AUSTRALIAN NATUROPATHIC NETWORK
 Serving the community since 1998

The following case studies do not represent implemented treatment programs. They are protocols developed by students in the course of their studies, and should be taken as examples only.

Note - Anyone suffering from the conditions described below should seek advice from a primary health care practitioner. No responsibility is taken for any individual attempting to use the treatments described in these studies.

Describe your management of ginigivitis in a 57 year old male.

Condition Description

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums of the mouth characterised by redness, contour changes, recession and bleeding¹.

Possible Causes & Mitigating Factors

Factors that can contribute to gingivitis include:

Poor Dental Hygine – Lack of brushing and flossing can lead to gingivitis.

Bacterial Factors – Bacteria can secrete substances that damage the gums including toxins, Free radicals, enzymes, bacterial antigens, and waste products¹.

Immune system function – Depressed neutrophil function can permit microbial overgrowth. Neutrophil functions are depressed in older people¹. The presence of antibody complexes may suggest allergic reactions may be a cause.

Amalgam Fillings – Mecury accumulation results in depletion of free radical-scavanging enzymes the connective tissue of the gingivi are particularly sensitive to free radical damage¹.

Ill fitting dentures – Poorly fitting dentures or other prostheses may irritate and inflame the gums.

Local Factors – Things such as abrasive and hard foods, missing teeth, teeth grinding, aggressive teethbrushing, poor dental hygine, or mouth breathing can all add to the inflammation¹.

Tobacco – Smoking is associated with increased suceptibility ato severe gum disease¹.

Structure and Integrity of Connective Tissue – The gums are subject to immense pressure from chewing and a high rate of cell turnover. The collagen in the matrix of the gums must be able to be produced. Thus nutrition must be adequate to fuel the manufacture of collagen¹.

Non-pharmacological measures

Given the factors that can cause gingivitis the following recommendations are appropriate:

• Improve oral hygine (flossing and brushing) and see a dentist if required.
• Obtain a soft toothbrush.
• Replace amalgam fillings with less toxic materials.
• Reduce smoking.
• Reduce stress factors that may be depressing the immune system.
• Eat soft and easy to chew foods.
• Eat foods that provide protein for the collagen matrix.
• Ensure that protein digestion and vitamin intake is up to scratch to correctly metabolise proteins.
• Increase intake of fruit and vegetables.
• Reduce intake of sugars and refined processed foods².
• Drink teas – especially green (high in Tannin).
• Use vitamins C, Biotin, B vitamins, Coenzyme Q10.

Herbal Therapeutics

The herbal therapy will proceed with two mixtures: the first to be used as a mouthwash to treat the symptoms topically, and the second for internal use to improve and stabilise conditions.

The following classes of herbs are required:

Specifics – herbs specifically indicated for gingivitis

Antimicrobial – to kill bacteria associated with the condition

Mucous Membrane Restorative / Vulnerary – to improve the integrity of the mucous membranes of the mouth

Astringent – to aid with rehabilitation of inflammed membranes

Immuno Stimulant – to aid with depressed immune system

Antiinflammatory – to reduce the inflammed condition

Circulatory Stimulants – to act as an adjuvant for all other herbs

Sialogogue – for conditions of where a dry mouth is involved

The mouthwash formula includes the following herbs:

10 ml of the mouthwash should be added to a warm glass of salty water and the entire cup should be swished and expelled three to four times per day.

The internal formula includes the following herbs:

Dosage 5ml three times per day.

References

1. Murray, M., Pizzorno, J.,Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicine, Little, Brown and Company, UK, 1995.
2. Hoffmann, D., The New Holistic Herbal, Element, Shaftsbury, 1993.