Periodontal disease or periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease.  Periodontitis is very common, especially in older adults. Symptoms associated with this form of gum disease include inflammation and redness of the gingiva. The gums may also bleed when brushing the teeth. Advanced periodontal disease may cause affected teeth to become loose in their sockets. Rarely severe, untreated periodontitis may lead to tooth loss.

What is Coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10 (coq10) is a fat-soluble substance the body produces naturally. Normally found in high concentrations in the heart, liver and kidneys, coq10 is a potent antioxidant. It also plays a key role in the production of energy in cells and can help convert nutrients extracted from food into energy in the body. Deficiency of coenzyme Q10 is very rare.

Are there Coenzyme Q10 supplements?

Supplemental coq10 may be used for a variety of disorders. These include angina, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, gingivitis, periodontitis, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Studies indicate that periodontal disease sufferers have a lower concentration of coq10 in their gum tissues than their healthy counterparts.

Coenzyme Q10 and Periodontitis

The management of periodontitis depends on the severity and extent of the disease. Treatment may include oral hygiene education, professional plaque and calculus removal. In severe cases, minor surgery may be required to open and clean deep pockets in the gums or to support loose teeth.

How is Coenzyme Q10 administered?

Administration of coq10 for periodontal disease is typically both local and oral. Toothpastes with added coenzyme Q10 are widely available and may be applied directly onto affected gums. Oral supplementation for gum disease generally ranges from 100-200mg a day. Since coq10 is fat-soluble, it is best absorbed when taken with food. The substance is typically well tolerated with very few side effects. These include gastrointestinal upset and loss of appetite.

The future of Coenzyme Q10

More studies are needed to establish clear treatment guidelines regarding the optimum form and dose of coenzyme Q10 for periodontal disease.  A number of clinical studies have shown that patients with periodontitis, who have been treated with coenzyme Q10, together with traditional therapeutic interventions, have experienced quicker tissue repair and faster healing. There appears to be a therapeutic benefit in the inclusion of coenzyme Q10 to the treatment regimen of periodontal disease sufferers.

If you think you may have gum disease make sure you check out the top symptoms below. Do not worry, there is treatment for gum disease and your oral health can be restored. It is a good idea to maintain your oral hygiene practices as usual and then set up a consultation with one of our experienced and highly knowledgeable dentists within our practice. We care about your teeth and gums just as much as you do and strive to achieve optimal dental health with every patient that comes to see us.  At 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre, we want you to feel safe, cared for and treated as one of the family.

Gum disease is a tissue infection surrounding the teeth. Periodontal disease attacks an area within the mouth called the sulcus.  The sulcus is located between the gums and the teeth and when the tissue is damaged, a pocket is formed in the sulcus. There are two stages that occur when this form of disease develops. They are known as periodontitis and gingivitis. Gingivitis can be reversed as it is a milder form of gum disease, but if left untreated it can turn into severe periodontitis.

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease can go undetected for quite some time.  Gum disease can be prevented with regular dental checkups and routine cleanings.

Ask yourself the following questions.

1. When you brush your teeth, do your gums bleed? Do your gums bleed for no apparent reason?
2. Do you find that some of your permanent teeth are loose? Do you see gaps forming?
3. Have you noticed that your gums are protruding outwards from your teeth?
4. Do people complain that you have bad breath? Do you constantly have a bad taste in your mouth?
5. If you wear dentures, have you noticed a change in the way they are fitting within your mouth?
6. Is your bite different? Do you feel it isn’t the same bite as you previously had?
7. Have you lost teeth recently without cause?
8. Do your gums appear red, feel tender or look swollen?

If you answered yes to more than one of these questions, contact us today to book a consultation visit.

What should I do?

Call us and schedule an appointment for an exam. Many dentists and dental practices including 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre can help stop the progression of the disease with periodontal maintenance. Do your best to maintain good oral health at home and brush, floss and eat healthy foods to maintain optimal immunity. We can help save your teeth from further damage if you get in touch with us today!