Alternative Medicine Isn't So Alternative Anymore

Alternative medicine isn't so alternative anymore.  Once dismissed as a fad or fringe movement, alternative medicine has become an increasingly popular component of mainstream health care, including Dentistry.

But patients need to use caution when using any alternative, "natural" treatments, including herbal supplements.

Supplements are in tablet form or Teas

Licorice Root Extract Treats Canker Sores

Commonly referred to as "canker sores", recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) -appears as shallow ulcers of different sizes, affects one in five Americans, can be caused by food allergies, stress & hormonal changes, and can be very painful. These lesions can now be treated by an extract in the licorice root herbal extract.

Studies have shown, those who received the adhesive patch with the licorice root extract showed significant improvement in the size & the durations of the "canker sores". In addition, to speeding healing, the adhesive patch help to reduce pain just after 3 days of treatment.

Also  increasing vitamins & other herbs such as vitamin C and Zinc, can help treat "canker sores" because they help regenerate tissue cells.

Licorice root extract was used as a prescribed treatment for gastric ulcers until the 1970's.  In it's original form, licorice root extract has a very strong taste.  However, when combined with a self adhering, time released, dissolving oral patch, the taste is mild and pleasant.

Aloe Vera Helps Relieve Mouth Sores

A quick look in the mirror confirms an unsightly  and irritating cold sore.  One remedy may be the Aloe Vera plant, which has been used to heal skin for more than 2,000 years and recently had gained attention as an alternative treatment for some oral health problems including canker sores, cold sores, lichen planus & gingivitis.

Long recognized for relieving itchy skin, poison ivy and burns, the gel from the Aloe Vera plant is gaining attention for curing ulcerated lesions, both in and outside of the mouth.  The news is good for a growing segment of the population seeking the natural treatments for common health problems.

The Miracle Plant

Acupuncture May Provide Relief from Dry Mouth

Dry mouth (also known as xerostomia) is a painful condition caused by a decreased in the amount of saliva in the mouth when the salivary glands do not work properly.  Saliva is a natural defense for teeth & plays a major role in preventing tooth decay by rinsing away the food particles and neutralizing harmful acids.

A decrease in saliva puts patients at risk for cavities, gum disease and discomfort, since foods that are consumed adhere to the teeth longer.  Dry mouth cam be caused by medications like antihistamines.decongestants, antidepressants and diuretics and can be treated by your dentist

Relief!

Acupuncture is allowing some patients to relieve or significantly reduce dry mouth's debilitating effects.