What makes periodontitis so difficult to restrain once it has set in is the presence of a rather malicious and unscrupulous triumvirate of germs known as “the red-complex” bacteria, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola, all of which are as foreboding as they sound.
Not only do these bacteria overcome a local immune system that is well armed and usually highly competent, they also commandeer a flotilla of inflammatory cells, employing them to cut a swathe of destruction through vulnerable gum tissue. This permits the establishment of an impenetrable fortress that is hell-bent on eroding bone, which ultimately makes teeth unstable.
Treatment needs to eradicate the safe haven that houses the inflammatory cells and bacteria that are not only locally active but are also conducting regular sorties all around your body. Once the periodontologist has removed the plaque that harbours the insurrection, daily use of an interdental brush — or twice daily if the disease is advanced — is mandatory to prevent any calculus or infective material from reaccumulating around your teeth.
Aside from anti-bacterial mouthwashes such as chlorhexidine, and antibiotics in more severe cases, there’s a host of natural remedies that can play a preventive and treatment role. Various strains of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria have been shown to reduce inflammation and to neutralise the dangerous bacteria.
Cranberry, green tea, xylitol lozenges, 4-methoxycarbonyl curcumin, aloe vera and soy isoflavones all have the power to eradicate plaque, inhibit bacteria and modulate inflammation, especially when delivered locally in the form of gels or rinses.
In the war against periodontitis, you need to enlist all of nature’s warriors.
