Vitamins for Gum Disease

An attractive, healthy smile requires regular dental and periodontal care. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, periodontitis, or pyorrhea, is caused by bacteria that lurk in the colorless film on your teeth called plaque and that cause inflammation in your gums. The earliest stage is called gingivitis which, if not treated, can lead to moderate and severe periodontal disease, loss of teeth, and a number of serious diseases.

Nutritional Help

• Gum disease causes the gums to recede from the teeth, weakening the bone structure and eventually leading to loss of teeth or the need for gum surgery. Gum disease is attributable to a variety of causes including improper care, heredity, age, smoking, obesity, stress, diabetes, and nutritional deficiency. Regular professional treatment by a periodontist, and consistent home care, are necessary to halt the progress of gum disease. In addition, proper nutrition and a balanced diet, with nutritional supplements if necessary, can help boost the immune system and decrease oral inflammation.

Vitamin C

• Sailors long ago ate limes and other citrus fruit to help prevent scurvy, a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. Even today, a deficiency in vitamin C can be one of the conditions that contribute to gingivitis and ultimately to periodontal disease. Vitamin C is partially responsible for producing collagen in the skin, including gum tissue. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Recommended Dietary Allowance of vitamin C is 60 milligrams a day, but doses as high as 200 mg can be beneficial.

Coenzyme Q10

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been found beneficial in treating a number of health problems, including oral health. Studies performed in Japan and at the U.S. Air Force Medical Center indicated that patients taking 75 mg of CoQ10 daily reduced the depth of the "pockets," or spaces in between their gums and teeth. A depth of 4 mm or more is considered moderate periodontitis. Coenzyme Q10 is believed to boost the body's immune system, thus fighting the bacteria that trigger gum disease. CoQ10 can be found naturally in such food as beef, sardines, spinach and vegetable oil and is also available in supplements.

Antioxidants

• Vitamins A and E are antioxidants that help protect against gum disease. Vitamin A (retinal and beta carotene) is important in forming bones and teeth. In addition to ingesting vitamin E, people with irritated gums may find it helpful to open a capsule of vitamin E oil and rub it on the inflamed gums several times a week.

Minerals

• Calcium and magnesium are dietary minerals that are essential to bone health. Calcium can help prevent the bone loss that results from periodontal disease and eventually leads to tooth loss. Calcium is readily available in dairy products, canned fish with bones, and leafy green vegetables, and magnesium can be found in nuts, but if enough of these minerals are not a part of your diet, add a supplement. The USDA's recommended daily allowance for calcium is 1,000 mg per day. For magnesium, it is 420 mg.

  Small quantities of selenium help stimulate antibodies to fight infection. Selenium should be taken in conjunction with vitamins A and E. Zinc is essential for a healthy immune system. Look for a multivitamin that contains these dietary minerals as well as the recommended daily allowance of essential vitamins.