CoQ10 and Gum Disease

GUM DISEASE

Gum disease is a problem for over 60% of the adult population. Because it often goes unnoticed until the later stages, it has often been called a "silent epidemic" in American culture. 

Some of the signs and symptoms of gum disease are red, swollen gum tissue, bleeding of the gums when you brush or floss, chronic bad breath, and loose teeth.

Cause of gum disease

The cause of gum disease is a bacterial infection in the gum tissue surrounding the tooth. This infection is worsened by the presence of plaque and tartar on your teeth. 

When this tartar is not removed professionally by a dentist or dental hygienist, an infected pocket can form around the tooth.

When this pocket deepens, the infection can spread to the fibers supporting the tooth and to the surrounding bone. Left untreated, this gum disease can lead to the formation of an dental abscess and the loss of one or more natural teeth.

Gum disease linked to heart disease

Recent studies have linked gum disease to increased risk of heart attack, osteoporosis, diabetes and stroke.

Heart Disease and Periodontitis

Gingivitis

Periodontal disease and gingivitis are infections of the teeth and gums, as well as the bone that supports the teeth. If left untreated, these forms of gum disease can result in inflammation, periodontal abscess, severe bone loss and eventually dentures.

As destructive as this is, there is another, even more serious problem relating to gum disease, and that has to do with your general health.

Periodontal disease and gingivitis increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporesis and stroke. 

Recent studies have show that individuals with severe gum disease are up to four times more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease, stroke, and other health problems such as osteoporosis, diabetes and respiratory disease.

Inflammation is involved

In the February 23rd 2004 issue of Time magazine, the role of inflammation is graphically spelled out. The article concludes with several recommendations, including "...keeping your teeth clean by flossing and brushing regularly." 

Obviously, regular dental check-ups and professional dental cleanings play a vital role in this. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you are at risk.

What can you do?

Start by doing a really careful job at home of brushing and flossing twice a day. Make sure that you eat a balanced diet, and that you get enough protein to repair the microscopic wounds that occur in the gums from chewing. 

Don't smoke. Smokers have four-times more periodontal disease than their non-smoking counterparts.

And get regular professional cleanings - at least twice a year. If your gums still bleed with a twice-a-year protocol, have your teeth cleaned more often. Many patients come four times a year, and some even come every two months.

Prevention

So how does one prevent this silent epidemic? The answer is in the coordinated partnership between the dental office and the patient. We clean your teeth on a regular basis, and you work hard at home to keep the levels of plaque and tartar to a minimum.

In addition, proper diet and nutrition are essential if gums are to remain healthy and strong. For this, I recommend plenty of protein in the diet (to supply the amino acids necessary for wound healing) and supplementation with normal vitamins and minerals as recommended by your physician or nutritionist.

Also, the restriction of refined sugar in one's diet (colas, candy, etc) is essential for healthy teeth and gums. 

Finally, it is worth noting that Coenzyme Q10 has been described in the literature as being especially helpful in the maintenance of a healthy immune system and strong gum tissue.