How to Use Supplements to Prevent Periodontal Disease

Almost 75 percent of adults, forty years of age and older, show some evidence of gum disease. Dental research attributes the large number of patients with periodontal disease to the typical American diet that features soft foods and a lack of nutrients. Supplements can assist in preventing or reducing the damage caused by gum disease by correcting a vitamin deficiency in the body. However, using supplements to prevent periodontal disease is only one part of a good dental routine.

Things You'll Need

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Folic Acid
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin A
• Coenzyme Q10

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Instructions

• 1

  Take additional vitamin C on a daily basis. Perhaps the most important antioxidant supplement for the prevention of gum disease, vitamin C, increases the rate of tissue regeneration. This reduces the effects of plaque on the gums. Since vitamin C is not stored in the body, research indicates it may be more effective to take smaller dosages. Approximately 500 mg. three times each day is recommended as opposed to one large dosage of 1500 mg.

• 2

  Include vitamin D in your daily supplement count. Vitamin D may reduce gum inflammation and strengthen your resistance to developing periodontal disease. If you receive less than fifteen minutes of direct exposure to the sun per day, consider adding 200 IU of vitamin D to your diet.

• 3

  Boost the antioxidant level in your body with a Coenzyme Q10 supplement. A Japanese study, conducted at Osaka University, determined that supplementing the daily diet with 600mg of Co-Q10 decreased inflammation and infection in some periodontal patients. In addition, look for the inclusion of Co-Q10 in toothpaste.

• 4

  Supplement your diet with cranberry extract capsules or drink cranberry juice. Known for its natural anti-bacterial properties, cranberry in capsule or juice form may reduce the level of harmful bacteria in the mouth and decrease your risk of developing periodontal disease.

• 5

  Add a folic acid supplement to boost your immune system and assist in battling mouth infections.

• 6

  Increase your daily calcium intake with an easy-to-absorb calcium supplement, in the form of calcium citrate. Well known for its bone-strengthening properties, calcium reduces the risk of jawbone loss and, as such, helps protect the integrity of roots of your teeth in their sockets. Take the calcium supplement before going to bed to increase the beneficial effects.

• 7

  Consider adding supplements that boost your body’s ability to maintain and repair skin and tissues. Vitamin A and vitamin E promote the development of healthy tissue and fight inflammation.