Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease is a disease of the tissues that support and attach the Teeth caused by the metabolism of bacterial Plaque on the surfaces of the Teeth adjacent to the Gums, Periodontal Membrane and Alveolar Bone.

 Periodontal Disease affects approximately 25% of the population of the Western world.  Of this 25%, approximately 15% seek or receive treatment.

 Periodontal Disease affects approximately 15% of adults aged 21 to 50.

 Periodontal Disease affects approximately 30% of persons aged over 50.

 Periodontal Disease account for 70% of lost Teeth.

 Accumulated Dental Plaque causes Inflammation of the Gums (Gingivitis).  This Inflammation is initially painless but later the Gums becomes red, tender, swollen and bleed easily.

 Accumulated Plaque hardens into Calculus (Tartar) which although an inert substance, makes it almost impossible to remove further Plaque accumulations.  ^[1]

 Plaque eventually destroys the tissue that attaches the Gums to the Teeth (the Periodontal Membrane) and the Gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets (periodontal pockets) that become filled with even more Plaque.  This process eventually causes atrophy of the jawbone itself.  Gum continues to atrophy causing infection and Pain.

 Plaque and its by-products eventually enter into Blood Circulation and damage some of the cells of the Immune System which further aggravates the Gum's redness and bleeding.  This infiltration of Detrimental Bacteria (the by-product of Plaque) into the bloodstream can also lead to various other ailments. 

Amino Acids

 N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) may prevent alveolar bone loss in Periodontal Disease patients.  ^[2]

Carbohydrates

 Hyaluronic Acid may be useful for the treatment of Periodontal Disease.  ^[3]

Hormones

 Melatonin may help to prevent and treat Periodontal Disease.  ^[4]

Lipids

 Omega-3 Fatty Acids may inhibit alveolar Bone resorption in Periodontal Disease patients:  ^[5]

 Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) may help to prevent Periodontal Disease.  ^[6]

Minerals

 Calcium deficiency may cause Alveolar Bone loss, leading to Periodontal Disease:  ^[7]

 People without Alveolar Bone loss have an average daily intake of Calcium of 900 mg compared to those WITH Alveolar Bone loss who have a daily Calcium intake of 500 mg.

-           Calcium may reduce the size of pockets of Inflammation around the roots of the Teeth of Periodontal Disease patients.

-           Calcium may help to cure loose or wobbly Teeth caused by Periodontal Disease.

 Some innovative dental clinics use Calcium (paste applied topically to the Gums/Teeth) in the treatment of Periodontal Disease and claim remarkable success that has been ignored by the orthodox professional dental community.

 Magnesium may increase Alveolar Bone density in Periodontal Disease patients.  ^[8]

 Periodontal Disease may occur as a result of Phosphorus deficiency: 

 Caution:  excessive Phosphorus consumption causes Calcium depletion which can lead to Periodontal Disease.

 Silver (Mild Silver Protein form) may help to prevent and treat Periodontal Disease (by killing the Detrimental Microorganisms that cause Periodontal Disease).  ^[9]

 Zinc may help to prevent Periodontal Disease (by decreasing the permeability of Gingival Tissues to foreign substances):  ^[10]

 Zinc may help to prevent Alveolar Bone loss that can lead to Periodontal Disease.

 Zinc (applied as a constituent of Mouthwashes) may reduce the accumulation of Plaque along the gingival margin (however oral Zinc supplementation does not exert this effect).

Patented Medicines

 Doxycycline (in the form of Atridox gel) is used for the treatment of Periodontal Disease:

 Atridox gel exerts Antibiotic effects Antibiotic effects against the Detrimental Bacteria that cause the Dental Plaque that leads to Periodontal Disease.

 Clinical studies have shown that Atridox gel results in an average 1.2 mm reduction in periodontal pocket depth and a 0.8 mm gain in attachment.  Other studies have shown a significant decrease in Plaque-causing Detrimental Bacteria at sites treated with Atridox without any increase in resistance to Doxycycline.