Propolis and bee products for periodontal disease in folk medicine

Soldatova Lyudmila Nikolaevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Clinical Dentistry of the St. Petersburg Medical and Social Institute, Chief Physician of the Alfa-Dent Dental Clinic, St. Petersburg

Propolis is a sticky, resinous substance that bees use to seal holes in the hive and disinfect the cells. Propolis consists of resins from the spring buds of birch, alder or poplar, modified with enzymes.

The miraculous properties of this natural building material have been noticed by people for a long time. Our ancestors used propolis to treat gums. And today, bee products are considered one of the most effective means for combating various dental diseases. Such substances are used both in pure form and in tinctures, ointments and sprays.

You can purchase medicines containing propolis in almost every pharmacy. There is a wide selection of ready-made tinctures for rinsing, ointments and toothpastes based on it.

We will tell you how to properly treat gums with propolis, as well as its beneficial properties and limitations in use.

How to rinse your mouth for gum inflammation: effective rinses

Swelling of the tissues of the lower or upper jaw may not always be associated with caries. To relieve redness and pain, you have to resort to the use of medications or use traditional methods. In the article we will tell you how you can rinse your mouth and teeth if your sore gums are inflamed, what pharmaceutical rinses are best for inflammation, and whether there are alternative solutions for pain.

Tips for strengthening bone tissue

Experts give several recommendations that may be useful if you have periodontal disease :

• combine myrrh (20 g) with mint and raspberry leaves (15 g of each component). Mix, add wine alcohol (80 g) and vinegar (25 g). Mix again and place in a glass container of suitable size. Infuse for three days in a place protected from sunlight. Rinse your mouth with the prepared mixture a couple of times a day;
• pour sage (50 g) with boiling water (100 g). Leave for about an hour, covering with a lid. Rinse your mouth thoroughly;
• Chop and crush fresh plantain. Use the resulting juice to soak a cotton swab. Wipe gums;
• pour dried calamus (30 g) with vodka (0.5 l). Infuse the mixture for a week in a place inaccessible to light. Strain through cheesecloth. Dilute the product (3 tbsp) with water (200 ml). Rinse your mouth for about 3-6 minutes;
• Chop pine needles (6 tbsp) and pour boiling water (1 l). Bring to a boil, strain, and leave until the mixture cools completely. Rinse your mouth in the morning and evening.

Types of inflammatory and dystrophic gum diseases

Inflammatory manifestations include:

• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis

Dystrophic manifestations include:

Gingivitis: signs, causes and treatment

Gingivitis is the first stage of inflammation, in which the integrity of the periodontal junction has not yet been compromised. This disease can be identified by the following signs:

• Swelling of the gums.
• Blood while brushing teeth.
• Pain when eating cold, hot or solid foods.

Improper brushing of teeth, errors during fillings and dentures, improper bite – all this can cause gingivitis. By the way, this is one of the most popular problems that pediatric dentists encounter.

Treatment of gingivitis involves a set of procedures carried out in a dental clinic and at home. If there is dental plaque, it is necessary to carry out ultrasonic cleaning. In addition, you should pay more attention to hygiene: brush your teeth properly and use antibacterial agents.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a pathology that occurs as a result of advanced gingivitis. In this case, the swelling of the gums becomes even stronger, they begin to bleed frequently. If left untreated, infection and pus may form. As a result, the bone tissue begins to atrophy, and this leads to increased sensitivity of the teeth, their mobility, and sometimes even loss.

Treatment of periodontitis is prescribed taking into account the course of the disease. At first, procedures such as removing plaque from the enamel and regular brushing of teeth with antiseptic agents may be sufficient. In more serious situations, when the infection has penetrated deep into the bone tissue, surgery may be necessary:

• Partial gum excision.
• Cleaning periodontal pockets.
• Implantation of bone tissue substitutes.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is a systemic disease. As a rule, it is typical for elderly patients. Inflammatory-dystrophic manifestations in this case are concentrated in the periodontal tissue.

Periodontal disease develops at a leisurely pace, gradually erasing tooth enamel. The presence of this disease can be determined by exposed tooth roots and cervical chips of tooth enamel. In most cases, no pain occurs, but if you ignore the problem, you can “lose” your teeth.

To eliminate periodontal disease, it is necessary not only to observe and treat the dentist, but also to related specialists.

Treatment of inflammation at home

The course of treatment of teeth and gums is always selected taking into account the individual characteristics of the disease:

• A type of inflammatory process.
• Neglect of pathology.
• Patient's age.

For example, in adult patients, inflammatory processes most often occur due to chronic diseases. To eliminate the problem, as a rule, pharmaceutical products are required - antiseptics, gels, ointments, antibiotics, toothpastes. If a child’s gums become inflamed, this is almost always associated with teething and herbal medicine, that is, rinsing with herbal decoctions and using other methods of traditional medicine, is sufficient for treatment.

Whatever the situation, adequate treatment is only possible after consultation and diagnosis by a qualified doctor. Remember that the wrong choice of procedures can not only fail to produce results, but also cause painful complications.

Antiseptics

Rinsing with antiseptic agents is the most important step in the fight against inflammatory processes. Let's name well-proven drugs that can be purchased at the pharmacy:

• Malavit - reduces inflammation and prevents its development, but does not eliminate pain effectively enough.
• Kamistad – recommended in the presence of severe pain. It also copes well with swelling.
• Chlorhexidine is a suitable treatment for gingivitis in children. Daily rinsing after meals is recommended.
• Listerine is a good drug for eliminating swelling. Suitable for all types of gum inflammation.
• Stomatophyte is an antiseptic made from natural raw materials: chamomile flowers, oak bark and sage leaves.
• Furacilin is an excellent antimicrobial agent. Penetrates inside the microbial cell, preventing its division.
• Miramistin is an anti-inflammatory drug with a pronounced antimicrobial effect.

Gels and ointments

Therapeutic gels and ointments are applied to the inflamed gums after rinsing with antiseptic agents. They provide effective protection to the mucous membrane, preventing infection from entering wounds and helping to cope with pain.

List of the most effective gels and ointments:

• Metrogyl Denta is a powerful antiseptic gel. It has pronounced anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Cholisal is one of the best options for combating inflammation that occurs due to internal reasons. Relieves pain well.
• Kamistad - suitable for both preventing gingivitis and combating complications (severe swelling, pain).
• Gengigel is an excellent healing agent. Improves blood supply, promoting rapid healing of wounds in the oral cavity.
• Stomatophyte A – recommended for severe and prolonged pain.
• Asepta - contains propolis, which provides accelerated tissue regeneration and reduces inflammation.
• Solcoseryl is a healing agent with a pronounced anesthetic effect.

To eliminate pain in children, the following remedies are recommended:

• Kamistad gel.
• Traumeel C.
• Cholisal gel.

Antibiotics

Antiseptics, gels and ointments are effective only if the inflammation is on the surface. In advanced cases, when the infection has penetrated into the deep layers of the periodontium, oral antibiotics are much more effective. The most effective means for eliminating purulent processes inside the gums:

• Metronidazole.
• Lincomycin.
• Amoxicillin.

To relieve inflammation and pain:

• Diclofenac.
• Allontoin.
• Tavegil.

Important: a periodontist should prescribe antibiotics and select the dosage. Taking medications without prior consultation can lead to unpredictable consequences.

Medicinal toothpastes

“Lakalut”, “Paradontax”, “President” - the effectiveness of these toothpastes has been scientifically proven. They effectively cope with gingivitis and many other inflammations, and are also excellent for prevention. Dentists recommend using these hygiene products for a month, after which you take a short break.

Traditional methods of combating gum inflammation

To combat inflammation and pain at home, there is a wide range of medicinal plants. The effectiveness of recipes has been tested for centuries. However, as is the case with the use of products sold in pharmacies, to achieve the desired result and to avoid side effects, it is recommended to first consult a dentist.

Periodontal disease: symptoms and treatment

The disease begins with a slight itching of the gums, then, as the gums recede and the atrophic process progresses, food begins to increasingly enter the interdental spaces and create discomfort.
In advanced cases, without a timely treatment course, the disease enters the active phase, which can quickly result in tooth loss. The main emphasis in treatment must be on eliminating the root cause of the disease, namely periodontal disease, treatment should be not only local, but also comprehensive. Without stabilizing the underlying diseases in the body, it is impossible to achieve stabilization of periodontal disease.

Reviews about treatment with propolis tincture are mostly positive. Users report that the medicine relieves periodontal disease, relieves toothache, and improves the color of tooth enamel.

I have had bad teeth since I was a teenager. I regularly treat periodontal disease. The doctor recommended rinsing with propolis tincture. I did it 3 times a day. Within a couple of weeks I forgot about the symptoms.

Svetlana, 45 years old

After pregnancy, my teeth deteriorated greatly. Regularly treated caries. I read that you can do prophylaxis with propolis tincture. I rinsed and made lotions. A month later I noticed that the bleeding had disappeared and my teeth began to hurt less.

Indications for use

Typical indications for the use of bee-based products include the following diseases or preventive processes:

• Inflammatory process of the oral mucosa. Simply put – stomatitis. Or periodontitis is a manifestation of gum inflammation
• Destruction of the tissue surrounding the tooth. More clearly it sounds like periodontal disease.
• Inflammation, in parallel with which a purulent secretion is formed. It moves to the periosteum, affecting the jaw bone. In the diagnosis, the doctor refers to this disease as periostitis.
• Dental prosthetics

The product is used to get rid of bad breath, since propolis is not only suitable for gums as a cure for stomatitis, but also works as a freshener.

It is used to heal sockets after tooth extraction, as well as if the mucous membrane is excised. The product is recommended to be taken during toothache, when the gums begin to bleed. Rinsing the mouth with tincture will remove plaque.

A product prepared from uzha can be used to treat sore throat, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and laryngitis. Bee glue, as uzu is called, is used to treat flux.

Propolis.

This amazing compound produced by bees contains over 100 different substances. In addition, it is a wonderful antiseptic that does not allow any types of microbes to pass through and blocks the work of their enzymes (so microorganisms will not be able to gain a foothold on the target object).

Propolis is also quite effective in helping with toothache. However, it works great as a dental protection for preventive purposes. Its effect is possible both in its natural form and as part of an alcohol tincture. In addition, it can replace novocaine (they say that it is even better) if you soak a cotton swab in its tincture and apply it to the aching tooth.

Although this does not cancel a visit to the dentist, you will definitely need to visit him.

Contraindications

It is not recommended to drink Propolis for periodontal disease in the following cases:

• individual intolerance;
• tendency to allergic reactions;
• acute phase of severe pathologies of the heart and liver, pregnancy, age up to 12 years (alcohol tincture);
• bronchial asthma.

You can check the possibility of an allergic reaction to Propolis using a provocative test:

• lubricate the mucous membrane of the palate with a small amount of tincture;
• check its condition after 30 minutes.

If there is redness, fever, or a person feels burning and itching, then the remedy cannot be used for treatment.

How to get rid of toothache

There are many ways to get rid of toothache. But all of them should be used only as a means of first aid. They can reduce pain or even completely remove it. But the cause of the problem will not be eliminated. Only dental treatment can completely relieve suffering and prevent complications.

Medicines for toothache

The fastest and most effective method of toothache pain relief

- This is taking medication. But you should not self-medicate; you need to take the medications prescribed by the doctor. Many tablets irritate the gastrointestinal tract and may cause other side effects. In any case, even if there are no contraindications to taking the medicine, it should not be taken for more than 3 days. This is a method that should be used in emergency cases, the tablets will help relieve suffering before visiting a doctor.

Most effective for toothache

such drugs:

• all drugs based on ketoprofen - “Ketorolac”, “Ketanov”, “Ketorol”;
• “Ibuprofen” and other products based on it – “Mig”, “Nurofen”, “Faspik”;
• "Nimesulide", "Nise";
• "Indomethacin".

Contraindications

A contraindication to the use of bee medicine is an allergic reaction and individual intolerance to the component. In addition, it is not recommended to continuously use apitherapy for more than 30 days. This will cause the body to become addicted, and accordingly the therapeutic effect will decrease.

Medicines based on propolis will help get rid of such unpleasant diseases as periodontal disease and periodontitis. The natural product restores proper nutrition and blood supply to soft tissues. Eliminates pathogenic microflora, strengthens exposed tooth necks.

Remember that no therapy will bring the desired result if careful oral hygiene is not maintained.

Treatment of gums at home

How to treat inflammation? There are many ways to treat gum inflammation at home. Dentists usually recommend antiseptic drugs with anti-inflammatory effects. The optimal treatment regimen is prescribed by the dentist after diagnosis. Let's consider the most effective treatment options.

Rinse with solutions

Rinsing with special solutions helps to quickly get rid of pain and stop inflammatory processes occurring in soft tissues. The compositions of the solutions disinfect the surface of the gums, destroying pathogenic bacteria. It is necessary to rinse your gums after every meal, 2 to 4 times a day. Some drugs in this group are used in pure form, others must be diluted in water.

To treat inflamed gums, dentists usually prescribe the following solutions:

• Furacilin;
• Chlorhexidine;
• Miramistin;
• Rotokan;
• Stomatophyte;
• Malavit;
• Listerine;
• Chlorophyllipt.

The listed drugs are usually used to prevent diseases of the oral cavity, reduce pain and reduce inflammation, but do not apply to independent means of treatment. Therefore, rinsing is usually prescribed in combination with other procedures.

Cleaning and rinsing with an irrigator with special solutions

Treatment of gum inflammation at home is possible with the help of an irrigator - a modern oral care device that is more effective than a toothbrush. The principle of operation is based on the directed supply of a stream of water, which helps to clean even hard-to-reach places.

For inflamed gums, an irrigator becomes indispensable: unlike a toothbrush, it does not injure the gums, the jet pressure can be adjusted, and most importantly, medicinal solutions and rinses can be placed in the device.

The following solutions are suitable for use in the irrigator:

• Donfeel. Available in two forms: for daily use and dental treatment. The composition includes only natural ingredients and a vitamin complex, extracts of medicinal plants such as mint, chamomile, calendula, lemon balm. Thanks to this, the solution has a calming effect and is suitable for children and adults.
• Peridex. Professional care product containing 0.2% chlorhexidine. Widely used for therapeutic purposes, it effectively destroys pathogenic bacteria.
• PerioGard. Antiseptic based on chlorhexidine, eliminates plaque, prevents the development of gingivitis.
• Asepta. A multi-purpose solution used to remove bacterial plaque and has a wound healing effect.

The advantages of using an irrigator when treating gums include a gentle effect on inflamed tissue and absolute painlessness.

Healing ointments and gels

To treat pain in the gums at home, you can use local remedies: ointments and gels with an antiseptic effect. They enhance the effect of rinses and complement other types of treatment. Such means include:

• Metrogyl Denta is an antimicrobial drug created on the basis of two antibacterial components: chlorhexidine and metronidazole;
• Periodontocyte – contains extracts of medicinal plants: mint, sage, cloves and oregano;
• Gengigel – contains hyaluronic acid, promotes tissue regeneration;
• Stomatofit A – gives an analgesic effect, used for long-term therapeutic effects;
• Cholisal - used for local anesthesia, has an antimicrobial effect;
• Asepta is a propolis-based balm with a wound-healing effect, helps fight bleeding;
• Solcoseryl is a strong anesthetic that promotes rapid restoration of the mucous membrane;
• Dental – relieves swelling, eliminates pain;
• Revive – restores calcium levels and strengthens tooth enamel.

All ointments and gels form a protective film on the surface of the mucous membranes, which gives a long-lasting effect.

Toothpastes

For inflamed gums, you should use special toothpastes. These are pharmaceutical products made on the basis of extracts of medicinal herbs and medicinal plants. Such pastes are used strictly as prescribed by the doctor and applied to the teeth and gums. Treatment is carried out in courses, no more than 1 month each, after which a break is taken.

Antibiotics

Prescribed in complicated and advanced cases when other treatment methods do not work. The attending physician prescribes antibiotics based on the etiology of the disease. Taking medications from this group on your own is prohibited. Self-medication can worsen the patient's condition and often causes side effects.

The maximum effect from treating gums with antibiotics can only be achieved in combination, combining medications with irrigators, gels and rinses.

Vitamins

Vitamin complexes are an auxiliary therapeutic technique that complements other treatment methods. They compensate for the lack of useful enzymes in the body that are needed to strengthen tooth enamel and soft tissues. For inflammation and bleeding of the gums, vitamins of the following groups are usually prescribed: A, B, C, K, E, PP.

Herbal infusions

What to do if your gums are inflamed and painful? How to treat gum inflammation at home if there is no pharmacy nearby and you can’t get to a doctor? In an emergency, you can use medicinal rinses that have an anti-inflammatory and healing effect:

• Sage – application: a spoonful of dried inflorescences per glass of boiling water;
• Calendula – brew a teaspoon in 200 ml of water, leave for half an hour;
• Oak bark - boil 2 tablespoons in 0.5 liters of water, let stand for 10 minutes, then strain through cheesecloth;
• Yarrow – 2 tablespoons of flowers are added to 0.5 liters of water, boiled for 15 minutes, then cooled;
• Chamomile – 1 tablespoon per 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 40 minutes.

Consumer Reviews

Marina Mironova (otzyvru.com)

“Due to stress, I developed an unpleasant disease in my mouth - stomatitis - ulcers formed, they hurt a lot, I couldn’t drink or eat, even cry. A friend brought the remains of Asepta gum gel with propolis, she says it helped her well at the time. I didn’t care anymore, I started using it - I just applied it to the mucous membrane of my mouth, it didn’t burn or sting, and I slept through the night without pain.

I already bought one for myself, on the third day the ulcers began to heal, there were no new ones at all, and by the 5th day I was even able to eat a bun, although I couldn’t drink the broth right away - everything hurt so much.

This gel is made on the basis of propolis, and thanks to it all its positive qualities - it kills germs, relieves inflammation, relieves pain and promotes rapid healing.

Now this gel has firmly settled in my first aid kit - almost anything goes wrong - either I burn myself with hot tea, or I scratch myself with a cracker, I lubricate it with the gel, and everything goes away quickly.”

Alexey P. (market.yandex.ru)

“I have chronic gingivitis, which has not made itself felt for a long time thanks to the propolis gel from Asepta. This remedy was recommended to me by my dentist during a period of exacerbation of gum inflammation. The gums were very red, very painful and bleeding. But already on the third day of applying the gel (I used it morning and evening) the situation ceased to be critical. The pain went away, the gums acquired a more natural color. And by the end of treatment, on day 10, I completely forgot about this problem. Now I buy this gel for myself 2 times a year and use it for prevention. I would also like to add that it has a pleasant honey taste - not even as a medicine, but as a tasty treat!”

Sources

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