Problems with teeth and gums should not be ignored, as they may be symptoms of underlying disease. Bleeding gums can indicate vitamin deficiency. Ulcers or infections in the mouth, if left untreated, can lead to problems in the digestive system. Halitosis Halitosis is bad breath, possibly caused by tooth decay, inflamed gums (gingivitis), or digestive disorders. Treatment Herbal Medicine Chewing parsley and drinking peppermint tea sweeten the breath and neutralize odors. Homeopathy There are a large number of specific remedies to deal with bad breath, including Nux vomica, when the breath smells sour, especially after a stomach upset; Mercurius, when the breath and sweat are offensive, and the tongue is yellow and furry; Pulsatilla, after eating fatty food. Gingivitis This is a bacterial infection of the gums caused by a buildup of plaque. Symptoms include sore, bleeding gums. Occasionally gingivitis is caused by vitamin deficiency, drugs, or blood disorders. Avoid the condition by cleaning your teeth regularly and using dental floss. Treatment Homeopathy Remedies include Mercurius, when the gums are found to be spongy and the breath is bad; Kreosotum, when the gums are red, inflamed, and swollen, and are bleeding easily with the roots of the teeth exposed; and Natrum mur., when the gums are swollen, bleeding, and there are mouth ulcers and also a taste of pus in the mouth. Oral Thrush Oral thrush is small white patches inside the mouth, lips, tongue, and gums caused by a fungal infection, candida. It is most common in the young and elderly, and in the immunosuppressed. Oral steroids, long illnesses and antibiotics may also encourage infestation. Treatment Diet and Nutrition Starve this fungal infection by temporarily excluding sugars and refined carbohydrates from the diet. Adding garlic, olive oil, and live yogurt containing acidophilus to the diet will help kill the infection. Herbal Medicine For immediate relief, use natural mouthwashes containing aloe vera, myrrh, or marigold. Homeopathy Constitutional treatment is advisable but specific remedies may include Borax, to be used at the beginning of an attack; Capsicum, when the patches are hot and sore; Natrum mur., when there are cold sores on the lips; and Arsenicum alb., when there are mouth ulcers. Mouth Ulcers These are painful yellowish, round or oval spots inside the mouth. They are often a sign of being run down or under stress but can be caused by injury to the tongue and mouth, or by hot or acidic foods. In some cases they are caused by food allergy. Treatment Herbal Medicine Mouthwashes containing marigold, myrrh, and thyme are healing, or rub aloe vera gel over the ulcer. Homeopathy Constitutional treatment is suggested if ulcers are chronic, but specific remedies include Borax, Arsenicum alb., Mercurius, and Nitric ac Toothache Tooth and gum pain, which may extend into the head, is usually the result of an abscess, dental decay, sensitivity, gingivitis, and sinusitis. Treatment Herbal Medicine Rub in essential oil of cloves. Homeopathy Specific remedies which can be given every five minutes for up to ten doses include: Plantago, Coffea, Chamomilla, Mercurius, Pulsatilla, Staphisagria, Belladonna, Bryonia, Apis, and Calcarea. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome TMJ syndrome involves pain in the head, jaws, and face, often caused by teeth grinding (bruxism). Treatment Hydrotherapy Using alternate hot towels and an ice pack on the painful area offers immediate relief. Autogenic Training This therapy involves special exercises that can successfully relieve muscle tension in the jaw. Homeopathy There are specific remedies for teeth grinding, including Cina, Santoninum, Phytolacca, Zinc, and Arsenicum alb.
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