here I share My Journey with Severe Gum Disease & How Leech Therapy Saved My Teeth
At 35, I faced a severe dental health crisis that left me in constant pain, anxiety, and fear of losing my teeth. The molars on both sides of my mouth—the large teeth critical for chewing—were loose, and my gums were in terrible condition. Despite constant cleaning and dental care, the situation only worsened. I was overwhelmed by the physical and emotional toll, but with determination and an open mind, I discovered a solution in leech therapy, which saved my teeth and transformed my life.
The Severity of the Problem
The condition was at its worst on the upper left side, but all four molars were severely affected.
The gum tissue around these teeth was inflamed, receded, and unhealthy. No matter how diligently I cleaned my teeth, the gums didn’t improve. Instead, they continued to bleed, swell, and smell unpleasant. The odor was so bad that it became embarrassing, and I felt self-conscious even in social situations. One molar, in particular, was so compromised that my dentist told me a bone graft would be good. But it did not work anfd was a “waste of money.” The bone supporting the tooth had deteriorated to such an extent that there was little hope of saving it. I was advised to have it extracted immediately and warned that the others might follow if the gum disease wasn’t brought under control.
I began experiencing other symptoms, too:
- Fever and malaise: I often felt like I had a low-grade fever, likely due to the chronic infection in my gums.
- Persistent pain: The gums around my molars were constantly throbbing, making it hard to chew or even sleep.
- Loose teeth: Every time I ate or touched my teeth, I could feel them move slightly. This was terrifying, as I knew it meant the damage was severe.
Dentists’ Recommendations
When I visited my dentist and periodontist, they confirmed that I had advanced periodontitis, a severe gum disease that destroys the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Their recommendations included:
- Bone grafting: To rebuild the lost bone around the affected molars, which would give the teeth a chance of stabilizing. However, the dentist made it clear that for one molar, the damage was too extensive for the procedure to work.
- Extractions: The severely affected molars would need to be removed and replaced with implants or dentures.
I was devastated. Losing these teeth meant I would struggle to eat and speak properly, and the thought of invasive procedures like extractions and implants terrified me. I was desperate to save my teeth and began searching for alternative solutions.
Discovering Leech Therapy
In my search for alternatives, I came across leech therapy (hirudotherapy). It seemed unconventional, but the more I read about it, the more hopeful I became. Medicinal leeches have been used for centuries to treat various conditions, and their saliva contains powerful compounds that can:
- Reduce inflammation: By delivering natural anti-inflammatory enzymes directly to the affected area.
- Improve blood flow: The anticoagulants in leech saliva enhance circulation, which is crucial for healing.
- Fight infection: The antimicrobial properties of leech saliva help eliminate harmful bacteria.
- Promote tissue regeneration: Leeches can stimulate the growth of new, healthy gum tissue.
At this point, I had nothing to lose. Conventional dentistry offered little hope for saving my teeth, so I decided to try leech therapy.
