Gum disease is caused by the presence of a mixed species biofilms containing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This complex micobiome contains more than 600 bacterial species and 100 fungal species.  Candida is a fungus that is most often found in periodontal (gum) disease and may be a contributing factor to disease progression.   Candidiasis is […]

As a result of stimulation by bacteria, white blood cess produce free radicals as part of the response to infection. When you have gum disease, there is an increase in free radical release that causes oxidant damage to the gingival tissues, ligament and bone around the teeth. Your body’s antioxidant defence system can limit the […]

Oil pulling is a traditional remedy originating in ancient India. The toxicity, adverse effects, and drug resistance associated with many modern pharmaceuticals has prompted the investigation of traditional remedies like oil pulling. Oil is available in the households and can be purchased at modest cost. In oil pulling, you swish a tablespoon of oil in […]

Curcumin has been used extensively in ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is nontoxic and has a variety of therapeutic properties including antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic. It inhibits the growth of a variety of bacteria, parasites, and pathogenic fungi. Turmeric mouthwash prepared by dissolving 10 mg of curcumin extract in 100 ml of distilled water […]

“Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for aggressive periodontitis some cases of severe chronic periodontitis as an adjunct to periodontal debridement. However, the emergence of bacterial resistance is increasingly limiting their effectiveness and has directed researchers to test the antimicrobial efficacy of several natural products, such as essential oils and bee products. Numerous studies have shown that […]

Curcuma longa is an extract from the root of turmeric, a commonly used spice. It has also been used as a healing agent in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Recently, its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal properties and antioxidant effects have been studied extensively. A study by P. L. Ravishankar compared curcumin gel to a prescription […]

“A diet low in carbohydrates, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, rich in vitamins C and D, and rich in fibers can significantly reduce gingival and periodontal inflammation.”

“ An analysis of the literature shows that vitamin D plays a significant role in maintaining healthy periodontal and jaw bone tissues, alleviating inflammation processes, stimulating post-operative healing of periodontal tissues and the recovery of clinical parameters. Hiremath et al. conducted a random sampling of clinical research to prove the anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D […]

“… bacterial communities lodged below the gumline may breach the normal barrier between the oral cavity and circulation, thus exposing bacterial components to the immune system and provoking antibody responses. These antibodies may then cross-react with self proteins to generate or exacerbate autoimmune conditions.”

“A growing body of evidence is accumulating supporting the direct and indirect impact of periodontal pathogens on systemic health. Epidemiological, clinical, and experimental studies have revealed the often overlooked relationship between bacteremia or inflammation due to periodontal disease and systemic disease.”