Homeopathy can be a big help in dentistry – a point underscored by research published earlier this year in the scientific journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.

The study involved two groups of patients with chronic periodontitis – severe, ongoing gum disease which, if left untreated, can ultimately lead to bone and tooth loss. Both groups received conventional periodontal treatment – scaling and root planning – but one group also received homeopathic therapy.

Both groups improved, but those who had homeopathy improved more.

The improvements were seen both in the gums and the patients’ blood work, where lipid levels and other common markers of inflammation were significantly lower.

As we’ve said before, your mouth is a direct reflection of how well the rest of your body is doing. When your mouth suffers from frequent symptoms like swelling, pain, and bleeding gums, it can be telling you there are deeper issues going on.

Often in the medicine and dentistry, the tissues, organs and systems of our bodies are treated as if they were separate from the others. Ultimately, they all have to work together to keep us alive and thriving.

They are all connected energetically, as well, via your body’s meridian system. Homeopathy is a tool uniquely capable of addressing physical issues through the energetic. Like other holistic therapies, it treats the whole person.

It’s also becoming more prevalent in dental practices these days as an adjunct therapy or preparation for traditional treatments, and a well versed dentist can easily prescribe remedies for the localized situation. In complex cases, though, it’s best to collaborate with a qualified homeopathic physician to properly individualize remedies for a person’s overall constitution and specific health situation .

Here are some common remedies with dental applications that can be used safely by just about anybody:

• Aconitum Napellus
  If going to the dentist makes you nervous, use prior to the appointment to reduce fear and anxiety.
• Arnica Montana
  This remedy is used to prevent infection, minimize shock to the system, reduce swelling and suppress hemorrhage. Often, it can also help calm the patient. It can be used prior to the procedure and as often as every few hours afterward to manage pain.
• Hypericum Perforatum
  This remedy is used for extreme pain, particularly when a nerve is injured. Hypericum also helps deter infection and calm the nerves.
• Chamomilia
  Found in teething remedies, chamomilia is excellent for reducing pain, swelling and irritability. It’s also useful for nerve pain and numbness.
• Calendula Tincture
  Promoting healing, preventing infection and bringing soothing relief, this remedy also helps stop bleeding and encourages growth of epithelial cells to prevent scarring.

To learn more about homeopathy in dentistry, check out this comprehensive article by Dana Ullman. To learn more about the basics of homeopathy in general, see this series of posts by naturopathic physician Dr. Christopher Fabricius.

Images by Parveen chopra & Javierme