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sinusitis

We’re in that time of year when colds and flus are rife, and one of the most common associations with a cold of course, is sinusitis.

Sinusitis is defined as inflammation of the sinus mucous membranes and can be caused by secondary bacterial infection during common cold, swimming in chlorinated pools, allergies and second hand smoke irritating the delicate lining of the sinus cavities. Dental infections account for, officially, 10-12% of all cases of sinusitis, however this figure may be significantly higher due to inadequate investigation and poor recognition of the connection between the two.

Common symptoms include nasal congestion with a watery discharge in an acute episode and thick yellow or green discharge in the more chronic state, facial pain or pressure sometimes including what may feel like dental pain, fever, headache and coughing due to post nasal drip. Interestingly, dental infections, especially of the upper teeth, may present with sinusitis-like pain because of the proximity of their roots to the sinus floor, and in some cases there may actually be an infection of the sinus originating in the teeth, the more severe form of which is when the sinus floor is perforated by an expanding dental abscess. As you can imagine this scenario would present the sinus with a large bacterial load and may readily, in the warm, moist environment of the sinus, create rampant infection.

Speaking of warm, moist environs, there is another, more insidious form of sinusitis that used to occur mostly in immune-compromised people (such as those with AIDS or Diabetes) but is manifesting more and more in seemingly healthy individuals: fungal sinusitis. There is a possible connection between the use of antibiotics in the treatment of dental and sinus bacterial infections and the proliferation of opportunistic fungi in susceptible body cavities.

A bout of sinusitis usually last for 7-14 days and should completely resolve once the bacterial load is cleared via nasal discharge. If you are experiencing recurrent bouts or long standing sinusitis, require repeated courses of antibiotics, if there is sinus or tooth pain, especially when biting down, a feeling of fluid moving in the sinus when changing from lying to sitting, or if you have a dental abscess or non-vital tooth that has been there for a while, it may serve you to have your dentist investigate potential triggers for sinusitis in the mouth.

Mehra, P.; Jeong, D – Maxillary Sinusitis of Odontogenic Origin. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, May 2009 9(3): 238-43
Ramadan, H.H. MD MSc – Sinusitis, Fungal. E-Medicine, Aprill 2009
J Hajiioannou, E Koudounarakis, K Alexopoulos, A Kotsani and D E Kyrmizakis - Maxillary sinusitis of dental origin due to oroantral fistula, treated by endoscopic sinus surgery and primary fistula closure. Journal of Laryngology and Otology, May 2010.
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Naturopathic treatment of sinusitis is generally very effective but must incorporate dental treatment of infected teeth for long term resolution.

Once dental infections are eliminated as a source for sinus infection you may begin treatment with a three pronged approach: Immune-modulation, Systemic antimicrobials and Sinus rinsing.

If ones immune system is overloaded or compromised then healing takes longer and is less complete. In order to stimulate the healing response and improve resistance one’s body must be furnished with the right supplies for the job. Following a diet appropriate for your metabolic type is the foundation for health and healing of any condition. To this may be added extra immune stimulating nutrients such as vitamins C, D3 and A (particularly good for mucous membrane integrity), and zinc. Herbs like Andrographis and Echinacea (for acute) and Astragalus (for chronic) are also potent immune stimulants. Probiotics are essential for long term immunity and will help to replenish good flora to the system after antimicrobial therapy or use of antibiotics.

If the infection has been present for some time then antimicrobial herbs can assist the immune system in eradicating bacterial load. Olive leaf, Chinese Wormwood, Hydrastis, Calendula and Elderflower are great in this regard. You may also add a decoction of calendula flowers to your rinsing liquid for local antimicrobial and healing action.

Rinsing the sinuses with a saline solution via neti pot can speed up drainage and improve symptoms quickly. Homepathic (or tissue salts) Ferrum Phos and Kali Mur added to the solution will greatly enhance its action. If a fungal component exists then add 10 drops of emulsified tea tree oil to the mix.
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We are proud to announce our new range of “Thieves” oil toothpaste, mouthwash and dental floss.

During the time of the Black Plague in France, four industrious thieves used a blend of cloves, rosemary and other aromatics to protect themselves from the ravages of the disease whilst robbing victims. When they were caught and subsequently tried, the judge offered to commute their sentences if they revealed their secret recipe.

All thieves products contain a base of clove, cinnamon bark, rosemary, lemon and eucalyptus radiata oils. This combination has been lab tested to be highly effective against airborne bacteria and other microbes.

Products in stock now are:
• Thieves Dentarome Toothpaste
• Thieves Dentarome Plus Toothpaste
• Thieves Dentarome Ultra Toothpaste
• Thieves Mouthwash
• Thieves Dental Floss

For more information visit www.secretofthieves.com
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BCD will have a stall at the upcoming Organic Expo, taking place at the Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour from Friday 20th (industry day) until Sunday 22nd August. We’d love to see you there so drop in and say hi! We’ll also be giving a talk at 11am on both Saturday and Sunday.
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“Let The Tooth Be Known”
by Dawn Ewing RDH, PhD, ND

This book is an information packed, and very enlightening account of modern dentistry. From infections and energetic testing to amalgams and detoxing. In her conversational style Dawn presents the facts in a no-nonsense manner and provides a guide through the minefield of seeming contradictions and misinformation that abounds on the subject.

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Dr Urvashi Pandey makes her highly anticipated return from maternity leave after bringing into the world a joyful bundle by the name of Kabir. Yea! Welcome back! Urvashi will be available from 8.45am until 4pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Dr Ray Smallman has also rejoined the team after his adventure filled honeymoon earlier this year. Sorry ladies! Ray is in from 8.30am until 6pm Monday through Wednesday, and 2pm until 6pm on Thursdays.

After delaying her own honeymoon several months, Dr Aushi Patel braved the Mexican wilds with her new husband to return to us safely on June 21st. Bookings for Aushi are between 8.30am to 5.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Finally, we are happy to welcome a couple of new faces into the fold. Sheree is adding her expertise to the general running of things at the front desk, and Lea is providing a similar service in the nurses department. A big, warm welcome to you!