Antibiotics were, so far, the only treatment for the severe forms of periodontal disease, a chronic infection that affects the gums and the bone that support the teeth. However, scientists have found that blueberry extract has similar anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, and it can even replace these antibiotics. And that’s not all!
According to the magazine “Dental Tribune International”, wild blueberries are a good substitute for all drugs against periodontal disease.
Researchers at the University of Laval in Canada tested the efficacy of the extract of wild blueberries against one of the main bacteria associated with periodontal disease.
They found that this extract is rich in polyphenols and it successfully inhibits the growth of these bacteria, as well as their ability to form a biofilm. In addition, blueberry extract blocks molecules involved in inflammation.
The researchers concluded that the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect of wild blueberry suggests the emergence of a new and natural therapy for periodontal disease. They also claim that they are currently working on the development of oral appliances that release the extract after brushing the teeth and thereby accelerate the treatment of periodontal disease.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is, after dental caries, the most widespread chronic disease of the gums and supporting apparatus of the teeth, whose final stage leads to tooth loss.
The first sign of the disease is bleeding gums, unpleasant occurrence that affects a large part of the population. It is also a warning symptom to go to an appointment with a dentist. If you cannot stop this bleeding in time, your gums will become red, swollen, and your teeth will eventually get loosen. In the end all you can do is remove these loose teeth.
Removal of dental plaque and tartar are considered the most important intervention in the treatment, because they are the main cause of gingivitis (inflamed gums) or periodontitis. They mechanically irritate the gums and lead to inflammation. Tartar should be removed at least twice a year, and it is preferably that you remove it four times a year.
People who do not treat periodontal disease have a higher risk of developing heart disease, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. This happens because the periodontal pockets are huge amounts of bacteria that sometimes slowly, and sometimes aggressively destroy the bone and the tooth retaining the apparatus.
They go through the blood to other organs and damage them. Their spread significantly supports the fact that the maxillofacial region is the bloodiest one in the body.