OVERVIEW OF PYORRHEA

I.  Physiological Considerations

    The readings indicate that the causes of pyorrhea included both the invasive action of a particular bacillus upon the gums and teeth and certain predisposing conditions in the mouth, teeth, and gums which prepared the way for an attack by this bacillus.  The action of this organism was described as first finding a site for growth and multiplication in the film which accumulated on the teeth.  According to the readings, this film was caused from deposits left from soft and overcooked foods.  The decay of such food particles on the teeth produced an acid condition whereas the normal condition of the mouth from the secretions of the glands of the mouth should have been alkaline.  Such soft food also led to lack of proper exercise of the gums which lowered the resistance of the gums to attack from the bacilli which had found refuge in the film of the teeth.  Eating and drinking of extremely hot or cold foods or drinks also lowers the resistance of both gums and teeth to attack.

    The symptoms of the attack of the bacilli were said to be receding and bleeding gums and loosening teeth.  Such symptoms are those of early pyorrhea.  In this disease, if the process continues, the gums become infected and ooze pus and blood.  The teeth themselves eventually become riddled with decay.  The end result of the process is loss of teeth because they have to be extracted, or because they fall out.

    The readings suggested that the microorganism responsible for pyorrhea could be isolated and identified.  The method suggested was to take pus and blood from the gums of a patient with advanced pyorrhea and to incubate this material in a medium composed of material from the teeth and saliva from the mouth of the same patient with pyorrhea.  Both scrapings of the film and of the debris from accumulations of decayed food were to be used This mixture was to be incubated at 98.7⁰F. The organism was described in 1800-21 as having the same shape as a bedbug but with larger legs.  Presumably it could be identified by microscopic examination of samples from the incubation mixture.

    Another experiment suggested in the readings (1800-28) was that equal parts of blood and Ipsab be kept for nine days.  Each day a smear was to be taken and examined microscopically.  No other instructions were given.  Presumably this mixture was to be incubated at body temperature and evaporation prevented.

II.  Suggested Therapeutic Regimen

    A.  Treatment of early acute cases where infection is present, gums are bleeding and teeth are loose, but are not decayed beyond repair.

1. Massage gums thoroughly for five minutes twice a day with Ipsab.  Repeatedly apply a liberal quantity of Ipsab to the tip of the finger and massage the gums vigorously on all surfaces.  In extreme cases, take a small tuft of cotton which has been dipped in Ipsab and use a pair of tweezers to rub this saturated cotton between the gum and each tooth which is very loose.  This maneuver will insure the contact of the Ipsab with the growing organisms.  After the massage, rinse out the mouth with an undiluted solution of Glyco-Thymoline followed by tap water.  Do not swallow any of these solutions.
2. Brush teeth once each day in the evening before retiring with a mixture composed of equal parts of common table salt and sodium bicarbonate.  Brush teeth each morning after breakfast with any good dentifrice.
3. Eat a large raw vegetable salad each day.
4. Corrective dental work should be done on any carious teeth.

    B. Prevention of pyorrhea in cases where the only symptoms are bleeding gums and perhaps early loosening of the teeth, but where no infection is present.

1. Massage the gums thoroughly with liberal quantities of Ipsab on the finger for five minutes three times per week.
2. Brush the teeth twice a day and for some of those brushings use the mixture of salt and soda solution mentioned above, at least once every other day.
3. Eat a large raw vegetable salad each day.
4. Corrective work should be done on any carious teeth.

    The treatment outlined was not designed for bad breath or decayed teeth, but specifically for a disturbed condition in the gums which would soon develop into or had already become pyorrhea.  The basic purpose of the treatment was to strengthen the gums and increase the resistance to infection.  If this purpose were accomplished, presumably infection would be dispelled, loose teeth would become tight, and bleeding of the gums would stop.

    Ipsab is a compound composed of prickly ash bark, sea water, calcium chloride, sodium chloride, iodine trichloride (trade name: Atomidine), and essence of peppermint.  The ingredients of Ipsab were described in the readings as a specific for destroying the bacillus which was given as the causative factor in the infection of pyorrhea.  The massage and the Ipsab itself were supposed to increase circulation which probably would aid the absorption of the chemical properties of Ipsab.  This increased circulation would also increase resistance through the natural defense mechanisms of the body.  The properties in Ipsab were also supposed to stimulate the glands both in the entire system and especially those in the mouth both directly and by reciprocal action with the other glands.  Stimulation of secretion of glands in the mouth would help to bring about the normal alkaline condition.  Brushing the teeth with the salt and soda mixture was supposed to remove the film from the teeth.  Thus the readings gave the basic effects produced by the treatment as destruction of the organism which causes the destruction of tissue and enamel, stimulation of circulation to the gums, increase of natural resistance of the gums, restoration of proper secretions of the glands of the mouth, and cleansing of the teeth.  Because this treatment was not for restoration of decayed teeth, carious teeth must be dealt with by the procedures of modern dentistry.  This treatment was given to combat pyorrhea and as a way to save only teeth not yet decayed irreparably.

    Statements about the effectiveness of the treatment in the readings or which were given by persons who tried the treatment on a scattered individual basis cannot be used to prove definitely that this treatment will cure and prevent pyorrhea.  Controlled clinical trials are needed under the supervision of qualified dentists.  A summary of treatment has been presented for this purpose.

[Note: The preceding overview was written by Walter N. Pahnke, M.D. and is excerpted from the Physician's Reference Notebook, Copyright © 1968 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation, Virginia Beach, VA.]