Treatment of Periodontal disease in Ayurveda

ABSTRACT

Periodontal disease is a broad term that include various gum related diseases that range from bleeding gums to acute necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis. In Ayurveda, Acharya Sushruta had beautifully described various periodontal diseases under the heading of Dantmoolgata roga & their treatment according to Ayurveda. Let’s discuss the various relatable gum diseases along with their modern aspects.

INTRODUCTION

Periodontal disease mainly consists of gingivitis & periodontitis. Gingivitis is usually the initial stage of gum disease which consists of red, swollen gums & even bleeding gums. If left untreated it may lead to the formation of Periodontitis which ultimately results in tooth loss. Acharya Sushruta had mentioned 15 types of Dantmoolgata roga in Sushrut Nidana 16. That includes

• Sheetad & Paridar – Spongy gums/bleeding gums
• Dantpupputak – Dento-alveolar Abscess
• Dantvest – Periodontitis
• Shaushir – Gingivitis
• Mahashaushir – Necrotizing Periodontitis
• Upkush—Pyorrhea
• Viadharbh & vardhan and Adhimans—impacted tooth
• Five types of dant nadi are Oral sinuses.

Here in this article lets’ discuss the Sheetad, Dantvest, Shaushir & mahashaushir in detail as described by Acharyas in Ayurvedic texts including their pathophysiology, symptoms & Ayurvedic management.

CAUSES OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES

• The first & major cause of these diseases is poor dental hygiene.
• Other important causes include dental or gum trauma during brushing or some reasons which cause necrosis of pulp resulting in infection & inflammation of gums.
• Dental plaque: are soft deposits that form a layer which attaches to tooth surfaces or other surfaces in the oral cavity, and are also the main cause of various gum diseases. Dental plaque after mineralization can form a hard deposit known as calculus.
• Nutritional deficiencies- Deficiencies of vitamins such as Vitamin B, Vitamin C & calcium may lead to periodontal disorders.
• Habits of smoking, tobacco chewing, bruxism & tongue thrusting are one of the common causes of periodontal diseases.
• Hormonal changes such as during pregnancy or during menstruation can make gums more prone for periodontitis.
• Systemic diseases such as Diabetes or AIDS increase the susceptibility of these diseases/ infections.
• Drugs such as antihistamines and antidepressants reduce the production of saliva and make the gums prone for periodontitis.
• Iatrogenic factors include faults in dental restorations which lead to gingivitis and ultimately to periodontitis.
• Mouth breathing can lead to gingivitis.

DANTMOOLGAT ROGA

Sheetad: (Sushruta Nidana 16/15-16)

This states that the disease in which there is sudden bleeding from the gums and the oral cavity is foul smelling, blackish in appearance, full of sluggishness and become soft, & the periodontal mass starts sloughing down as a result of suppuration, this disease which is caused as a result of vitiated kapha & rakta is known as Sheetad.

Due to resemblance of symptoms this condition of gums is related with spongy gums/ bleeding gums. Spongy gums are usually seen in a patient with vitamin C deficiency & the disease is termed as Scurvy.

Dantvest: (Sushruta Nidana 16/18)

The diseased condition in which there is bleeding & suppuration of gums which leads to loosening of teeth & tooth mobility. This disease resulting from vitiated blood is known as dantvest. It can be correlated with Periodontitis as periodontitis is the disease of gums that affects the membrane that surrounds the roots of teeth which leads to pus formation, shrinkage of gums and loosening of teeth.

Shaushir: (Sushruta Nidana 16/19)

Due to vitiation of kapha and rakta, there is a condition of painful inflammation, and a tendency to bleed and itch in that region; this condition is known as Shaushir.

This condition is best related to Gingivitis. Gingivitis refers to the inflammation of gums manifested by redness, swelling & tendency to bleed. This condition, if left untreated, may lead to periodontitis. However, not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis.

Mahashaushir: (Sushruta Nidana 16/20-21)

The condition of gums in which there is mobility of teeth, also affect the palate and cause pain in whole mouth and the periodontal mass start to slough out & this condition is resulted due to vitiation of all three doshas & is known as Mahashaushir.

Mahashaushir shows a great relevance in symptoms with Necrotizing periodontitis. This is the severe form of periodontitis which causes the necrosis of the gum tissue, tooth ligaments or even bone. The most prone patients are the people suffering from HIV/AIDS or malnutrition.

CHIKITSA (TREATMENT)

The Ayurvedic line of management of the patient includes

• Nidana Chikitsa
• Shodhan Chikitsa
• Shaman chikitsa

Nidana Chikitsa

It includes avoidance of all the causative factors as mentioned above in the article.

Shodhan Chikitsa

As approximately all these conditions are manifested as a result of vitiation of rakta dosha so the Raktmokshan (bloodletting) is an advisable procedure in these conditions.

Also vaman (therapeutic vomiting) & virechan (therapeutic purgation) is advised to the patients of Upkush.

Nasya i.e. Nasal administration of oil cooked with drugs like triphala, mulethi (Liquorice), kamal (lotus) etc.

Shaman Chikitsa

It includes Gandoosh (holding medicinal fluid i.e. medicated oil or decoction for some time) with herbs like Sonth (Zingiber officinalis), sarson (Brassica campestris), triphala (combination of three drugs i.e. Treminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica and Emblica officnalis), nagarmotha (Cyperus scariosus). Make decoction of Kshiri brikshon (the trees belonging to genus Ficus i.e. they secrete milk like latex) with honey, ghee and sugar and use it for gandusha. For Lepa (local application): Make a paste of Priyangu (Aglaia elaeagnoidea), Nagarmotha & triphala and apply it on gum. For Pratisaran (brushing) take powder of lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), laakh and mulethi, mix it in honey and apply it on the affected gums.

Planet Ayurveda is a herbal manufacturing hub. All the medicines which are manufactured here are 100% natural in origin & are made with strict adherence with Ayurvedic texts & are according to the guidance of our experts.

Here are some Ayurvedic Herbal products suggested by our experts for periodontal diseases.

1. Gum care powder
2. Septrin tablet
3. Coral calcium complex
4. Turmix mouthwash

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Gum care powder

Ingredients of Gum care powder include Sonth (Zingiber officianale) and other such drugs which are very much beneficial for the gum & teeth health. Also, the Sphatika (Alum) ingredient is very potent in controlling the excess bleeding.

Dosage & method of application– Massage teeth and gums gently with 3-6 gm powder. Rinse the mouth with lukewarm water after 2-3 minutes.

2. Septrin Tablet

Septrin Tablet is an herbal formulation which consists of ingredients like Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) which is the best Ayurvedic drug having very effective anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, it contains contents of trikatu (Sonth, Maricha & Pippali) which are known to have analgesic properties & also help in digesting the infections by aiding fast recovery of it. Also, the Tulsi (Osmium sanctum) & Haldi (Curcuma longa) have various antiseptic, antibacterial properties along with a source of antioxidants which will promote healing of the wound faster.

Dosage– 2 tablets twice daily with plain water.

3. Coral Calcium Complex

It is an Ayurvedic herbomineral preparation which consist of 5 minerals like coral, agate compound, kamdudha ras (an Ayurvedic classical preparation), jwar mohra pisthi (another classical compound), and pearl. Along with these it also contains giloy satva (a concentrated extract of Tinospora cordifolia). These all drugs are rich in minerals & nutrients and antioxidants which will help in promoting the healing of gum conditions.

Dosage- 1 capsule twice daily with plain water.

4. Turmix mouthwash

It consists of Curcumin mixed with clove oil, mentha oil etc. This formulation aids in treating the patients with periodontal disease & also sustains oral hygiene. It also prevents halitosis.

Dosage– 2 teaspoon full and rinse the mouth well for about 5-10 minutes.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030 Or Check Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com

CONCLUSION

Thus by following the proper diet & dental hygiene which include brushing teeth after every meal regularly & above mentioned Ayurvedic herbal methods there is effective & side effect free treatment of Periodontal gum disease in early stages despite of going for various antibiotics of analgesics which on long term use causes damage to various other systems of the body. In case of any query related to Periodontal disease kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com