M.  Periodontal Disease

M1.     Cavities

Neem extracts have helped millions of people in south Asia avoid cavities despite a very limited access to modern dental care. Brushing with neem twigs and chewing neem leaves and seeds after a meal has been the traditional dental care practice in this area. With available modern preparations many people are now using commercial products that contain the same basic neem compounds. Regular brushing with neem toothpaste and rinsing with neem mouthwash destroys cavity-causing bacteria, enhances the mouth immunity and prevents tartar and plaque buildup in much of the population of this area. Neem toothpastes and mouthwashes prevent cavities, heal gum diseases and rejuvenate the tissues of the mouth, verifying the Ayurvedic practice of prescribing neem for dental care (Lorenz, 1976).

In a study to determine the most effective method for reducing plaque formation and the level of bacteria on tooth surfaces researchers compared antibiotics to a number of plant materials with known antibacterial properties, including neem. They found that microorganisms found in inflamed gums are resistant to penicillin (44%) and tetracycline (30%) but were not resistant to antibacterial plant extracts like neem. And unlike antibiotics, antibacterial plant extracts produced no allergy in the gingiva that could inhibit their effectiveness.

In a follow-up clinical study fifty patients with confirmed gingivitis were selected, forty of whom had showed severe bleeding and pustular discharges from the gums. After just three weeks of brushing twice a day with a paste that included leaf extracts 80% showed significant improvement. The patients also showed a 50% reduction in bacterial populations, elimination of halitosis (bad breath) with no side effects (Patel and Venkatakrishna).

Suggested Products:
Neem Bark & Leaf Extract
Neem Bark & Leaf Powder - Can be used to make mouthwash
Neem Toothpowder

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M2.     Gingivitis

Brushing with neem toothpaste after every meal and using a mouthwash with neem bark extract is recommended treatment for preventing and correcting gingivitis. For severe cases also drink neem tea, or use neem bark capsules daily for one week.

Neem bark extracts can reduce the ability of some streptococci to colonize tooth surfaces (Wolinsky and Mania, 1996), (Patel and Venkatakrishna, 1988). Gingivitis has been prevented or even reversed with regular use of neem toothpaste and mouthwash (Elvin-Lewis, 1980). One person even reported a reversal of the loss of gum tissue by chewing fresh neem leaves. Scientists believe that antibacterial compounds and neem's ability to improve the immune response in the gums and tissues of the mouth account for these results.

Suggested Products:
Neem Bark Extract
Neem Toothpowder

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M3.     Pyorrhea

Pyorrhea is characterized by an inflammation of the gums and membranes that cover the roots of the teeth. More teeth are lost by people over age 35 because of this disease than any other cause.

In a German study of 70 patients with pyorrhea of varying stages, after just 5 to 10 treatments with a neem-based toothpaste and mouthwash there was significant improvement. Bleeding gums had healed and the secretion from pockets around the teeth had stopped. The bluish colored gums returned to a healthy pale pink color (Zeppenfeldt, undated).

Suggested Products:
Neem Bark Extract
Neem Toothpowder

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M4.     Toothache

Neem's pain-relieving compounds will temporarily reduce the discomfort of a toothache. The vasodilation and anti-inflammatory compounds will reduce the pressure on nerves that can cause the toothache. To reduce the pain and inflammation, put a few drops of neem extract and one clove on the gums near the site of the pain. Brushing with neem toothpaste after every meal and using a mouthwash with neem extract is recommended treatment for preventing and correcting gingivitis. For severe cases also drink neem tea, or use neem capsules daily for one week.

Suggested Products:
Neem Bark & Leaf Extract
Neem Bark & Leaf Powder - Can be used to make mouthwash
Neem Toothpowder

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