Pyorrhea, also known as periodontitis or periodontal disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports the teeth.
It is caused by bacteria in the mouth that form a sticky, colorless film on the teeth called plaque, which can harden into tartar if not removed by regular brushing and flossing.
Symptoms of pyorrhea include red, swollen, and tender gums, bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, receding gums, and pus between teeth and gums.
These symptoms can be mild or severe and may worsen over time if left untreated.
Pyorrhea can also cause pain or discomfort while chewing, making it difficult to eat or speak.
Diagnosis of pyorrhea is typically made by a dentist or periodontist through a clinical examination, X-rays, and periodontal probing.
Periodontal probing involves measuring the depth of the pockets between the teeth and gums to determine the extent of the disease.
Treatment options for pyorrhea depend on the severity of the disease and may include non-surgical or surgical procedures.
In this article, we will discuss the definition, types, causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of pyorrhea.
Pyorrhea Types:
Pyorrhea, also known as periodontitis, can be classified into different types based on the severity and extent of the disease. The following are the most common types of pyorrhea:
1. Chronic periodontitis:
This is the most common type of pyorrhea, which develops slowly over time and is characterized by inflammation of the gums, pockets around the teeth, and bone loss.
2. Aggressive periodontitis:
This type of pyorrhea is characterized by rapid bone loss and tissue destruction, often affecting young adults who have otherwise good oral hygiene.
3. Necrotizing periodontitis:
This is a severe form of pyorrhea that can cause tissue death (necrosis) and bone loss, resulting in deep ulcers and pain.
4. Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases:
This type of pyorrhea is associated with other health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and HIV infection, which can worsen periodontitis.
5. Refractory periodontitis:
This is a type of pyorrhea that persists despite appropriate treatment and good oral hygiene and can be difficult to manage.
Pyorrhea Causes:
The exact cause of pyorrhea is not known, but several factors can increase the risk of developing the disease.
Some common causes of pyorrhea include:
Poor oral hygiene:
Lack of proper brushing and flossing can cause plaque buildup, which can lead to gum disease.
Tobacco use:
Smoking or using other tobacco products can increase the risk of pyorrhea.
Diabetes:
People with diabetes often develop gum and tooth disease.
Hormonal changes:
Women may be more susceptible to pyorrhea during pregnancy, menopause, or other hormonal changes.
Genetics:
Some people may be more prone to developing gum disease due to their genetic makeup.
Certain medications:
Certain medications, such as anticonvulsants and some types of blood pressure medications, can increase the risk of gum disease.
Poor nutrition:
A diet lacking in certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of pyorrhea.
Pyorrhea Symptoms:
Some common signs and symptoms of pyorrhea include:
Bad breath: Persistent bad breath that does not go away with brushing or mouthwash can be a sign of pyorrhea.
Bleeding gums: Bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing, can be a sign of gum disease.
Swelling of the gums: Healthy gums are pink and firm. Swollen or red gums may be a sign of pyorrhea.
Loose teeth: As gum disease progresses, the gums may begin to pull away from the teeth, causing the teeth to become loose.
Pus: In advanced cases of pyorrhea, pus may develop around the gums and teeth.
Pain or sensitivity: Gum disease can cause pain or sensitivity in the teeth and gums.
Peeling of gums: As gum disease progresses, the gums may recede, making the teeth look longer.
Redness of the gums: The gums become red, swollen, and tender to the touch. You may notice bleeding when you brush your teeth or floss.
Loose teeth: As the disease progresses, your teeth may feel loose or shift in position.
Receding gums: The gums may start to pull away from the teeth, making the teeth look longer.
Pus between teeth and gums: Pus may appear around the gum line and between the teeth.
Pain or discomfort while chewing: As the disease progresses, chewing may become painful or uncomfortable.
Risk Factors for Pyorrhea :
Some common risk factors include:
Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly can cause plaque buildup, which can lead to gum disease.
Tobacco use: Smoking or using other tobacco products can increase the risk of pyorrhea.
Diabetes: People with diabetes often develop tooth and gum diseases and may take longer to heal.
Age: The risk of pyorrhea increases with age, as the gums naturally recede over time.
Genetics: Some people may be more prone to developing gum disease due to their genetic makeup.
Stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of pyorrhea.
Certain medications: Certain medications, such as anticonvulsants and some types of blood pressure medications, can increase the risk of gum disease.
Poor nutrition: A diet lacking in certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of pyorrhea.
Hormonal changes: Women may be more susceptible to pyorrhea during pregnancy, menopause, or other hormonal changes.
Diagnosis for pyorrhea :
The diagnosis of pyorrhea, also known as periodontitis, typically involves a combination of a physical examination and other diagnostic tests.
During the physical examination, the dentist or periodontist will check the gums for signs of inflammation, bleeding, and recession.
They may also use a small measuring tool to check the depth of the pockets between the teeth and gums.
In healthy gums, these pockets are shallow, but in cases of pyorrhea, the pockets may become deeper due to gum recession.
Other diagnostic tests may include:
X-rays: Dental X-rays can help the dentist to see the extent of bone loss and other damage caused by pyorrhea.
Periodontal probing: This involves using a probe to measure the depth of the pockets between the teeth and gums.
Microbial testing: This involves taking a sample of the bacteria that are present in the mouth to determine which bacteria are causing the gum disease.
Biopsy: In rare cases, a small sample of gum tissue may be taken for testing to determine the cause of gum disease.
Based on the results of these diagnostic tests, the dentist or periodontist will be able to determine the severity of the gum disease and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
It is important to diagnose and treat pyorrhea early to prevent further damage to the gums and teeth.
Pyorrhea Management:
The management of pyorrhea, also known as periodontitis, typically involves a combination of professional treatment and self-care measures.
Professional treatment may include:
1. Scaling and root planing: This is a deep cleaning procedure that involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and smoothing out the roots to promote healing.
2. Antibiotics: In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help eliminate the bacteria that are causing gum disease.
3. Surgery: In advanced cases of pyorrhea, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged gum tissue or to reshape the gums to better support the teeth.
Non-surgical treatments for pyorrhea include scaling and root planing, which involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and smoothing the root surfaces to promote healing.
Antibiotics may also be prescribed to help control bacterial infection. In some cases, a dental laser may be used to remove dead tissues.
Surgical treatments for pyorrhea may be necessary for more advanced cases of the disease.
These may include flap surgery, which involves lifting the gums to clean the roots of the teeth and repair any damage to the bone.
Bone grafting may also be necessary to replace any bone that has been lost due to the disease.
Prevention of pyorrhea is key to maintaining good oral health. This can be achieved through regular brushing and flossing, as well as routine dental cleanings and check-ups.
A healthy diet that is low in sugar and high in nutrients can also help to prevent the buildup of plaque and promote gum health.
Self-care measures that can help manage pyorrhea include:
Brushing and flossing regularly: Good oral hygiene is essential for preventing and managing gum disease.
Brushing the teeth in the morning and before bed is considered a healthy habit. Flossing once a week will help get rid of debris.
Quitting smoking: Tobacco use can make gum disease worse and can make it more difficult to manage.
Eating a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help support overall oral health.
Using an antiseptic mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and promote healing.
Managing stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and make it more difficult to manage gum disease.
It is important to work with a dentist or periodontist to develop a personalized treatment plan for managing pyorrhea.
With proper care, it is possible to prevent further damage to the gums and teeth and to manage the symptoms of gum disease.
Best Homeopathic Medicines for pyorrhea:
Homeopathy can be used to treat various dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, toothaches, and abscesses.
Homeopathic remedies are safe and gentle and can be used by people of all ages, including pregnant and nursing women and children.
Some important remedies for pyorrhoea are as follows –
Arnica montana
Calcarea carbonica
Calcarea fluorica
Chamomilla
Coffea cruda
Hekla lava
Hepar sulphuris calcareum
Kreosotum
Lachesis
Mercurius solubilis
Mercurius iodatus flavus
Plantago
Silicea
Staphysagria
Sulphur
1. Arnica montana – Bruised pain after the dental procedure.
Pain from dental procedures like extractions, filling, or injuries in general.
Pain as if bruised which is worse from touch.
A feeling as if roots were scraped with a knife.
Pain in gums while chewing.
Dose and potency: 30 CH potency, 6 pills two times a day, and mother tincture can be taken 10 drops in half glass water twice a day.
2. Bryonia alba – irritability with pain and wants to remain quiet.
The patient is very irritable and wants to be left alone.
Tooth pain is worse from the least motion.
The pain extends from one tooth to another tooth or the head and cheeks.
Pain may be relieved by taking cold water.
Dose and potency: 30 CH potency is repeated every 3 hours once a day.
3. Calcarea Carbonica: Mainly when there is calcium deficiency
This remedy is often recommended for children who have weak enamel and are prone to cavities.
It may also be used for adults who tend to develop cavities.
Dose and potency: 30 CH potency, 4 pellets two times a day can be repeated according to the intensity of the symptoms
4. Calcarea Fluorica: for tooth decay and bleeding gums.
This remedy is often recommended for tooth decay and weak enamel. It is also helpful for swollen, bleeding gums.
Dose and potency: 30 CH potency, 4 pellets two times a day can be repeated according to the intensity of the symptoms.
5. Carbo Vegetabilis: tooth decay and digestive problems.
This remedy is often recommended for tooth decay which is accompanied by bad breath and digestive problems.
Dose and potency: 30 CH potency, 4 pellets two times a day can be repeated according to the intensity of the symptoms
6. Chamomilla: Moaning and groaning during teething and wants to be carried.
Chamomilla is the best remedy for the moaning and groaning of children during teething.
The toothache is often from a nervous cause and not caries.
Swelling of the cheeks and gums. Pain may extend to the eyes or ears.
Dose and potency: 30 CH potency, 4 pellets two times a day can be repeated according to the intensity of the symptoms.
7. Coffea cruda: Neuralgic pains of the teeth.
For caries but mainly for neuralgic pains. Pain is better by taking cold water in the mouth.
Other associated symptoms may include sleeplessness.
Dose and potency: 12 CH thrice a day until the pain subsides.
8. Hekla lava: Swelling about jaws and tooth pain
Hekla lava is one of the prime remedies for tooth complaints.
Toothache with explosive pain and swelling about the jaws.
Painful gum abscesses.
Facial neuralgia from carious teeth and tooth extraction.
Dose and potency: 30 CH potency thrice a day and mother tincture can be dipped in cotton and kept near the tooth for instant relief.
9. Hepar sulphuris calcareum: Dental complaints with abscess.
A well-known remedy for abscess. The pain appears after fillings and fistula of the gums.
Offensive odor from the mouth like spoiled cheese. Doesn’t not like drafts or cold weather generally.
Dose and potency: 30CH can be repeated four times a day.
10. Kreosotum: for bad mouth odor
This remedy is often recommended for tooth decay that is accompanied by a foul odor or taste in the mouth.
Dose and potency: 30 CH potency, 4 pellets two times a day can be repeated according to the intensity of the symptoms
11. Lachesis: aggravation from touch with difficulty in swallowing.
It is a great remedy for left-sided abscesses.
Tooth pain is worse from the slightest touch and better from hard pressure.
Dose and potency: 12 CH potency- 6 pills, twice a day.
12. Mercurius solubilis: Inflammation of gums with excessive salivation.
Teeth appear dark and look dirty.
Other associated symptoms may include offensive breath, excessive salivation, and a white-coated tongue.
Dose and potency: 12 CH potency can be repeated every 4 hours
13. Mercurius iodatus flavus: fever with the right-sided location.
It is a remedy for toothaches with mercury characteristics and right-sided location.
Gums are swollen and syphilitic ulcers along the ulcer.
Dose and potency: 30 CH – 6 pills thrice a day.
14. Nux vomica – tooth pain better by warmth.
Tooth pain is better with warm water. Pain from caries especially after fillings.
Gums are often swollen and painful to touch.
Dose and potency: 30 CH potency – twice a day will yield good results.
15. Plantago Major: for tooth decay and caries
This remedy is often recommended for toothaches that are accompanied by extreme sensitivity to cold or touch.
Dose and potency: 30 CH potency, 4 pellets two times a day can be repeated according to the intensity of the symptoms
16. Silicea: dental complaints with abscesses better by covering the head.
It can cure acute pulpitis.
Painful swollen cheek over the affected tooth.
Dose and potency: 30 CH – 4 pills twice a day for 5 days.
17. Staphysagria: Black teeth with easy caries.
Caries and cavities in children.
After dental surgeries with sudden intense pain in the wound.
Wounds won’t heal after dental surgeries.
Dose and potency: 30 CH potencies should be given thrice a day.
18. Sulphur: dental complaints are better by washing or open air.
Sulfur is frequently indicated in tooth problems.
It is helpful in caries, abscesses,fistula, and loose teeth.
Dose and potency: 200 CH potency – 4 pills once a day for 3 days.