Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease includes two types of serious infections of the teeth and gums, notes the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). The two forms are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis, the mildest form of the disease, occurs when the gums become red, swollen and bleed easily from bacteria hidden within the sticky, colorless film, or plaque, that forms on the teeth. With proper oral care and professional treatment, gingivitis is reversible. When it progresses below the gum line, toxins produced by the bacteria irritate the gums and break down the supportive structure of the teeth, causing periodontitis.
Nutrition
The AAP lists poor nutrition, obesity and diabetes as factors involved in the development of gum disease. They note that a nutritionally poor diet compromises the body's immune system and makes it more difficult for the body to fight off infection. Additionally, adequate intakes of nutrients such as calcium and vitamin C can protect you against gum disease. "The Clinicians Handbook of Natural Medicine," by Joseph Pizzorno, Jr. notes that vitamin C maintains the integrity of the collagen and membranes that hold the teeth in place, plus vitamin C boosts the immune system. Vitamin C rich foods include citrus foods, red bell peppers, broccoli, mango, kale and kiwi.
Pizzorno also notes that sucrose competes with vitamin C and increases plaque formation on the teeth. A 2006 "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" article notes that diets higher in whole grains and fiber are associated with greater insulin sensitivity, lower body mass index and lower risk of diabetes. The article concluded that men who consumed the greatest amounts of whole-grains reduced their periodontal risks by 23 percent. Moreover, Pizzorno notes that a diet high in fiber increases saliva protection, which kills bacteria.
Supplements
Pizzorno suggests vitamin C in a supplement form. He recommends vitamin C in divided doses of 3 to 5mg per day to treat active periodontal disease. An article listed on the AAP website highlights a comment by researcher, Robert Genco, D.D.S, Ph.D, that notes that vitamin C offers antioxidant activity to control the free radicals that damage the periodontal tissue. A 2006 "Biofactors" article notes that that the oxidative stress occurring in periodontal tissues affects the antioxidant pattern of the tissue. It notes vitamin E and CoQ10 as antioxidants effective in managing the inflammation. Pizzorno additionally notes that vitamin E and selenium function synergistically as antioxidants. He recommends selenium at a dose of 400 micrograms per day and vitamin E at 400 to 800 IU per day. A 1994 "Molecular Aspects of Medicine" article found that the topical application of CoQ10 improves adult periodontitis, especially when combined with traditional non-surgical periodontal therapy.
Herbs
In further discussing antioxidants as preventive and protective against the inflammation of periodontal disease, flavonoid-rich herbs such as bilberry, green tea, hawthorne berry and grapeseed extract provide potent activity against free radicals, notes Pizzorno. The 1999 "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" notes that flavonoids are plant pigments responsible for the colors of over 3,000 plants, flowers and leaves. They further mention that flavonoids extend the activity of vitamin C in the body as well as offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Sanquinaria Canadensis has been shown to inhibit the growth of plaque causing bacteria in a petri dish. A Mexican variety of the herb was given to 60 men between the ages of 18 and 24 as a 1mg/ml extract in an oral rinse. As a twice daily rinse without daily tooth-brushing, gingivitis was significantly reduced and concluded to be a viable supportive therapy in gum disease treatment. Finally, a small preliminary study investigated the topical use of the combination herb extract from Centella asiatica and the pomegranate rind. The combination therapy in the form of medicated chips along with conventional periodontal cleaning, was found to significantly reduce the signs of periodontal disease. The article was published in the 2003 "Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology."
References
- American Academy of Periodontists: "Types of Gum Disease"
- American Academy of Periodontists: "Causes of Gum Disease"
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph Pizzorno, Jr., N.D.; 2002
- American Academy of Periodontists: "Low Dietary Vitamin C Can Increase Risk for Periodontal Disease"
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition": Whole-grain and fiber intakes and periodontitis risk in men"
