MD, PhD, MAE, FMedSci, FRSB, FRCP, FRCPEd.

I was alerted to this announcement by the Faculty of Homeopathy:

Faculty of Homeopathy Accredited Education

The role of Dentistry in Integrative Medicine and Homeopathy

Dentistry appears to be the Cinderella of healthcare and the importance of good oral health is hugely underestimated. The mouth is the portal into the rest of our bodies. There is increasing evidence proving that health of the oral cavity has strong links with the health of the rest of the body especially increasing risk of heart disease, low birth weight babies and type 2 diabetes. The aim of this webinar is to highlight the vital importance of dentistry and oral health in integrative medicine and why healthcare professionals need to work closely with dentists. It will also cover how, as homeopaths, we can appreciate symptoms in the mouth as indications of general health or disease and manage dental conditions.

THE TICKETS FOR THIS WEBINAR ARE LIMITED THEREFORE, PLEASE REGISTER NOW TO ENSURE ACCESS.

Some splendid platitudes there:

  • the Cinderella of healthcare
  • The mouth is the portal into the rest of our bodies
  • health of the oral cavity has strong links with the health of the rest of the body…

But what about the importance of dentistry in integrative medicine? The importance of dentistry in medicine is fairly clear to me. However, what is the importance of dentistry in integrative medicine?

Even more puzzling seems the ‘role of dentistry in homeopathy’? What on earth do they mean by that? Perhaps they meant the ‘role of homeopathy in dentistry’?

And what is the role of homeopathy in dentistry? The British Homeopathic Dental Association should know, shouldn’t they? On their website, they explain that they are a group of dentists and dental care professionals that have an interest in using homeopathy alongside our dentistry.

On the basis of what evidence, you ask? They kindly provide an answer to that question:

In dentistry there is limited research though studies have shown improved bone healing around implants with Symphytum and reduced discomfort and improved healing time with ulcers and beneficial in oral lichen planus. These studies have small numbers and are not generally acepted as stong evidence.

Are they trying to tell us that there is no good evidence? Looks like it, doesn’t it? In this case, the above Webinar seems rather superfluous.

For those of you who want to save the money for the tickets, here is a full and evidence-based summary of all the conditions where homeopathy might be helpful in dentistry:

THE END

 

12 Responses to The role of Dentistry in Integrative Medicine and Homeopathy

  • I disagree with conditions 4 and 5 in your list of conditions helped. But I don’t know what I mean by that.

  • here is a full and evidence-based summary of all the conditions where homeopathy might be helpful in dentistry:

    You missed one: https://rationalwiki.org/w/images/2/2f/Tumbleweed.gif

  • As is typical, your “research” was deaf, dumb, very dumb, and blinded. In other words, you didn’t look for research on homeopathy and dentistry. Here’s a bit more than half of the chapter I wrote on homeopathy and dental conditions.

    In 2011, the British Dental Journal published a strongly worded statement for the use of homeopathic medicines in dental care (Eames and Darby, 2011).

    A systematic review was conducted on the use of Hypericum (St. John’s Wort) for pain conditions in homeopathic dental practice (Raak, Büssing, Gassmann, et al, 2012). Twenty-one relevant articles were found: four described general recommendations, three basic research studies, six reported studies in dental care, and eight were expert opinions or case reports. Only four studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. There was marked high heterogeneity in the effects pain (Chi-Squared = 26.46; I(2) = 0.89). The overall effect of 0.24 (95% CI: [0.06; 1.03]) favors Hypericum but is not statistically significant.

    In 2020, a systemic review was conducted of studies using single-ingredient homeopathic medicines for dental complaints (Amaral, Zina, Paula, et al, 2021). A total of 44 met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this metaanalysis, with prevalence of literature reviews (56.8%), followed by clinical trials (34.1%), cross-sectional studies (6.8%), laboratory research (6.8%), and longitudinal observational studies (4.5%). The clinical trials identified were published from 1965 to 2019, using homeopathy in several dental specialties: in Endodontics, Periodontics, Orofacial Pain, Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, and Stomatology, as well as in cases of dental anxiety.

    The clinical trials selected showed positive effects on oral health; however, when they were critically evaluated, it was possible to recognize research design failures, most commonly the lack of double-blind testing. It is necessary to encourage research on the subject, using standardized methodological procedures, to obtain better evaluation of the clinical applicability.

    A more recent study that was not a part of the above review was conducted and compared the antibacterial efficacy of two commonly used homeopathic medicaments Benzoicum acid 30C and Silicea 6C with that of a conventional dental treatment, calcium hydroxide, as intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis (Dutta and Maria, 2020).
    E. faecalis. was the test organism used for the trial. Petri plates with 20 ml of sheep blood agar were inoculated with 0.1 ml of the microbial suspensions. The medicines tested for antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis were divided into three groups: Group A (Benzoicum acid 30C), Group B (Silicea 6C), and Group C (calcium hydroxide).

    Group A (Benzoicum acid 30C) showed the maximum zone of inhibition against Gram-positive E. faecalis (17.2 ± 0.65), and the difference between the groups related to the antibacterial activity was highly significant (P < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was observed between the three groups on the intergroup comparison (P < 0.001).
    This study concluded that antimicrobial activity of the acid benzoicum extract was the highest followed by silicea extract and then calcium hydroxide.

    Pain management after performing flap surgery is of great benefit to dental patients. Due to the side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the safety of homeopathic medication, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of ibuprofen (NSAID) and Traumeel (a homeopathic combination medicine) following flap surgery were evaluated (Das R, Deshmukh J, Asif, et al, 2019).

    A randomized, triple-blinded, split-mouth clinical trial, with a sample size of 20 (age range of 20-60 years) was conducted. The 20 subjects included patients diagnosed with moderate chronic generalized periodontitis. Two quadrants for each subject were operated on, with an interval of 3 weeks. Random assignment of the operated quadrants to the following medication protocols was carried out by a third person: Ibuprofen, 600 mg and traumeel, 600 mg (up to three tablets) every 8 hours for the first 24 hours and SOS (Si Opus Sit, meaning only once/if needed) thereafter for a period of 1 week as pain medication, respectively. After 1 week, sutures were removed. The primary outcomes were mean postoperative pain (modified visual analog scale) and number of tablets consumed in 1 week. The secondary outcome was postoperative tissue response. Any adverse effects were recorded.

    The number of tablets consumed and pain perception was substantially lower in the Traumeel subjects compared to the Ibuprofen Group (P < 0.001). A better tissue response was shown by the group treated with Traumeel as compared to the Ibuprofen receiving group (P < 0.05). Three patients reported adverse drug reactions after consumption of ibuprofen, but none after Traumeel.

    The researchers concluded that this study suggested that while managing pain following flap surgery, Traumeel was superior as compared to Ibuprofen, with minimal or no side effects.

    Chronic periodontitis (CP) and Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMII) are chronic diseases that are usually treated by conventional practices. However, homeopathy can help to treat many different diseases.

    A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 80 people with chronic periodonitisis (CP) and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMII) aged between 32 and 70 years (Mourão, Carillo, Romeu, et al, 2019). They were divided into two groups: control group (CG) and the test group (TG), and both groups received non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). The TG also received homeopathic treatment, including Berberis, Mercurius solubilis/Belladonna/Hepar sulphur and Pyrogenium, while CG received placebo.

    “Severe chronic periodonititis is defined if a patient presented at least two proximal sites of 2 non-adjacent teeth with probing pocket depth of ≥6mm and clinical attachment loss (CAL) ≥5mm.

    Clinical and laboratorial examinations were evaluated at baseline and after 1, 6 and 12 months of treatment. Both groups showed significant improvement throughout the study, for most of the parameters studied, but TG presented significant gain of clinical attachment loss (CAL) at 1 and 12 months compared to CG. Mean glucose and glycated hemoglobin significantly decreased in both groups after 6 and 12 months. However, there was a significantly further reduction of these parameters in TG, as compared to CG. The researchers concluded that homeopathy as a supplement of NSPT may further improve health, including glycemic control, in DMII patients with CP.

    Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that tends to lead to tooth loss and other serious health complications, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major risk factor for periodonitis.

    Periodontitis and type 2 diabetes are chronic diseases generally treated with conventional therapies alone. This study compared the effects of homeopathy as an adjunct to conventional therapy in individuals with periodontitis and T2D (Mourão, Alhanati, Gonçalves, et al, 2021).

    A total of 85 individuals, ages between 35 and 70 years participated in this randomized study, with 70 patients from the Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They were divided into two groups: G1, individuals with periodontitis without systemic conditions; and G-2, individuals with periodontitis and T2D. Both groups received homeopathic treatment and were evaluated in clinical and laboratory examinations. The medication used was a homeopathic formula consisting of Berberis 6CH, Mercurius Solubilis, Belladonna, Hepar sulphur and a Pyrogenium 200CH biotherapic. The medications were prescribed in diluted low ultra-diluted concentration doses for all signs and symptoms, while the use of Pyrogenium as a biotherapic was used for chronic stimulation.

    The study was performed in Brazil by university research professors of homeopathy and periodontics.
    Both groups showed significant clinical and laboratory improvements during the study from baseline to 1 year with reductions in total cholesterol (total-C), triglycerides, glucose, glycated hemoglobin (A1cHb), uric acid and C-reactive protein (CRP). Statistical and descriptive analyses were performed. For most parameters, G1 performed better than G2 (P < .05).

    The researchers concluded that homeopathy as an adjunct to periodontal treatment improves local and systemic clinics and can provide better health conditions for patients with or without T2D.

    And the above represents only PART of a chapter on this subject in the ebook “Evidence Based Homeopathic Family Medicine” by Dana Ullman, MPH, CCH, available for subscription at http://www.homeopathic.com

    References:

    Amaral TG, Zina LG, Paula JS. Systematic Review on the Use of Homeopathy in Dentistry: Critical Analysis of Clinical Trials. J Altern Complement Med. 2021;27,3:214-224. 10.1089/acm.2020.0271. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2020.0271

    Anushree B, Fawaz MA, Narahari R, Shahela T, Syed A. Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Triclosan- Containing, Herbal and Homeopathy Toothpastes- An Invitro Study. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 Oct;9(10):DC05-8. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2015/11984.6626. Epub 2015 Oct 1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26557516

    Das R, Deshmukh J, Asif K, Sindhura H, Devarathanamma MV, Jyothi L. Comparative evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy of ibuprofen and traumeel after periodontal flap surgery: A randomized triple-blind clinical trial. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2019 Nov-Dec;23(6):549-553. doi: 10.4103/jisp.jisp_85_19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31849401

    Dutta SD, Maria RD. Homeopathic consideration for resistant endodontic bacteria Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro comparative disc diffusion study. J Conserv Dent. 2020 Sep-Oct;23(5):528-532. doi: 10.4103/JCD.JCD_515_20. Epub 2021 Feb 10. PMID: 33911365; PMCID: PMC8066670. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33911365/

    Eames S, Darby P. Homeopathy and its ethical use in dentistry. British Dental Journal. 210,7, April 9, 2011: 298-300. http://www.nature.com/bdj/journal/v210/n7/pdf/sj.bdj.2011.237.pdf

    Gassmann G, Raak C, Schaupp F, Büchel K, Discharge F , Ostermann T, Friedmann A. [Immunological ex vivo study of the effects of potentiated substances in periodontal inflammation using flow cytometry]. Complement Med Res. 2019 Jul 2: 1-11. doi: 10.1159 / 000501056. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31266010

    Hamre HJ, Mittag I, Glockmann A, et al. Pulpa dentis D30 for acute reversible pulpitis: a prospective cohort study in routine dental practice. Alternative Therapies. Jan/Feb 2011, 17,1:16-21. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21614940

    Lokken, Per, Straumsheim, Per Atle, Tveiten, Dag, et al. Effect of homoeopathy on pain and other events after acute trauma: placebo controlled trial with bilateral oral surgery. BMJ 1995; 310:1439. doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.310.6992.1439. https://www.bmj.com/content/310/6992/1439

    Mazzocchi A, Montanaro F. Observational study of the use of Symphytum 5CH in the management of pain and swelling after dental implant surgery. Homeopathy. 2012 Oct;101(4):211-6. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2012.07.002. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23089216

    Mehta S, Pesapathy S, Joseph M, Tiwari PK, Chawla S. Comparative evaluation of a herbal mouthwash (Freshol) with chlorhexidine on plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, and salivary Streptococcus mutans growth. J Int Soc Prevent Communit Dent 2013;3:25-8.

    Mourão, Leila, Carillo Jr, Romeu, Linares, Sabrina Martins, Canabarro, Antonio, & Fischer, Ricardo Guimarães. (2019). Homeopathy and Periodontal Treatment in Type II Diabetic Patients: a 1-Year Randomized Clinical Trial. Brazilian Dental Journal, 30(2), 139-145. Epub April 04, 2019. https://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0103-6440201902124

    Mourão LC, Cataldo DM, Moutinho H, Fischer RG, Canabarro A. Additional effects of homeopathy on chronic periodontitis: A 1-year follow-up randomized clinical trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2014 Aug;20(3):141-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.03.003. Epub 2014 Apr 8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25129881

    Mourão LC, Moutinho H, Canabarro A. Additional benefits of homeopathy in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A randomized clinical trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2013 Nov;19(4):246-50. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2013.05.002. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24199982

    Patil HA, Patil J, Kerudi VV, Jaltare P, Hamid T, Sharan JS, Tekale PD. Comparison of the efficacy of ibuprofen and belladonna in the control of orthodontic separator pain. Indian J Res Homoeopathy [serial online] 2018 [cited 2019 Nov 15];12:29-34. Available from: http://www.ijrh.org/text.asp?2018/12/1/29/229071

    Raak C, Büssing A, Gassmann G, Boehm K, Ostermann T. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the use of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) for pain conditions in dental practice. Homeopathy. 2012 Oct;101(4):204-10. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2012.08.001. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23089215

    Souza GM, Fernandes IA, Pinheiro MLP, Falci SGM. Comparative Effectiveness of the Homeopathic Preparation Traumeel S in Third Molar Extraction Surgery: A Preliminary Triple-Blind Clinical Trial. Homeopathy. 2021 Mar 25. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1725038. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33765688. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33765688/

    Tatch W J Opioid Prescribing Can Be Reduced in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Practice. Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2019 Mar 19. pii: S0278-2391(19)30279-4. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2019.03.009. . https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30980813

    Tavares-Silva C, Holandino C, Homsani F, Luiz RR, Prodestino L, Farah A, Lima JP, Simas RC, Castilho CVV, Leitão SG, Maia LC, Fonseca-Gonçalves. Homeopathic medicine of Melissa officinalis combined or not with Phytolacca decandra in the treatment of possible sleep bruxism in children: A crossover randomized triple-blinded controlled clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2019 Feb 18;58:152869. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152869. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30831467

    • well done Dullman!
      and now look at the quality of the original studies…

      • Ok…and if conventional medicine was only going to accept the HIGHEST quality clinical research, what % of treatments would achieve that level.

        The BMJ estimates about 11%…and that means that 89% are unproven.

        But in real-world medicine where patients are typcially given multiple drugs together, there is approximately 0% evidence for that medical practice.

        • 1) tu quoque
          2) show us the BMJ reference and perhaps I can explain to you what you misunderstood
          3) show me 2 or 3 studies of ‘homeopathic dentistry’ that are methodologically acceptable in your view.

          • Thank you Dana for shooting in your own foot!
            Let me explain to you what the graph you linked to shows:
            For 11% of the ~2500 treatments they considered (which include alternative therapies) the effectiveness has been demonstrated by clear evidence from systematic reviews, RCTs, or the best alternative source of information, and for which expectation of harms is small compared with the benefits.
            For an additional 23%, the effectiveness is less well established but likely.
            This means that for a total of 34%, the effectiveness is likely.
            For only 3%, the effectiveness is unlikely.
            For 51%, there are currently insufficient data or data of inadequate quality.
            This does not mean that they do not work; it only means that we don’t know.
            As the figure you provided is quite old, these percentages will be quite different and more positive today.
            On the basis of all this, you claimed “and that means that 89% are unproven”.
            This is either ignorant or stupid or both.
            THANKS FOR THE DEMONSTRATION!

          • And of course, as you like the ‘tu quoque’ fallacy so much, one may well ask: how would these percentages look like when applied to homeopathy?
            I can tell you: 0% effectiveness has been demonstrated by clear evidence from systematic reviews, RCTs, or the best alternative source of information, and for which expectation of harms is small compared with the benefits.
            HAPPY NOW, DANA?

    • Interesting, Dana.

      And how many of those bits of fanciful nonsense have had any influence upon the clinical practice of dentistry?

      None whatsoever.

      I found the Dutta and Maria paper interesting, though. I noticed also that they made no note of the diluent used in the homeopathic solutions. Might it have been ethanol?

    • Dana, please tell me for which dentistry indication homeopathy is backed by sound evidence and provide the studies that show this to be so.

  • I didn’t understand much of that. But Mr Ullman, I am sure I could understand if you tell me, after this seventh time of asking, the name of the laboratory that can distinguish homeopathic from non-homeopathic water? You said that only liars or fools doubt that it can be done. I am therefore anxious to resolve my doubt, and I know you will be eager to help with this by naming the laboratory.

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