Gingivitis is the most common gum-related problem in the United States. According to statistical data, up to 30% of the population suffers from some form of gum disease. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums, which generally displays early symptoms of gum bleeding. Since Gingivitis is not initially painful, it is frequently ignored until advanced inflammatory and destructive effects take place. Since gum disease is often accompanied by systemic inflammation, many research professionals are actively evaluating nutritional supplements for the anti-inflammatory properties that help maintain healthy gums.
In one study, participants suffering from gum disease received a combination of nutritional supplements consisting of
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (
fish oil derived) and Omega-6 Fatty Acids (derived from the seeds of the borage plant). As a result, a statistically significant improvement was observed in the degree of inflammation and the deepness of the gum pockets. In view of the recognized anti-inflammation action of
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Omega-6 Fatty Acids, it is recommended that individuals suffering from gum disease use these nutrients.
Another strong ally in the fight against gum disease is the
Green Tea extract.
Green Tea extracts have a high concentration of antioxidants of the catechin group. They fight plaque and the microorganisms that play a vital role in the pathogenesis of Gingivitis. These antioxidants work by suppressing the ability of the oral microorganisms to access their primary source of nutrition, sugar. Studies have established that
Green Tea extracts may destroy oral microorganisms and suppress activity of collagenase. Collagenase is a physiologic enzyme that may become overactive if there is a spike in the bacterial population in the mouth and can unbalance the collagen structure of the gums leading to gum disease.
Coenzyme q10 is a very important nutrient used by every cell in an organism to produce energy. It is helpful for a number of disorders, including gum disease.
Coenzyme q10 plays a crucial function as an antioxidant capable of neutralizing free radicals. More than 30 years ago researchers discovered that the gums of patients suffering from Gingivitis were deficient in
Coenzyme q10. Later studies have demonstrated that
Coenzyme q10 (in doses of 50 mg to 75 mg a day) can stop the deterioration of the gums and assist in the natural regeneration of the gums. In one study, a 50 mg dose of
Coenzyme q10 a day was significantly more efficient than a placebo in reducing outbreaks of Gingivitis after 3 weeks of treatment.
People short in
Vitamin C are at a higher risk of contracting Gingivitis. One study researched a group of subjects suffering from Gingivitis whose average consumption of
Vitamin C was from 25 mg to 30 mg a day. In the experiment the subjects were given an additional 70 mg of
Vitamin C. Marked improvement was noticed after six weeks.
Because smoking decreases the concentration of Vitamin C in the body, smokers, in particular, will benefit by supplementing their diet with Vitamin C as a preventive step in the fight against gum disease.