NATUROPATHY and Chronic Gingivitis
By Laurence Kirk
Patient: Ms B a 34 year old woman with 5 young children;
height 5 feet, weight 7 stones.
Complaint
Chronic gingivitis of 4 years duration with gum recession
beyond
the margins of the tooth enamel and loosening of teeth
History
Ms B reported that the irritation to her gums began gradually
during the time period when she was breast feeding her last
child, Ms B reported that she had been breast feeding almost
continuously, other than a gap of perhaps 6 months, for
a total of 13 years.
Ms B had been a strict vegan from the age of 17years. She
mentioned she had
resumed smoking, perhaps 20 rollups per day, partly as an
antidote to the
stress which she had been experiencing. She generally felt
low in vitality
and was aware of a noticeable lack of libido. Ms B explained
that she had a
very passive and unassertive nature but was having to cope
with an extremely distressing custody battle.
Initially her dentist had advocated a thorough cleansing
and flossing but this had seemed to accelerate the recession.
The recession continued to the point where the teeth began
to loosen and shift in position and it was then that the
option of eventual removal was suggested. Interestingly
Ms B reported an absence of bleeding from the gums, but
mentioned that the gums had felt very sore for some time.
Examination
Ms B's teeth were quite striking; nearly all of her teeth
showed marked gum inflammation and recession to the extent
that the enamel
margins were exposed. Ms B's skin was dry and lacking in
elasticity her
nails were ridged and grew slowly and her hair had become
thinner and dryer.
Blood pressure was lowish at 100/60 pulse 70 and thready.
Ms B provided a dietary intake log which showed that she
really had little interest in her diet, which, given the
potential limitations imposed by her avoidance of meat and
dairy products, strongly indicated low nutrient status.
Blood haemoglobin level was a little low at 11g/dl
Ms B's chief concern was the appearance of her teeth and
the possibility of
losing them. This was compounding her poor self image and
further reducing
her already low self-esteem.
Between us we agreed that there was still a possibility
that the teeth would
have to be removed. If this was inevitable it was acknowledged
that
cosmetically at least the appearance would be preferable.
It was decided
that we would give 6 months in which to attempt to halt
or slow the
process and improve health and vitality
Treatment
The first stage was to improve the variety of nutrients
provided
in Ms B's diet by increasing variety and combining sources
of vegetable
protein. Initially as a boost to her system a number of
supplements were
recommended: Vit C and bioflavenoids (in the form of anthocyanins
derived
from purple/red berry fruits) for collagen synthesis and
organisation,
ferrous gluconate and dried apricots to top up iron reserves
(given she was
a vegan). Co-enzyme Q10 was also suggested as a boost to
energy levels but
also for its effects on gum health. Ms B also used a home
made
gargle/mouthwash containing calendula, sage, garlic and
honey on a twice
daily basis.
We also worked on some simple strategies to boost self
esteem and self
confidence, as well as some visualization strategies for
stress management.
Outcome
Given the severity of the problem I felt it important not
to offer
false expectations. I saw Ms B for an initial 2 visits and
then follow ups
at 1 month, 4 months and 6 months with regular telephone
contact. There was
an improvement in soreness of the gums after about 3 weeks.
Ms B remarked
that her teeth were less loose after 5 weeks. Her relationship
difficulties
had now mostly been resolved; she seemed much more energetic
and assertive.
At six months Ms B reported that her gums had become less
spongy and had
even appeared to re-grow somewhat.
In a telephone conversation about 8 months from the onset
of treatment Ms B
remarked that she was now comfortable with the appearance
of her teeth and
no longer felt any soreness or movement of her teeth. This
had apparently
been confirmed by her dentist.
I had no great expectations at the onset of treatment and
had merely hoped
to promote nutrient status and possibly slow the progression
of the gum
recession. However Ms B had confounded these expectations
by making quite a
striking recovery although I suspect that her newly restored
self-confidence
and reduced stress both allowed her to cope more effectively.
About the Author
Laurence Kirk DO, ND BSc (Hons) Ost.Med. MRN
Registered Osteopath and Naturopath
Laurence graduated from the BCNO in 1984. From that time
he has been
actively engaged in research and education. He is currently
clinical
co-ordinator at the BCNO, an internationally renowned centre
of
excellence, in London and a senior lecturer in osteopathic
technique
and osteopathic diagnosis. He has also acted as an external
examiner
both in the UK and Europe and is currently accredited by
the General
Osteopathic Council as an external examiner. His research
interests
currently include low back pain, joint proprioception, and
the
effect of dietary factors on the inflammatory response.
As well as
his teaching commitments Laurence has appeared on radio
and
television as a speaker on a diverse range of topics within
the field
of healthcare, he has been cited in articles appearing in
The Daily
Telegraph, Vogue, and Mens Health amongst many others. Laurence
maintains a private practice in picturesque Stratford upon
Avon. He
believes strongly in the importance of a "therapeutic
dialogue"
between patient and practitioner and rejects the paternalistic
inequality of the stereotypical patient-practitioner relationship.
Contact details
The Greenhill Practice
Greenhill Street
Stratford upon Avon
Warwickshire CV37 6LE
Email: laurencekirk@hotmail
.com
Telephone 01789 267888
The British College of Naturopathy and Osteopathy (BCNO)
Fraser House
Netherhal Gardens
London NW3 5RR
Email: lk@bcno.ac.uk
also available for talks and demonstrations to groups
and clubs.
