Pyorrhea, or periodical disease, to give it a proper medical term, is a disease of the gums, it is one of the most widely prevalent diseases. It affects the membrane surrounding the roots of the teeth and leads to loosening of the teeth, pus formation, and shrinkage of the gum. This disease is the primary cause for tooth loss among adults.

• Bacterial activity: Pyorrhea is triggered by bacterial activity. As thin layer of harmful bacteria is continuously building up on our teeth. If it is not removed by tooth cleansing, especially after meals, it forma an organized mass on the tooth surface in a short time. This is referred to as ‘bacterial plaque’. When accumulated, bacteria in plaque produce many toxins which irritate the gums, causing them to become inflamed, tender and prone to bleeding easily. The bacterial activity is, however, facilitated by the lower vitality of the system.
• Injury to gums, incorrect brushing and improper use of tooth picks: Other factors contributing to the development of pyorrhea include injury to the gums and supporting structures by physical and chemical irritants in the mouth, incorrect brushing, stagnation of food particles and improper use of tooth picks.

• Guava: Chewing unripe guava is an excellent tonic for the teeth and gums. It stops the bleeding from the gums due to its styptic effect and richness in vitamin C. Chewing the tender leaves of the guava tree also helps in curing bleeding from the gums and keeps the teeth healthy. A decoction of root-bark can also be beneficially used as a mouthwash fur swollen gums.
• Lemon and Lime: The regular use of lemon and lime is useful in pyorrhea due to their high vitamin C content. They strengthen the gums and teeth, and are very effective in preventing and curing acute inflammations of the gum margins.
• Orange: The use of orange has also been found beneficial in the treatment of pyorrhea. This fruit should be eaten regularly and its skin rubbed over the teeth and gums. This will improve the condition.
• Juice: The juice of raw spinach is another valuable remedy for the prevention and treatment of pyorrhea because of its beneficial effect on the teeth and gums. This effect is greatly enhanced if spinach juice is taken in combination with carrot juice. Both spinach juice and carrot juice should be taken in quantities of 125 ml each daily. A permanent aid for this affliction has been found in the use of natural raw foods, and in drinking an ample quantity of carrot and spinach juice.
• Lettuce: Lettuce has proved useful in preventing pyorrhea. The leaves of this vegetable should be chewed everyday immediately after meals for this purpose.

• Brush teeth once a 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.
• Eat a large raw vegetable salad each day.