Fighting Periodontal Disease – with Heartburn Medication

To put it simply, periodontal disease is an infection of structures surrounding the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligament, the alveolar bone, and the cementum covering the root. In the initial stages of this disease, gingivitis, infection is contained to just the gums while with more serious form, periodontitis, all supporting tissues become involved. The bacteria from dental plaque—the sticky material that develops on teeth shortly after brushing—are the cause of this disease.

To destroy these bacteria, the immune system releases substances that end up inflaming and damaging the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, or the gums, leading to bleeding, swollen gums (gingivitis) or even progressing to the teeth becoming loose (severe periodontitis). There are many ways to prevent periodontal disease—visiting the dentist often and practicing strong oral hygiene as well as avoiding tobacco and smoking, straightening crowded or misaligned teeth, reducing stress, breaking teeth grinding habits, maintaining proper nutrition, etc.

Recent studies, however, have suggested that an additional option exists to help fight periodontal disease. Specifically, a chemical within particular acid reflux medicines could prove valuable against periodontal disease-causing bacteria. According to researchers from Sweden’s Göteborg University and New York’s Rochester University Medical Center, lansoprazole—a chemical in medications for fighting bacteria in heartburn, stomach ulcer, and acid reflux patients—could be used against bacteria in plaque and with periodontal disease.

"The American diet and the constant drip of sugar allows little time for the natural repair of teeth," lead author Dr. Robert Marquis, Rochester University Medical Center, said. "All day, it's a cycle of acidic erosion and repair — or at least, it should be — but our constant sucking on hard candy and guzzling sodas with high fructose syrups leaves little time for repair." As per Marquis, when it is in an oral and acidic environment, lansoprazole can disable the bacteria in the mouth and keep them from creating toxins or functioning as a touchdown site for where further bacteria can develop and then thrive in a closed environment.

Marquis and his team of researchers further theorize that this component of heartburn medication could one day prove to be an essential additive for mouthwashes and toothpastes, helping to protect the mouth from developing gingivitis and growing into the later stages of periodontal disease. While it certainly will not substitute proper oral care and regular trips to the dentist, lansoprazole could at least offer further treatment options for those vulnerable to developing this serious condition.

Are you avoiding trips to the dentist because of the high cost of treatments? Did you know you can use a New Hampshire discount dental plan to save as much as 20 percent off your bills? For more information, please click here.

Photo via Shutterstock