Expert: Debbie - 3/22/2005

Question
Hi Debbie,

I'm a 52 year old man with advanced periodontal disease, feeling rather hopeless about the future of my teeth and gums.

Although there are some things I am doing that are not helping (I can't seem to give up smoking), I do do my regular maintenance and my periodontist and dentist do alternate cleanings every 3 months.  However, I continue to have problems.

I have frequently asked dentists and periodontists about vitamins, herbs or any other holistic or alternative therapies I could use to help my teeth and gums.  The usual answer is "there are none that will really help".  I find this hard to believe, and that it is more likely that most dentists are not educated in this area.

Can you provide or direct me to any information on alternative or holistic therapy for teeth and gum problems?  Thanks in advance.

Answer
The best thing to do would be to quit smoking as this advances perio disease quickly.  The only thing to help your gums would be to try to keep them clean by visiting the dentist and getting cleanings - also flossing and brushing well at home.  there are some rinses that help with the bacteria count - Peridex is one - you can inqure about that with your dentist.  Perio disease is a bacterial disease - so you have to elimante the bacteria - I have not heard of any holistic alternatives.