COQ10 for Stronger Gums
There are a lot of studies these days that suggest there are benefits to taking vitamins and supplements to counter act one’s deficiencies either due to diet or effects from prescription medications. One supplement in particular, co-enzyme Q10, has been known for the ability to help patients with cardiac problems, and Periodontal Associates want you to know it could help strengthen your gums as well!
The Institute for Biomedical Research conducted a study comparing those with periodontal disease to those with healthy gums. Biopsies of both groups were taken from their gums and then analyzed for the amount of COQ10 found in each. “The gingival biopsies from patients having diseased periodontal tissue showed a deficiency of co-enzyme Q10, in contrast to those of the normal periodontal tissue which showed no deficiency,” conclude the researchers.
Also, the Department of Preventative Dentistry looked at the effects of topical application of co-enzyme Q10 on adult periodontitis. Researchers used male subjects with 20 gingival pockets as the experiment and 10 pockets as the control group. A topical COQ10 was placed once a week for 6 weeks on the experimental pockets while soy bean oil was used on the control. In the first 3-week period, significant reductions in gingival fluid flow, probing depth and gum loss were found only at the experimental sites. These results suggest that topical application of CoQ10 improves adult periodontitis.
CoQ10 helps to keep periodontal disease under control by oxygenating muscles within our gums as it increases the production of energy in the mitochondria, the energy center located inside each cell. Periodontal patients frequently have significant gingival deficiencies of CoQ10, and the deficiency indicates a nutritional imbalance that is not likely caused by neglected oral hygiene. A gingival deficiency could predispose this tissue to gum disease and gingivitis could even enhance the deficiency. Periodontal Associates suggests both the use of CoQ10 for those who are at risk for gum disease and proper oral hygiene for improved treatment.
You may ask, how do I use COQ10? Well, California Pacific Medical Center recommends taking between 50 and 60 mg daily for the use of gum disease prevention. Mouthwashes containing CoQ10 may also be effective. CoQ10 can be found naturally in foods like oily fish and whole grains, but it is also available as a supplement. CoQ10 can be found in local food or vitamin store and does not always require a doctor’s prescription, but the supplemental form may not be safe for everyone. In fact, UMMC states that most people get plenty of CoQ10 from their diets; however, those who have natural or medication-related deficiencies may benefit from supplementation. CoQ10 can cause interactions with medications including blood thinners, as well as medications for blood pressure or glaucoma. If you take these medications, you should not take CoQ10. Before trying the supplement, discuss its use with Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, or Dr. Beckman to weight out the benefits versus risks.
In order to best help you, please call Periodontal Associates or stop by our office in the Denver metro area. It is beneficial for Dr. Versman, Heller & Beckman to build close relationships with their patients in order to know their medical history and make a personal plan for each individual. You can click here to schedule an appointment or call at (303) 755-4500. Please visit our website at www.periodontalhealth.com for more information on gum disease, home care, dental implants, and other periodontal related diseases.
