Fluorosis in primary dentition – homeopathy is a boon
India is a country where the fluoride related health conditions are reported commonly from many parts. Fluoride in water is mostly from the soil from which water is taken. Climate, composition and the host rock and hydrology are the factors responsible for the fluoride content in the soil and its water.Fluoride is necessary forhuman life. High and low amounts of fluoride than the required amount in the water and diet has been associated with health risk. In the recent past, there are increasing reports and evidences about the issues related to toxicological and geoenvironmental problems. Reports also linkthe fluoride geochemistry with incidences of dental and skeletal fluorosis.
Role of homeopathy in mineral poisoning is well known. Dr. Khuda Bakhsh and many other researchers have proved the mechanism of homeopathy behind that. Basic homeopathic principle itself is that the disease produced by the larger dose is removed by the smaller doses. Homeopathic literature is rich of covering the primary symptom of fluorosis, caries. Homeopathic physicians have witnessed curing numerous cases. This article tries to bring some of the reported scientific studies and the drugs useful for the condition.
Scientific studies on fluorosis
The effect of fluorine and homeopathic medicines in rats fed cariogenic diet
This study was reported in the journal Homeopathy (formerly British Homeopathic Journal). In this experiment, the researchers compared the preventive action of fluorine and evaluated the effect of homeopathic medicines on the teeth of rats fed a cariogenic diet. None of the groups included in this study developed caries. However, microscopy revealed the presence of precipitate and/or deposit in the groups treated with homeopathic medicines. This phenomenon might be due to deposit in the dental surface or precipitation of bacterial plaque or calcium salts. It was not possible to identify the composition of the deposit/precipitate due for technical reasons. In one of the groups treated with homeopathic medicines fur loss was observed in 40% of animals. These reactions might be caused due to the action of the homeopathic medicines. In this study Calcareafluorica6CH showed the most differentiating result, which is probably the most similar to prevention. Apparently it either acted on the balance of the demineralisation and mineralisation process of teeth, or it prevented the development of the deposit (bacterial plaque). Calcareafluorica 6CH, Natrum fluoricum6CH and Kreosotum6CH had a more pronounced action. In addition to causing aggravation (deposits) they also caused precipitation.Kreosotum6CH has no relation to dental physiology, that is, it does not contain calcium, phosphorus. Its action was the most pathogenic of all remedies and its excessive repetition is responsible for the fur loss observed.
Remineralizing efficacy of Calcareafluorica tablets on the artificial carious enamel lesions using scanning electron microscope and surface microhardness testing: In vivostudy
Remineralization is defined as the process whereby calcium and phosphate ions are supplied from a source external to tooth to promote ion deposition into crystal voids in demineralized enamel to produce net mineral gain. The remineralization produced by saliva is less and also a slow process, therefore remineralizing agents are required.Fluoride has a profound effect on the level of caries prevalence, but it is far from a complete cure. However, its real mechanism of action and its indiscriminate use is questionable. Furthermore, fluoride can cause fluorosis through overexposure, especially in young children. The analysis of these issues, especially fluorosis, shows that new therapeutic approaches must be tested. Therefore, an appropriate nonfluorideanticaries agent is the demand of time.
The study was planned to evaluate the effectiveness of homeopathic Calcareafluorica tablets as remineralizing agents on artificial carious lesions using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and surface microhardness (SMH) testing.
A total of 24 patients needing removable orthodontic treatment were included in the study. They were divided into two groups of 12 patients each. The Group I consisted of patients in whom no tablets were given while Group II consisted of patients in whom Calcareafluorica6x tablets were given in a dosage of 4 tablets twice a day. Four enamel samples with the artificial carious lesions were then embedded in the removable appliance for a period of 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, the enamel samples were retrieved and evaluated by SEM and SMH.
One-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Student’s t-test were applied to analyze the difference in the Vickers microhardness number (VHN) values of remineralized enamel obtained from control and experimental group.
The signs of remineralization such as reduction in depth prismatic holes or decrease in porosity, variable sized uneven distribution of deposits and amorphous deposits were seen in enamel samples of both the groups. The mean SMH of remineralized enamel sample of Group I and Group II were 270.48 and 302.06, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant.
Remineralization occurred in both the groups as indicated by SEM and the increase in surface hardness values in both the groups. Remineralization of enamel samples in the control group as indicated by SEM and also by increase in VHN values indicated that the saliva has a tendency of remineralizing the early carious lesions. Conclusions drawn from the study are that the Calcareafluorica6x tablets can be used as safe and cost effective remineralizing agent.
Drugs useful in fluorosis, caries and related inflammatory symptoms
Arnica montana
A well-known remedy for the pain due to fluorosis. If the tooth is extracted, it helps to relieve the pain after the procedure.
Belladonna
Pains due to fluorosis are covered. Throbbing and burningpains are more prominent which are worse at night and fromwarmth. Red and hot face, with nervous excitation.Reported for toothache from inflammation of dental pulp. The pains are burning and throbbing, worse at night, worse on contact, as in chewing and in the open air. There is a red hot face and great nervous excitability.
Calcareafluorica
It is present in the surface of bones, the enamel of teeth, in elastic fibers and in the cells of the epidermis. It helps prevention of fluorosis. Gum-boil, with hard swelling on the jaw.Cracked appearance of the tongue, with or without pain.Induration of the tongue, hardening after inflammation. Unnatural looseness of the teeth, with or without pain; teeth become loose in their sockets. Toothache, with pain if any food touches the tooth.
Calcareaphosphorica
It overall helps in dentition. Slow development, and rapid decay of the teeth are covered. It suits dental troubles in flabby, emaciated children who open posterior fontanelles, and are slow in learning to walk.
Chamomilla
This is one of the most important remedies used during dentition. It is suitable for irritable, sensitive and thirsty child. Increased nervous sensitivity; toothache intolerable, relieved by hot application or hot water. Child usually be cross, uncivil and quarrelsome.
Hypericumperforatum
This is too a drug often used for post-surgical procedures. It can even be used in case of any injury to the teeth in cases of fluorosis.
Kreosotum
As shown in one of the studies above, it is useful in the prevention of fluorosis. Also covers premature decay of milk teeth; they become yellow, and dark and then decay.
Magnesia phosphorica
Used for the after effects of fluorosis. Useful in intermittent pains which is more like lightening, spasmodic,sharp, boring, pinching and cramping, usually better by warmth and pressure; worse by cold.
Mercuriussolubilis
One of the most important remedies for fluorosis. As a result of fluorosis, pulsating toothache is felt which reflected the children screaming intermittently. Also covers painful ulcerations at the roots of the teeth and for pain in the hollow teeth.
Plantago major
It is a specific mother tincture for pains tooth and gums. Pain due to fluorosis is covered. It is applied externally with some cotton or directly.