Healthy gums, healthy body

Better Nutrition, March, 2000 by Jean Barilla

Your gums are the key to a healthy smile, and more

Brush and floss. We know the ritual. We do it every day because we want a nice looking smile and sweet breath. However, those who are diligent about this daily routine will reap rewards much greater than just a pretty smile. Research suggests that having a healthy mouth can help prevent heart disease, stroke, premature labor, and a host of other diseases. It seems that there is a link between the bad bacteria associated with gum disease and these, and other, serious conditions.

So what kind of a grade do Americans make in terms of gum health? A recent article published in the Journal of Periodontology reports that at least 35 percent of U.S. adults aged 30 to 90 have gum disease, with 21.8 percent experiencing a mild form and 12.6 percent suffering from a moderate or severe form. People over 80 years of age had less gum disease, but that was because they had fewer teeth. In total, about 35.7 million persons aged 30 to 90 have gum disease.

The many causes of gum disease

What causes gum disease? It's a combination of factors: poor hygiene (not brushing and flossing often enough or in the proper way), deficiencies in key nutrients, diseases (diabetes, viral infections, AIDS, leukemia), exposure to toxic substances (tobacco smoke, certain drugs), and birth control pills. Another concern, especially for older people, is that there are many prescription medications which have an adverse effect on gums and teeth.

The main cause of gum disease, however, is poor hygiene that allows plaque to build up along the gum line. Plaque is not just leftover food -- it's a build up of bacteria and the toxic products they produce. It sticks to the tooth surfaces at the gumline and can inflame the gums, a condition called gingivitis. The gums may be reddish or purple, feel sore, bleed easily and appear puffy, soft, and swollen. Blood on the toothbrush or dental floss is one of the earliest and most common signs of gingivitis. Healthy gums don't bleed when cleaned. The good news about gingivitis is that it is preventable and reversible after a thorough removal of plaque, improved daily oral-hygiene practices, a good diet, and nutritional supplements. When gingivitis is neglected, it will eventually progress to periodontal disease, where the gums recede and the teeth loosen and eventually fall out.

More than bad breath

As mentioned above, bacteria lurking in bad gums are now linked to heart disease, clogged arteries, stroke, premature birth, and diabetes, according to research published in a 1999 issue of Dentistry Today. Women who have preterm deliveries have more severe gum conditions than mothers with normal deliveries -- a risk up to seven times higher. People with gum disease and tooth decay are almost twice as likely to die of heart attacks and almost three times as likely to have a stroke. Bacteria cause blood clotting and can actually stick to blood vessels and clog them. As for diabetes, research shows it can be worsened by existing infection.

Nutrient protection

Vitamin C plays a major role in preventing gum disease. It is essential for producing healthy connective tissue that holds teeth in their sockets. Emanuel Cheraskin, M.D., D.M.D., in his book, Vitamin C - Who Needs It?, showed that vitamin C keeps gums healthy even in those who don't do the best job of keeping their teeth clean. Of course, he found that diligent brushing and taking vitamin C together gave the best results. With low levels of vitamin C, the immune system's white blood cells can't function to fight off bacterial invaders. Is it just a coincidence that the classical signs of vitamin C deficiency include severe gingivitis, bleeding gums, and loosening of teeth due to the loss of the supporting connective tissue? Long ago, Linus Pauling, Ph.D. a two-time Nobel Prize winner, pointed out that gum disease is actually a form of scurvy.

Another vitamin important for gum health is the B vitamin, folic acid. The gums and all the surface tissues in the mouth use large amounts of folic acid to stay healthy. This B vitamin is found in fresh green leafy vegetables and brewer's yeast. At least 200 mcg daily of folic acid, and preferably 400 mcg is recommended for gum health. Folic acid is also important for cell growth throughout the body, preventing birth defects and for keeping the heart and blood vessels healthy.

The antioxidant nutrient, co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) provides energy needed for gum cell growth and healing of gum tissue. It also energizes the immune system. Dosages can range from 50 to 150 mg a day or 2 mg of CoQ10 for each kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight, according to Michael T. Murray, N.D., in his Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Other nutrients important for gum health include vitamin A (and beta carotene), zinc, vitamin E, selenium, and flavonoids such as quercetin, catechin, anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins. The flavonoids can be found in bilberry, hawthorn, grape seed, and green tea, and in many fruits (especially citrus) and vegetables.