Spongy Gums – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Remedies

By Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa, B.A.M.S
Spongy gums is called Sheetada in Ayurveda. it is a disease caused by vitiated kapha and blood tissue. Here, bleeding is there from gums.

Table of Contents

Shitada Category, pathology

Category –
Spongy, bleeding gums – Shitada can be grossly classified under Mukhagata Rogas (diseases of the oral cavity).
To be precise, Shitada occurs in the gums. Therefore it is included under Dantamula gata rogas (diseases of the gums and alveolar processes). Dantamulagata rogas is the sub-category under Mukhagata Rogas (diseases of the oral cavity).
Read – Ayurvedic Way Of Teeth Brushing And Tongue Scraping

Pathogenesis –
When the vitiated kapha and blood afflict the gums, they cause bleeding and other symptoms from the gums. This condition is called Sheetada.
Read – Ayurvedic Remedies and Treatment for Dental Plaque And Tartar

Symptoms, correlation, treatment

Symptoms of Shithada

Shonitam dantaveshtebhyo akasmad pravartate – sudden bleeding from gums
Durgandhini – foul smell from the mouth
Read – Ayurvedic Remedies, Treatment, Medicines For Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Sa krushnani – blackish discoloration of the gums
Prakledini – increased moistness of the gums and mouth
Mruduni – gums become excessively smooth
Danta mamsani ksheeyante – the muscles around the teeth become weak and lose bulk
Pachanti – suppuration can be seen in the gums, which gradually spreads all over the gums
Read – Bleeding Gums – Ayurvedic Treatment, Home Remedies

Modern correlation –
On the basis of the predominant symptom i.e. bleeding from the gums, Sheetada can be closely compared to ‘Bleeding Gums’ or ‘Spongy Gums’. (read more)

Treatment of Spongy gums–
Raktavasechana / Raktamokshana – Bloodletting is the best treatment for bleeding gums. It can be done by following any of the procedures of bloodletting explained in the classics but the below mentioned are advised to be done preferably –

Jalauka – application of leech (read here)
Alabu – hollowed gourd application (read here) or
Shrunga – application of hollowed horn (read here)

Shuntyadi Kwatha Gandusha – gargles should be given with decoction prepared from the below mentioned combination of herbs –

Ginger
Mustard
Triphala i.e. three fruits, of Terminalia chebula, Terminalis bellirica and Emblica officinalis (read about benefits of triphala powder)
Cyperus rotundus and
Extract of Berberis aristata.

Gargles, mouthwash

Shuntyadi Kwatha Gandusha 2 – lukewarm decoction of ginger and Fumaria indica should be used for gargling.
Read – How To Do Oil Pulling In Genuine Ayurvedic Way?

Vataghna taila / ghruta gandusha dharana – full mouth gargle with oils / ghee medicated with vata alleviating herbs should be done to cure bleeding gums. It is also an effective remedy for the gum decay or suppuration of the gums and muscles around it.
Read – How To Balance Vata Dosha? Line Of Treatment And Reasoning

Kasisadi yoga dharana – paste or powder of the below said are mixed in honey and the resultant compound should be held in the mouth.

Ash of green vitriol (read here)
Symplocos racemosa
Long pepper
Realgar
Callicarpa macrophylla and
Aanthoxylum alatum
Honey should be in such good quantity that it gives the compound a semisolid / liquid consistency such that it could be held in the mouth.
Read – Honey Qualities, Usage, Remedies, Ayurvedic Benefits

This is the best remedy for decay of gums and gum suppuration. It also cures bleeding gums.

Priyangvadi Pralepa – Paste of Callicarpa macrophylla, triphala and Cyperus rotundus should be applied on the afflicted lips.
Read – Musta: Cyperus rotundus Uses, Research, Side Effects

Yashtyadi taila nasya – Nasal medication should be done with oil prepared from liquorice, water lily, lotus and triphala.