The gums, jaw bone, connective tissues, and ligaments in the mouth are all impacted by periodontal diseases (1Reliable Source).
Many people are impacted by these conditions. In fact, approximately 90% of people have gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, as a result of plaque accumulation (1Reliable Source).
Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause the teeth and the tissues that support them to be destroyed, can develop from gingivitis.
Your age, genetics, smoking, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions can all raise your risk of developing periodontal disease.
Dental practitioners treat periodontal disease in a number of ways. Among these are scaling and root planing, which entails thoroughly cleaning the teeth, roots, and gums. Additionally, they treat
Your age, genetics, smoking, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions can all raise your risk of developing periodontal disease.
Dental practitioners treat periodontal disease in a number of ways. Among these are scaling and root planing, which entails thoroughly cleaning the teeth, roots, and gums. Additionally, they address risk factors, employ specific drugs, and in certain situations, perform surgery (1Reliable Source).
Furthermore, some studies have demonstrated that specific supplements improve oral health, lower the risk of developing periodontal disease, or treat the condition in those who already have it (2Trusted Source).
Ten supplements are listed in this article that you might want to take to treat periodontal disease and strengthen your gums.
1. Vitamin C
Collagen is a crucial component of your gums and a structural protein that is made possible only by vitamin C. For this reason, gum inflammation, bleeding, and pain can be caused by a vitamin C deficiency.
Worldwide, vitamin C deficiency is prevalent, particularly in developing nations. People use vitamin C supplements to treat and prevent this condition.
Low levels of vitamin C, though not necessarily deficient, have been linked in studies to a higher risk of periodontal diseases.
The association between vitamin C levels and periodontal disease was examined in a 2019 review of 14 studies.
It was discovered that gum disease was more common in those with lower blood levels and dietary intake of vitamin C than in those with optimal blood levels and higher dietary intake.
Taking vitamin C supplements decreased gum bleeding in diabetics and gingivitis patients, according to a 2021 review of six studies. It did not, however, alleviate other aspects of periodontal disease.
Consequently, taking a vitamin C supplement may help to maintain gum health and lower your risk of developing periodontal disease. If you currently consume few foods high in vitamin C, like fruits and vegetables, it may be especially beneficial.
Additionally, taking supplements of vitamin C may help people with periodontal disease.
2. The omega-3 fatty acids
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two omega-3 fatty acids, have potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
They might be a useful treatment for periodontal disease because of these qualities. Supplemental fish oil is a concentrated source of EPA and DHA.
Measures of periodontal disease significantly improved for those who took omega-3 supplements, according to a 2020 review of six studies.
Plaque levels and the probing depth—the depth of the pockets or space between teeth and their gum attachment—were among these measurements.
In 2020, another excellent study examined the effects of omega-3 supplementation on 90 individuals with periodontitis.
For one month, participants in the study received one gram of EPA and DHA combined daily. Participants also received root planing and scaling treatments for their teeth. Dental care was given to the control group, but no supplements were given.
Connective tissue attachment and the gingival index, which gauges gum inflammation, bleeding, and swelling, improved noticeably more in the supplement-taking and treatment-receiving group than in the control group.
In gum tissue, omega-3 fatty acids may also increase the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, which may help prevent gum damage.
3. The use of probiotics
The benefits of probiotic supplements for gut health are widely recognized. It’s interesting to note that some studies indicate that specific probiotic strains might improve gum health.
An overabundance of dangerous bacteria that harm gums is linked to periodontal disease. It has been demonstrated that periodontal disease can be effectively treated by introducing beneficial bacteria with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities.
In addition to scaling and root planing, 30 patients with periodontitis received a probiotic called Lactobacillus reuteri in the form of a lozenge twice daily for 12 weeks.
According to the study, individuals who got this treatment saw higher decreases in the harmful bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis than those who just got periodontal cleaning.
One of the primary bacterial strains responsible for the emergence of periodontal disease is Porphyromonas gingivalis.
Probiotic lozenges may lower inflammatory markers and harmful bacteria in patients with periodontal disease, according to other research.
Remember that probiotic lozenges, not capsules, were the subject of these studies.
Nonetheless, a 2017 analysis of 12 studies found that probiotic supplements, such as capsules, are probably useful for promoting gum health and other aspects of oral health.
The authors did point out that more carefully planned, long-term research was required to fully explore these possible advantages.
4. Melatonin
The body naturally produces the hormone melatonin. It is also available as a supplement.
It is essential to the body and plays a part in blood pressure regulation, immunological system function, sleep-wake cycles, and more. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-swelling qualities are well known.
According to certain research, more severe periodontal disease is linked to lower salivary melatonin levels. Moreover, salivary melatonin levels seem to be lower in those who have periodontal disease than in those who do not.
In a 2020 study, 50 individuals with diabetes and periodontal disease underwent non-surgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing) and received a supplement of magnesium stearate and 3 mg melatonin before bedtime every day for 8 weeks.
The participants’ antioxidant defense system was considerably strengthened by the melatonin treatment.
In other words, compared to those who received periodontal therapy alone, they had reduced indicators of inflammation and increased levels of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase.
This implies that taking supplements containing melatonin may help prevent gum damage. Nonetheless, more research on this subject is required by scientists.
5. Vitamin D
Your body requires vitamin D for several vital functions, such as the function of the musculoskeletal and immune systems.
Gum health is one aspect of oral health that is significantly influenced by vitamin D. By strengthening the body’s antibacterial defenses, preserving healthy gum tissue, and lowering gum inflammation, it may help improve gum health.
A vitamin D deficiency may make periodontal disease more likely. Sadly, vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are very widespread throughout the world.
According to a 2020 analysis of 16 studies, blood levels of vitamin D were generally much lower in those with periodontal disease than in those without the condition.
The researchers were unable to ascertain whether vitamin D supplementation aided in the treatment of periodontal disease, though. More research on this subject is required by scientists.
A lot of people must take vitamin D in any case to maintain optimal levels because it is crucial for general health.
6. Vitamin B complex
According to some research, people with periodontal disease and poor gum health typically have lower levels of certain B vitamins, such as folate.
For instance, a 2007 study involving 844 senior citizens discovered a significant correlation between periodontal disease and low folate levels.
According to a different study, adults with lower dietary folate intake experienced more gum bleeding during dental examinations than those with higher folate intake.
Furthermore, a 2018 study involving 6,415 participants showed a significant correlation between the severity of periodontal disease and inadequate intake of a number of micronutrients, including the B vitamins thiamine and folate.
Additionally, research has linked children’s gum problems to a vitamin B12 deficiency.
To help keep your gums healthy, you might want to take a B complex vitamin if your diet doesn’t contain enough of these nutrients.
7. Zinc
One mineral that is essential for dental health is zinc. Zinc is necessary for your body to maintain healthy gums, and a diet low in it may raise your risk of periodontal disease.
A 2019 study examined the impact of low zinc levels on chronic gum disease in 300 individuals with and without type 2 diabetes.
Healthy controls had significantly higher zinc levels than those with type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease or just periodontal disease.
Additionally, research indicates that zinc-based gel and paste treatments may lessen plaque and enhance gum health.
Children’s gum health is improved and plaque is decreased when zinc is taken orally, according to studies.
Zinc also has anti-inflammatory qualities that could help control periodontal disease-related gum inflammation.
8. CoQ10
The body produces an antioxidant called coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). It can be taken as a supplement as well.
CoQ10 possesses potent anti-inflammatory and cellular protective qualities. According to studies, people who have gum disease may benefit from taking CoQ10.
The effects of CoQ10 in 30 individuals with periodontal disease were examined in a small 2015 study.
In addition to scaling and root planing, those who took 120 mg of CoQ10 for three months saw a significant decrease in gum inflammation when compared to those who received a placebo.
CoQ10 gels have also been shown in studies to improve the amount of antioxidant enzymes in the gums of patients with periodontal disease and lessen gum bleeding.
9. Curcumin
One of the active ingredients in the well-known spice turmeric is curcumin. It is praised for its potent anti-inflammatory properties and has potential as a periodontal disease treatment.
Curcumin has antibacterial qualities and may aid in preventing P. gingivalis growth in addition to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
According to studies, gels based on curcumin stop the growth of bad bacteria, which lowers plaque in patients with periodontal disease and lessens inflammation and bleeding of the gums.
Furthermore, a 2021 high-quality study examined the effects of curcumin in 48 patients with periodontitis and gingivitis. In comparison to those who took a placebo, those who took 80 mg of curcumin daily for four weeks experienced less gum bleeding and inflammation.
10. Green tea
Oral health may benefit from drinking green tea, taking green tea extract, or applying green tea-containing products to the gums.
Gum disease sufferers may benefit from green tea’s ability to lower inflammation and stop the growth of bacteria.
For those with periodontal disease, using green tea chewing gum, green tea gel, green tea toothpaste, and green tea mouthwash may help lessen gum bleeding, inflammation, and plaque.
According to a 2016 study, individuals with periodontal disease may experience less gum bleeding if they drink green tea every day for six weeks.
A 2021 review of 18 studies, however, found insufficient evidence to support the use of green tea products as a primary treatment for gum disease. But the outcomes
The Finishing line
Make sure to get regular dental cleanings and heed your dentist’s advice to keep your gums healthy if you have periodontal disease or wish to improve their condition.
Additionally, one or more of the supplements mentioned in this article might be worth trying. If you suffer from gum disease, certain dietary supplements, such as CoQ10, probiotics, vitamin C, omega-3s, and melatonin, may be helpful.
Consult your dentist if you’re interested in trying any of the aforementioned supplements to ensure that it’s the best option for your particular requirements.
