Friday, May 23, 2008

Herbal Therapy in Biological Dentistry



Herbal Therapy in Biological Dentistry

Herbs are plants used medicinally or for their flavor or scent. Herbs with medicinal properties are a useful and effective source of treatment for various disease processes.
Many drugs used in Western medical science-called allopathic medicine-have their origin in medicinal plants. The chemical ephedrine is extracted from the plant and used as a decongestant. Codeine, derived from opium, has long been used as an analgesic. Salicin, a forerunner of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), was derived from the bark of the willow tree.
By World War II, herbology was losing popularity in the West. Penicillin and other "wonder drugs" seemed to be cure-alls. And the war itself had cut off supplies of herbs from around the world. The advent of the drug industry with its synthetic medicines seemed to ring a death knoll for herbology, yet plants remain a major source of drugs today. For example, the previously mentioned ephedrine, digitalis (a heart strengthener), and vincristine (an antitumor drug) are all plant-derived
Generally speaking, herbs are used to cleanse the blood, warm and stimulate the body, increase surface circulation, increase elimination of wastes, reduce inflammation, and calm and soothe irritation. Herbs may be used internally as pills, syrups, and infusions, or externally as poultices, plasters, and liniments.
An external application of clove oil, for instance, will stop the pain of toothache, as will tincture of hops.
These wraps are especially effective for sore, tense muscles or jaw when temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) is present.

The herbs most commonly used for dental problems are described below.

  • Alfalfa : is useful in cases of hemorrhaging and fungal infections.
  • Aloe Vera : Applied externally, aloe vera gel is excellent for soothing inflamed gums and sores in the mouth.
  • Anise : An anti-inflammatory herb, anise is commonly used in tea form to soothe the gums. Also Chew fennel seeds whole to eliminate bad breath.
  • Annatto: Apply annatto after tooth extraction or gum surgery.
  • Arnica: Available in creams and ointments, arnica can be externally applied to relieve bruises, strains, sprains, pain, and muscle tension.
  • Catnip: Drink catnip tea or take in capsules to help you relax before dental treatment. (See Using Herbs, Tea Preparation, in Part Three.)
  • Chamomile: Use as a mouthwash to soothe inflamed, irritated gums.
  • Echinacea: Echinacea has antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

By Dr. Monica Muñoz

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Why good health may start with your mouth?

Healthy Mouth Healthy BodyHeart Disease Heart Disease

Recent research indicates that severe chronic gum disease (periodontitis) is associated with the development of heart disease. There are several theories as to how periodontitis may have an impact on heart health. One theory is that bacteria may enter the bloodstream through the mouth and have the potential to attach to fatty deposits in the blood vessels, which may contribute to heart disease. Another theory is that the inflammation associated with periodontitis may play a role. A recent study examined the presence of bacteria known to cause severe chronic gum disease and the thickening of the blood vessel wall commonly seen in heart disease. After examining over 650 subjects, the investigators concluded that there was an association between an increased level of blood vessel thickening and the presence of the bacteria found in dental plaque known to cause periodontitis.

Be sure to tell your dentist if you have a heart condition and what, if any, medications you are taking for it. Your dentist will record important health information in your record and coordinate treatment with your physician.

How Do I Know if I Have gum disease and gingivitis?
Classic signs of
gingivitis
include red, swollen and tender gums that may bleed when you brush. It is important to remember that only a dental professional can thoroughly assess your dental health and determine whether you have gum disease, including gingivitis. Since some symptoms of gingivitis are not painful, the disease may remain untreated for many years unless diagnosed by a dental professional.
Signs of periodontitis**, a more advanced stage of chronic gum disease, include the presence of gum ulceration, gums that have receded or pulled away from your teeth, permanent teeth that are loose or separating, any change in the fit of your teeth when biting, any change in the fit of partial dentures, and recurring bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Regular visits to your dental professional can help to prevent periodontitis** from developing.

By Dr. Monica Muñoz

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Are you a candidate for tooth whiteing?


Are you a candidate for tooth whiteing?


Almost any person whose permanent teeth are left can be considered as a candidate for tooth whitening. Your dentist can assess their state of oral health and will recommend one or more whitening techniques depending on which best suit you and taking into account the type and severity of the spots. Among the techniques mentioned:
  1. A professional cleaning to remove stains caused by external food and snuff.
  2. The use of a bleaching toothpaste to help remove surface stains between dental consultations.
  3. To obtain additional results, use a gel or bleach accessible tapes Whitestrips.
  4. The professional bleaching or at home to remove stains harder or yellowish.
  5. The use of veneers or fillings to rebuild the most affected teeth or to obtain specific results. Ask your dentist what bleaching technique is ideal for you.
  6. The teeth are more yellows that are more responsive to bleaching teeth with a browning or greyish, including teeth stained by tetracycline or dental fluorosis can not bleached evenly during treatment.
  7. People with periodontal disease or particularly sensitive should avoid tooth whitening techniques with chemicals which can irritate the gums.
  8. The whitening is not recommended if you have fillings, veneers or crowns in the front teeth because the bleach does not affect the color of the material hence, you should consult other options with your dentist.
  9. In some cases where there are serious problems of tooth or jaw, it is recommended placing a wreath or a veneer to correct that orthodontic problems may also lead to a smile whiter and more attractive.
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Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Biological And Holistic Dentistry

BIOLOGICAL AND HOLISTIC DENTISTRY


It’s important to us to treated patients with all the resources that medicines can have and one of them is the ALTERNATIVE DENTISTRY, this science is focused to patients with degenerative chronic diseases, such as: Diabetes, Hypertension, Chronic Fatigue, Cancer among others.

It consists mainly of seeing the patient of integral way and of this to start off to realize an odontological treatment with the materials of better quality and level of biocompatibility. Since for this science the organism works like a whole and any treatment that is realized must go focused to reestablish the total health of the patient.

Scientifically this verified that to realize a holistic biological dentistry treatment in patients with degeneratives diseases takes to a better state of health since the treatment eliminates any impurity that can go directly to blood, kidneys, liver among others.Therefore the alternative dentistry is an essential way to treat any systemic disease helping the body to reestablish its optimum level of health.
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