Anyone used Grapefruist Seed Extract? - General Health Message Board

Arleen · 01-07-2004, 10:13 PM

Hi:

I have had bad malocclusion problems the last 2 years due to dental work. This has caused my teeth to hit each other, and then I started grinding. My teeth started getting sore, then my gums, which have been receding a lot. Initially I thought it was solely due to the malocclusion and pressure this was placing on my teeth.

I also have TMJ, likely the result of the dental work. I've now been fitted with three different splints and find my teeth and gums can withstand the pressure. Now I don't know if the problem is the malocclusion, the splints, or if my gum problems are a separate issue. The splints cause my gums to get little blister like sores. I've also had one red spot on my gum for a long time. I thought with a good splint, and proper distribution of pressure on my teeth, it would go away. It hasn't. I'm unable to wear my latest splint because of these problems. It also appears to be moving some of my teeth. I see the dentist next week. My splint may require adjustments.

I've also booked an appt with a periodontist. I've seen three in the last 2 years, none who seemed overly concerned with my recession problems. They said it happens at my age (49), but I know that's not what's causing the problem.

The homeopath I started seeing several months ago recommended grapefruit seed extract at that time. He started me on 7 drops in water, to rinse my mouth 3 times daily. This is supposed to be very good at killing bacteria. I had a very bad reaction to it. The tip of my tongue turned red and it felt like it'd been scorched like when you eat soup that's too hot. I lessened the amount of drops to 3, but after several days my gums were also red. Has anyone had success with this product? I'm thinking of trying it again - maybe only 1 drop in water? as I'm concerned a periodontist will treat the symptoms and not get to the cause, which means the symptoms could keep returning. I've also started taking 300 mg Co-Enzyme Q10 and Vitamin C.

I'd welcome any suggestions, and would love to hear any success stories.

Thanks, and take care all,
Arleen

dagmarharris · 01-08-2004, 09:21 PM

Hi, I have grinded my teeth all my life. They are flat and no points like most peoples. I tried the splint but I thought like you, my teeth were moving. I also know mine is partly stress related. I even broke a tooth about two years ago. I had to have a crown put in.
I don't know much about the grapefruit seed for what you are asking. I have taken it when I was sick, as I think it is a natural antibiotic. It never caused me discomfort like you mentioned. What is the Co enzyme Q 10 suppose to do? I have taken it for general health.
Hope to hear more on your progress with these products...
~dagmar

Arleen · 01-08-2004, 11:04 PM

Hi Dagmar:

Wow, you must really grind if you've broken a tooth. I never really had a grinding problem until I had two fillings replaced, and whatever happened then, messed my bite up completely. That has caused me to grind, and I'm hoping whenever that gets resolved, the grinding will stop. I don't believe I did much grinding with my current splint, but because of the gums problems, I'm not wearing it.

It seems the grapefruit seed extract has a number of uses, so it makes sense you were taking it while you were sick. It's supposed to be pretty powerful stuff. You can even use it as a disinfectact when washing your clothes

Q10 and Vitamin C taken together are supposed to help the gums and to fight gum disease. I've only been taking them for a week, so it's too early to tell. My homeopath told me to increase the amount of Q10 as I was taking the normal dosage of one pill/day. I'm now taking 3. I'll post if I get good results.

Take care

MichaelNYC · 01-08-2004, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arleen

Hi:

I have had bad malocclusion problems the last 2 years due to dental work. This has caused my teeth to hit each other, and then I started grinding. My teeth started getting sore, then my gums, which have been receding a lot. Initially I thought it was solely due to the malocclusion and pressure this was placing on my teeth.

I also have TMJ, likely the result of the dental work. I've now been fitted with three different splints and find my teeth and gums can withstand the pressure. Now I don't know if the problem is the malocclusion, the splints, or if my gum problems are a separate issue. The splints cause my gums to get little blister like sores. I've also had one red spot on my gum for a long time. I thought with a good splint, and proper distribution of pressure on my teeth, it would go away. It hasn't. I'm unable to wear my latest splint because of these problems. It also appears to be moving some of my teeth. I see the dentist next week. My splint may require adjustments.

I've also booked an appt with a periodontist. I've seen three in the last 2 years, none who seemed overly concerned with my recession problems. They said it happens at my age (49), but I know that's not what's causing the problem.

The homeopath I started seeing several months ago recommended grapefruit seed extract at that time. He started me on 7 drops in water, to rinse my mouth 3 times daily. This is supposed to be very good at killing bacteria. I had a very bad reaction to it. The tip of my tongue turned red and it felt like it'd been scorched like when you eat soup that's too hot. I lessened the amount of drops to 3, but after several days my gums were also red. Has anyone had success with this product? I'm thinking of trying it again - maybe only 1 drop in water? as I'm concerned a periodontist will treat the symptoms and not get to the cause, which means the symptoms could keep returning. I've also started taking 300 mg Co-Enzyme Q10 and Vitamin C.

I'd welcome any suggestions, and would love to hear any success stories.

Thanks, and take care all,
Arleen

300mg of Coenzyme 10? Wow, that's a lot of CQ10. Do you have a serious heart condition? If not, can't imagine why you're taking this supplement and in such a high dosage. The range is from 30mg to 300mg depending on heart condition. You may want to see a Nutritionist for advise that makes more sense.

Arleen · 01-08-2004, 11:26 PM

Hi Michael:

I'm taking it for my gums. I see a homeopath and it was his suggestion that I increase it. Yes, it's above the normal dosage of 100mg/day. Some people have great success with it, combined with vitamin C helping with gum problems.

Take care