-IBIS-1.7.6-
tx
eyes/ears/nose/throat
Dental caries/Toothache
Integrative Therapies

Home Care

Dental caries, commonly known as cavities, are the decay and disintegration of the teeth. Periodontal disease is infection in the gums and bones around the teeth. Symptoms include loose teeth, discolored teeth or gums, mouth pain, frequent toothaches, and swollen gums. Tooth problems often increase as a person grows older.

Most tooth problems are caused, at least to some extent, by bacteria that live and feed on sugar and carbohydrates on the teeth. As the bacteria multiply, they secrete compounds that break down the hard calcium of the teeth. Other contributors to tooth problems are infections, poorly fitting dentures, the use of birth control pills, poorly done fillings, improper tooth and gum care, a compromised immune system, and poor nutrition.

Prevention is the best and most successful way an individual can deal with tooth problems. Brush the teeth thoroughly after meals and floss daily. Maintain regular dental visits.

If symptoms persist or increase, consult a dentist or periodontist. A healthcare practitioner trained in nutrition should be consulted as well.


THE PROPER DIET FOR HEALTHY TEETH WILL INCLUDE:

1. An overall healthy diet – Use fresh foods as close to the natural state as possible, avoiding prepackaged and processed foods. Eat daily servings of leafy green vegetables, whole grains (such as brown rice and rolled oats), fresh fruit, and proteins with a minimum of animal fat.

Drink at least 8 cups of fluids daily. For more information refer to the article on healthy diet.

2. Eat plenty of dietary fiber, as it helps in clearing away plaque. Eat at least one of the following foods daily: 1 bowl of salad, 1 cup cooked leafy green vegetables, 1 to 2 raw carrots or 1 apple.

3. Avoid sugar – Sugar increases the accumulation of plaque. As much as possible, avoid candy, cake, cookies, and soda pop. Other sources of sugar such as fruit juices, honey, and dried fruit should be limited, as well as white bread and white rice.

4. Eating a half a pound or more per day of grapes, cherries, blueberries and other dark berries can help in the repair and upkeep of the gums and surrounding bone tissue. But be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly after eating them.


THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS CAN BE USED:

1. Vitamin C – 1,000 milligrams 2 to 4 times a day. Decrease the dosage if diarrhea occurs. People suffering from kidney stones should not take more that 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C per day in divided doses.

2. Vitamin E – 200 to 400 Units per day.

3. Beta-carotene – 100,000 Units per day. Caution: Pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) should not take more than 15,000 Units of Beta-carotene a day.

4. Zinc picolinate – 15 milligrams per day.

5. Folic acid – 2 milligrams per day. Also, use Folic acid in a 0.5 percent solution to rinse your mouth 2 times a day.

6. Bioflavonoids – 500 milligrams, 3 times per day.


HERBS USED FOR TOOTH PROBLEMS:

1. Mix equal parts of powered Cinnamon, Bayberry Bark, Peppermint Leaf, Oak Bark, and Myrrh. Apply to gum surfaces once a day with a tooth brush.

2. Make a cup of Comfrey Root tea by adding 1 cup of boiling water to 1 teaspoon of the root. Steep for 20 minutes. To ease pain and swelling, RINSE out your mouth with the tea 4 times per day. NOTE: Do NOT swallow the comfrey tea as research indicates that drinking comfrey tea can be harmful, especially over an extended period of time.

3. To relieve a toothache, apply Clove oil to the affected area.


AS ADDITIONAL MEASURES:

1. Zinc solution, found in most health food stores, can be used as a mouth rinse. You can alternate this with Ipsab, another mouth rinse solution, also found in some health food stores.

2. Eliminate or cut down on smoking. Tobacco smoking is associated with the onset of severe tooth problems.


Clinic

Footnotes

BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.