Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is an antioxidant that develops naturally in the body and is also available in supplements, including in powder form. CoQ10 supplements might be beneficial for numerous health conditions, including periodontal disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult a qualified health care provider before using CoQ10 for periodontal disease.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, begins with gingivitis. In this condition, the gums swell and bleed easily, but usually they aren't painful. Gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, involving an inflammatory response to plaque bacteria that produce toxins below the gum line. The body responds to the bacteria with an overproduction of reactive oxygen species, which in turn causes collagen and gum cell breakdown. This can result in infection, loss of gum tissue and bone, and loose teeth.
CoQ10 Benefits
Diseased gums have a deficiency of CoQ10, according to an article by dentist Dennis Flanagan from the November/December 2006 issue of "Inside Dentistry." Applying CoQ10 to gums might control periodontitis because when antioxidants scavenge reactive oxygen atoms, it can reduce collagen destruction, explains Flanagan. Topical CoQ10 might reduce the depths of pockets that have developed around the teeth and improve gum attachment to teeth. During a few clinical studies, CoQ10 supplements led to faster healing and tissue repair in patients with periodontal disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Methods
Many dentists and periodontists routinely use both topical CoQ10 and CoQ10 supplements for patients with periodontal disease, Flanagan says. Some commercial toothpastes and mouth-rinse products contain CoQ10, and these are typically available in health food stores. To use CoQ10 powder for periodontal disease, add the powder to water and use as a rinse, or mix the powder with your toothpaste, suggests Sandra Senzon in her 2003 book "Reversing Gum Disease Naturally: A Holistic Home Care Program."
Considerations
CoQ10 is generally not associated with side effects aside from an occasional case of upset stomach, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The substance does interact with several medications, so consult your doctor before using CoQ10 powder for periodontal disease if you currently take any medicine. In particular, CoQ10 might reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulant medications such as warfarin and clopidigrel.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Coenzyme Q10
- "Inside Dentistry"; "Coenzyme Q10 and the Treatment of Periodontitis"; Dennis Flanagan; November/December 2006
- MayoClinic.com: Coenzyme Q10 -- Dosing
- "Reversing Gum Disease Naturally: A Holistic Home Care Program"; Sandra Senzon; 2003
- Perio.org: Types of Gum Disease
