Health in Balance - An Alternative Approach to Dentistry

As individuals achieve a heightened sense of awareness for improving their overall health, they are turning to alternative therapies either instead of or in addition to traditional medications and treatments. We are living in a society where the average doctor prescribes more antibiotics than are necessary; 50% of the time they may not even be required.

It has been well stated that the individual who successfully counters infections without antibiotics probably utilizes his/her immune system more appropriately than he/she would otherwise. I'm not suggesting that antibiotics don't have their place, only that they are over-used. In the presence of an acute infection or as a prophylactic measure to prevent bacterial endocarditis for those who are susceptible, it is of the utmost importance.

Does a physician or dentist have to be categorized as either a Holistic or an Allopathic (western medicine) practitioner? I believe in Integrative medicine- where alternative medicine functions not as a replacement, but rather as an adjunct to Western Science. Natural healing has been a valid form of treatment for centuries. It is the quackery, abuse and misuse of natural substances that may be hindering the development of alternative therapies as an acceptable means of treating disease.

The mouth is a mirror to the immune system.

Unhealthy, bleeding gums are the first signs of a vitamin and mineral deficiency. The lack of magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, vitamin E or vitamin C can allow rapid destruction of cell membranes, compromising the structural integrity of the cells, leading to gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Bleeding gums attract scavenging bacteria, and the bacterial digestion of blood creates unpleasant mouth odors. It is a vicious cycle that can be quelled by proper oral hygiene, adequate diet and nutritional supplementation and the use of herbal remedies as an adjunct to conventional therapies. Since diet and nutrition were addressed in previous issues, herbal remedies will be the focus of this column.

Is it so inconceivable that Nature could have created substances that are capable of achieving the same results that have been developed by modern science ?

Aloe Vera (known by the Egyptians as "The Plant of Immortality") has been used internally and externally since at least 400 BC. It has been confirmed by clinical research that aloe vera: (1) anesthetizes tissue, (2) kills bacteria (3) kills viruses, (4) kills fungi, (5) helps stop bleeding, (6) is an antipyretic (reduces heat), (7) is an anti-inflammatory, (8) is a capillary dilator, (10) is an enhancer of cell growth, and (11) is a tissue moisturizer. Aloe vera has been shown to treat systemic oral lichen planus, angular chelitis, dry lips and herpes.

When placing gauze soaked in aloe vera gel or liquid over an extraction site or periodontal surgical site, post-operative pain, swelling and bleeding are significantly reduced. [General Dentistry, May-June 1999/Vol 47 #3, pp. 268-272, Steven M. Hayes, DDS, FAGD].

In addition to Aloe Vera, there are some herbal remedies that can suppress inflammation with fewer side effects than currently available pharmaceuticals. Echinacea has gained popularity in the United States, being hailed by some to be an immune system "booster", an antimicrobial agent, and an antiviral agent.

Goldenseal has been used for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, and immune-strengthening properties. Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is a bioflavenoid complex that possesses anti-inflammatory activities and inhibits the release of certain compounds that influence inflammation. Other anti-inflammatory agents include Calendula, Bloodroot, Wild yam, Licorice, Fenugreek and Figwort.

Natural remedies, such as the Herbal Mouth and Gum Therapy rinse, are effective in reducing gingivitis and gum bleeding. (see photo) Keep in mind that there are a number of western medicines that have been derived from natural substances. In 2735 BC, a Chinese emperor recommended an extract from the Ma Huang plant (known as ephedra in the western world) as treatment for respiratory illness. Today the chemical ephedrine is extracted from the plant and used as decongestants (pseudoephedrine). Codeine, derived from opium, has long been used as an analgesic and cough suppressant. Other plant derived drugs include digitalis (a heart strengthener) and Vincristine (an anti-tumor drug).

Some of what is alternative today may become conventional tomorrow

A Harvard study found that a third of the people polled admitted to using at least one alternative therapy (either self-prescribed or administered through an alternative therapist) within the past year.[General Dentistry, May-June 1999/Vol 47 #3, pp. 264-266, Katy Karimi, DDS]. Dental health care providers should add to their medical/drug history form: Are you currently taking any herbal or natural homeopathic remedies? If so, are you under the supervision of an alternative therapist? If this is not one of the questions on the form, please make sure to tell your dentist (and other doctors) what you are taking.

Many herbal drugs bear potential risks, side effects, and drug interactions that can interfere with traditional western medicines and affect the safe practice of dentistry. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently regulates prescription and over-the-counter drugs but not herbal preparations. As a result, it is critical that the dental profession continue to increase its level of understanding and education about these alternative medications and treatments so that these new generations of dental patients are treated in a safe and effective manner.