when accompanied by the mouthwash mentioned above.⁸

Bloodroot appears to inhibit oral bacteria.⁹ Bloodroot should only be taken under a health care professional’s direction, however, as it can cause many severe problems, including glaucoma.

References:

¹Krook L, et al. Human periodontal disease. Morphology and response calcium therapy. Cornell Vet 1972;62:32–53.
²Wilkinson 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.
³Vogel RI, et al. The effect of topical application of folic acid on gingival health. J Oral Med 1978;33(1):20–22.
⁴Vogel RI, et al. The effect of folic acid on gingival health. J Periodontol 1976;47:667–668.
⁵El-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.
⁶Ibid.
⁷Serfaty R, Itic J. Comparative trial with natural herbal mouthwash versus chlorhexidine in gingivitis. J Clin Dentistry 1988;1: A34.
⁸Yamnkell S, Emling RC. Two–month evaluation of Parodontax dentifrice. J Clin Dentistry 1988;1:A41.
⁹Hannah 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.