Periodontal Disease: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease or periodontitis, is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums and bone that support the teeth.

It is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking, and a diet high in sugar, leading to inflammation and destruction of the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. To alleviate periodontal disease, herbal remedies such as aloe vera, neem, and tea tree oil have been used to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of periodontal disease, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of periodontal disease?

The main causes of periodontal disease are bacterial plaque accumulation, poor oral hygiene, smoking, and systemic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory infections.

Bacterial plaque, composed of Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, harbors in the gingival sulcus and initiates gingivitis. The accumulation of calculus and tartar on teeth can also contribute to periodontal disease by providing a habitat for pathogenic bacteria. Genetic predisposition, hormonal fluctuations, and certain medications, such as immunosuppressants and corticosteroids, can also increase the susceptibility to periodontal disease.

Furthermore, diet high in sugar and acidity, and lack of essential nutrients like vitamin C and calcium, can compromise periodontal health and increase the risk of periodontal disease.

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of periodontal disease as inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque and bacteria to accumulate, leading to inflammation and infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
• Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for periodontal disease as it reduces blood flow to the gums, impairs the immune system's ability to fight infection, and causes the breakdown of tissue and bone that support the teeth.
• Genetic Predisposition: Genetic predisposition is a common cause of periodontal disease as individuals with a family history of the disease are more likely to develop it due to inherited traits that affect the immune system and the health of the gums and bone.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes are a common cause of periodontal disease as fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can lead to increased inflammation and infection of the gums and bone.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies are a cause of periodontal disease as inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and calcium, can impair the immune system and reduce the health of the gums and bone.
• Medications: Medications are a cause of periodontal disease as certain medications, such as steroids and certain antidepressants, can cause dry mouth, increase blood sugar levels, and impair the immune system, all of which can contribute to the development of periodontal disease.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a cause of periodontal disease as it is an early stage of the disease that can progress to periodontitis if left untreated, causing inflammation and infection of the gums and bone.
• Systemic Diseases: Systemic diseases are a cause of periodontal disease as conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disease can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease due to inflammation and infection.
• Age: Age is a cause of periodontal disease as the risk of developing the disease increases with age due to the natural aging process, which can lead to decreased immune function and increased inflammation.
• Obesity: Obesity is a cause of periodontal disease as excess body fat can lead to chronic inflammation and increase the risk of developing periodontal disease due to the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for periodontal disease?

The main medicinal herbs used for periodontal disease are Salvia officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Curcuma longa, Syzygium aromaticum, Zingiber officinale, Echinacea purpurea, Eucalyptus globulus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ginkgo biloba, Origanum vulgare.

Salvia officinalis contains carnosic acid that has antimicrobial properties against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans, reducing inflammation and preventing periodontal disease. Melaleuca alternifolia, or tea tree oil, has antimicrobial properties against various bacteria and fungi, reducing plaque and gingivitis. Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing inflammation and preventing tissue damage.

Additionally, Zingiber officinale, or ginger, and Echinacea purpurea have anti-inflammatory properties, while Eucalyptus globulus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ginkgo biloba, and Origanum vulgare also have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that help to prevent periodontal disease.

• Salvia officinalis: Salvia officinalis contains rosmarinic acid that has been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the severity of periodontal disease by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation in the gums.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree oil, contains compounds like cineole and terpinen-4-ol that have antimicrobial properties, which can help combat periodontal disease by reducing the microbial load in the oral cavity and promoting a healthy balance of the oral microbiome.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa contains curcumin, a polyphenol compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of periodontal disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the gums and periodontal tissues.
• Syzygium aromaticum: Syzygium aromaticum, also known as cloves, contains eugenol, a compound with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the severity of periodontal disease by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation in the gums.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, contains gingerols and shogaols, compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help alleviate symptoms of periodontal disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the gums and periodontal tissues.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea contains alkylamides and caffeic acid derivatives that have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which can help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the gums, making it a potential adjunctive therapy for periodontal disease.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus contains eucalyptol, a compound with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the severity of periodontal disease by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation in the gums.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, contains glycyrrhizin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help alleviate symptoms of periodontal disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the gums and periodontal tissues.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba contains flavonoids and terpenoids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gums and periodontal tissues, making it a potential adjunctive therapy for periodontal disease.
• Origanum vulgare: Origanum vulgare contains carvacrol and thymol, compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help combat periodontal disease by reducing the microbial load in the oral cavity and promoting a healthy balance of the oral microbiome.

What are the main herbal preparations used for periodontal disease?

The main herbal preparations used for periodontal disease are Decoction, Tincture, Gel, Salve, Cream, Capsule, Powder, Tea, Suppository, Oil.

Decoction of herbs like Trifolium pratense, Glycyrrhiza glabra and Salvia officinalis are used to reduce inflammation and bacterial growth in the gums due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Tinctures of herbs like Berberis aristata, Terminalia chebula and Echinacea purpurea are used to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and reduce oxidative stress in the gum tissues. Topical preparations like Gel, Salve, Cream and Suppository are made from herbs like Aloe barbadensis, Calendula officinalis and Chamomilla recutita to soothe and protect the gum tissues.

Capsules, Powders and Oils of herbs like Curcuma longa, Cinnamomum verum and Camellia sinensis are used to reduce inflammation and prevent the progression of periodontal disease due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

• Decoction: Decoction of Salvia officinalis (sage) helps with periodontal disease by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria in the mouth, due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent the progression of periodontal disease.
• Tincture: Tincture of Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower) helps with periodontal disease by reducing inflammation and preventing the spread of infection, due to its immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help stimulate the immune system to fight against periodontal pathogens.
• Gel: Gel of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) helps with periodontal disease by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria in the mouth, due to its antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent the progression of periodontal disease and promote wound healing.
• Salve: Salve of Calendula officinalis (marigold) helps with periodontal disease by reducing inflammation and preventing the spread of infection, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help promote wound healing and tissue repair in the mouth.
• Cream: Cream of Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) helps with periodontal disease by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help reduce redness and swelling in the mouth.
• Capsule: Capsule of Trifolium pratense (red clover) helps with periodontal disease by reducing inflammation and preventing the spread of infection, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help stimulate the immune system to fight against periodontal pathogens.
• Powder: Powder of Zingiber officinale (ginger) helps with periodontal disease by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria in the mouth, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent the progression of periodontal disease and promote wound healing.
• Tea: Tea of Camellia sinensis (green tea) helps with periodontal disease by reducing inflammation and preventing the spread of infection, due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which can help stimulate the immune system to fight against periodontal pathogens and prevent the progression of periodontal disease.
• Suppository: Suppository of Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal) helps with periodontal disease by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria in the mouth, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent the progression of periodontal disease and promote wound healing.
• Oil: Oil of Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) helps with periodontal disease by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation, due to its anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties, which can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with periodontal disease.