Dentist's prescription for CoQ10

Many dental care products available in London contain various nutritional supplements; coenzyme Q 10 is one of these supplements. Historically, the benefits of coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) in oral health have been known for decades. Oxidative damage occurs in periodontal disease, and research has demonstrated possible therapeutic effects of anti-oxidants in treating and/or preventing periodontal disease are useful, with special attention on CoQ10. Clinically, topical application of CoQ10 to periodontal pockets was evaluated with and without professional cleaning below the gum tissue, and significant improvements were seen that included the reduction of gingivitis, bleeding on periodontal probing and gingival enzyme activity, only at the CoQ10 treated sites. Another clinical study demonstrated that topical application of CoQ10 was extraordinarily effective in reducing periodontal pocket depth, and that healing was so excellent after 5-7 days of treatment that diseased gingival sites were difficult to locate.

Additionally, a clinical study demonstrated that patients with periodontitis frequently have significant gingival and white blood cell CoQ10 deficiencies. This white blood cell CoQ10 deficiency indicated a systemic nutritional imbalance, and was not likely caused by neglected oral hygiene. A gingival deficiency of CoQ10 could predispose individuals to gingivitis and periodontitis, and periodontitis could even augment CoQ10 deficiency. Also, the beneficial effect of CoQ10 has also been reported in an individual case study, where three dentists separately and independently scored clinical improvements of five symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis, with the initial benefits being observed only three weeks after the beginning CoQ10 treatment.

Although, significant clinical reports demonstrated beneficial effects with CoQ10 on periodontal disease, the mechanism of the role of CoQ10 in periodontal disease was not known until, from 1971 to 1974, when CoQ10 gum tissue deficiencies were observed in patients with periodontal disease when compared to patients without periodontal disease. Clinical results suggested that topical application of CoQ10 improves adult periodontitis not only as a sole treatment, but also in combination with traditional non-surgical periodontal therapy.

SUPPLEMENT WITH CoQ10 100MG OR MORE PER DAY

Doctors have documented that people with periodontal disease have significantly low levels of CoQ10 in the tissues of their gums. Researchers at Osaka University Faculty of Dentistry in Japan gave eight patients with moderately or severely inflamed gums 60 mg of CoQ10 a day for eight weeks. The patients received no other therapy. The results, according to clinicians: "CoQ10 was effective in suppressing gingival inflammation."

In an additional study, Dr. T. Matsumura and Dr. Karl Folkers performed a double blind trial of CoQ10 versus regular periodontal treatments for advanced periodontitis. 24 subjects suffering from severe periodontal disease which had not responded to extensive flossing and brushing were studied. 13 subjects received 50 mg of CoQ10, while 11 received placebos. 9 of the 13 CoQ10 patients made dramatic improvements. Only 3 of the 11 placebo recipients displayed minor improvement. In 4 of the CoQ10 patients, symptoms of periodontitis completely disappeared within 8 weeks. "The therapeutic improvement with CoQ10 was better both by the number of improved patients and the degree of improvement," reported the doctors.

CoQ10 is a miracle nutrient, and you should be taking it for daily health maintenance, if not for the health of your gums. While, studies show improvement with even small dosages of less than 100mg of CoQ10, a therapeutic dosage of 150mg while you are still showing symptoms of periodontal disease is advised. After your gums have healed, you can reduce the dosage down to around 50-100mg. The most effective CoQ10 is in softgel form. Also, because CoQ10 is a fat soluble nutrient, taking it with a good EFA supplement such as flax oil or virgin coconut oil can improve uptake.

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.