Gum/periodontal infection.
From: "Sandra" sc62.charter.net
To: herb.lists.ibiblio.org
Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2003 22:50:43 -0500
Subject: [herb] Slippery Elm Poultice
I found a poultice formula for slippery elm bark, plantain, goldenseal rt. comfrey rt. and cayenne powder, that is said to cause bone to regrow and tissue to regenerate; draw out poisons, and reduce inflammation.
My question is, can it be used _orally_ for a gum/periodontal infection? I need something that will draw out infection, that I could leave on overnight.
From: HerbsAcadiana.aol.com
> My question is, can it be used _orally_ for a gum/periodontal infection? I need something that will draw out infection, that I could leave on overnight.
What are you dealing with? Just how extensive is the periodontal disease? Does it involve the tooth socket and/or jaw bone? Is there gum separation, fever, mitral valve prolapse?
I would say it may be effective in combination with other treatments. Watch the cayenne since it may make it intolerable orally.
It would also be imperative to make sure the infection does not enter the blood stream and become systemic. Such infections can lodge in a weak valve of the heart causing damage. There is also the risk of the infection spreading into the jaw bone.
I'm guessing a dentist has already been seen? I wouldn't use it as a substitute for professional dental care that would determine how extensive the socket/bone involvement is, or long-term.
Henrietta (Traiteusse)
From: "Sandra" sc62.charter.net
>What are you dealing with? Just how extensive is the periodontal disease?
I have seen the dentist, and after full set of x-rays, lengthy examination, and even when I told him that I knew there was infection there due to the pain I had been experiencing for some time, in all those areas you mentioned, he said the x-rays showed no infection, (I've learned since then that sometimes infection doesn't show on an x-ray for a long time), and proceeded to do fillings on three teeth, the one in question being one of them. After that, the pain escalated, and front tooth and upper and lower gum area and jaw became extremely painful.
I had several discussions through email with him about it, and he suggested root canal. Everything I asked him, he said 'I don't know'. He just encouraged root canal, which he himself does. He's a holistic dentist, and very qualified. I don't want to do that, 'just in case', so I began earnestly trying everything I could to help myself. I have eliminated most of the pain, but I feel that I am just 'controlling' it.
I need to get the infection out of there, and just swabbing it and taking herbs orally doesn't seem to be enough.
Even if they did a root canal, I don't know how that would get rid of infection in the bone anyway. Sometimes, from what I've read, it gets worse. It is a front tooth or I would just get an extraction.
Has anyone ever tried an oral poultice? I read that this slippery elm dries so hard that it's actually hard to get it off.
From: HerbsAcadiana.aol.com
> Even if they did a root canal, I don't know how that would get rid of infection in the bone anyway.
You state no infection was found by your dentist even with xray but you feel there is an infection based on the fact that you are feeling pain. Such pain may have many causes including sinus infection (is it top or bottom tooth?), blocked salivary glands, pressure from adjacent teeth, etc. If the pain is constant AND infection is truly present it usually means the pulp of the tooth is involved and root canal may be the only answer if you don't want extraction. It will remove the pulp.
Is the tooth sensitive to percussion? Tap it with a tongue depressor or something similar and see if the pain intensifies. Do cold applications relieve it?
I have often used oral poultices and treatments for dental problems. Some are simple like using a whiskey (I use Jack Daniel's), soaked pad to draw an abscess while a wisdom tooth is coming in and inflaming the gum.
I'd go for a second opinion. I have a tendency to trust a client's gut instinct that something is wrong and would want to pursue the origin of the pain.
Henrietta
From: "Sandra" sc62.charter.net
> You state no infection was found by your dentist even with x-ray but you feel there is an infection based on the fact that you are feeling pain.
Pain coupled with the fact that [something] is eroding the enamel on my teeth. The problem tooth was the first to show this, but now it has [spread] to the next three teeth, so that uppermost part of these teeth are just dentin. I think it would have to be infection, strep or otherwise to cause this.
I made up a toothpowder with several herbs, black walnut being one of them because it's been said to make enamel regrow, swabbing with tooth and gum formula and propolis. Pain is much better, but tooth feels loose and kind of 'foreign'.
>(is it top or bottom tooth?),
Top left canine.
>Is the tooth sensitive to percussion? Tap it with a tongue depressor or something similar and see if the pain intensifies. Do cold applications relieve it?
Tapping causes only mild sensitivity. I've held ice cubes on it to test, and not much feeling. But it's the same with some of the others too, so that was confusing.
I'm trying all the suggestions, and thank everyone for your help.
From: HerbsAcadiana.aol.com
I mix Slippery Elm with some olive oil to make it more compact and pliable. Then I use one of those mats used to make sushi to roll it. However, you could also put it into a teabag to keep it together. Particularly if you were meaning to leave it in overnight so you wouldn't be eating pieces of it while sleeping.
Henrietta
From: "Aliceann Carlton" carlton47.earthlink.net
Sandra,
You may be experiencing nerve inflammation and associated tissue redness and pain rather than an infection. Try making a decoction of myrrh (about a 1 inch diameter lump in your hand) in water (2 cups)....simmered until ½ cup water remains) Pour the strained decoction into 1 cup sesame oil simmer over low heat until the water has evaporated, cool it, and rinse your mouth with a mouthful of it about 3 times a day....no don't swallow....
Also try taking three days worth of turmeric and barberry root caps ("00") (4:1 turmeric root to barberry root) 3 times a day to reduce inflammation and inflammatory by-products from your system.
Gotu Kola three times a day in caps helps with cooling "hot" nerves. Ashwagandha BID will help in nerve pain and rebuilding nerve function correctly. Start using sesame oil alone three times a day to nourish and strengthen gums as a mouthwash. Also, if you have access to it and have no liver problems....chew on a couple small pieces of Kava Kava to relieve acute pain....it numbs your mouth anyway, but also is a pain reducer...keep the pieces in your mouth for about 10 minutes....no need to swallow or chew hard.
Just a few ideas that may help whether there's infection or not.
Hope it's better soon.
