Periodontal disease, affecting the soft tissues at the base of teeth, is the cause of most tooth loss. Many dietary supplements can help maintain or restore healthy periodontal tissues. Speaking with a dentist about your dental health is the best way to learn more about what you can do to improve the quality of your dental health. Dental Plans from Dental Benefits USA make this affordable.
Vitamin C: Studies going back decades show that higher intake of vitamin C reduces tooth mobility, a sign of gum disease. The vitamin also has impressive anti-inflammatory properties, important when dealing with gingivitis (an inflammation of the upper part of the gums).
Dosage: The amount of vitamin C makes a big difference. A study conducted at the State University of New York, Buffalo, found that people who consumed 180 mg of vitamin C daily were far less likely to develop gingivitis, compared with those taking only 60 mg daily. Vitamin C is needed to form collagen, one of the key proteins in periodontal tissues. Flavonoids will likely enhance the benefits of vitamin C.
Coenzyme Q10: Several small studies have found that the topical application of CoQ10, a vitamin-like nutrient, can reduce the depth of infected “pockets” along the sides of teeth. CoQ10 may boost the immune system’s ability to fight bacteria in these pockets.
As an adjunct, consider combining CoQ10 with non-surgical root scaling and topical application of antimicrobial compounds in regular dental checkups.
Dosage: Break open a CoQ10 soft-gel capsule and rub its contents on your gums. Swallow the remainder of the capsule.
Antioxidant cocktail: In addition to vitamin C and CoQ10, a multi-antioxidant supplement may have substantial benefits in preventing or reducing dental disease. In one study, researchers found that a combination of vitamin E and selenium reduced damage to periodontal tissues. Both nutrients likely work by combating tissue-damaging molecules called free radicals.
Considerable research indicates that free radicals may account for much of the pain in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction (a condition involving pain in the jaw and surrounding tissues and limitations in jaw movements). A multi-antioxidant supplement combined with glucosamine and chrondroitin supplements may effectively reduce TMJ pain. The antioxidants should also control free radicals produced by hydrogen peroxide, the active ingredient in commercial tooth whiteners.
Dosage: Follow label directions on a multi-antioxidant supplement containing vitamins E and C, selenium, CoQ10, and other antioxidants.
Minerals: The loss of bone in teeth, often from periodontal disease, is strongly associated with osteoporosis, suggesting that a vitamin-mineral supplement designed for osteoporosis may be of benefit. It should contain calcium, vitamin D (to enhance calcium absorption), magnesium, boron, silicon, and vitamins C, B12, and K.
Dosage: Because formulas vary, follow label directions.
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