The link between poor oral health, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes has been known for years, especially among dental researchers, but the conventional medical establishment is widely dismissive of the association.
To further educate physicians about the risks, a group of British researchers examined all the research conducted over the last five years and found a definitive link between periodontal disease and increased risk of heart disease. In addition, the researchers found an association between periodontal disease and poor blood sugar control in people with diabetes. (The term “periodontal disease” is used by the researchers to generally describe diseases that affect the gums.)
In their published report, the researchers acknowledge that it is not yet known whether periodontal disease is a direct cause of heart disease and poor blood sugar control. They do know, however, that these increased risks are at least partially caused by the high level of body-wide inflammation that accompanies periodontal disease. Bacteria and their products, as well as molecules produced by the immune system to mediate inflammation, pass through the damaged gum lining into the body’s general circulation.
The studies reviewed by the researchers also showed that improved oral hygiene, plaque reduction, and treatment of periodontal disease offer great health benefits, assisting in diabetes control and decreasing overall levels of inflammation.
As a naturopathic physician, the first treatments I consider for patients with periodontal disease include folic acid, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, coenzyme Q10, and hyaluronic acid. A liquid solution of folic acid used as a mouth rinse has been shown in double-blind clinical trials to reduce gum inflammation and bleeding in people with gingivitis. Other double-blind studies have indicated positive results using oral Vitamin C plus bioflavonoids, oral and/or topical coenzyme Q10, and topical hyaluronic acid.
Herbal treatments have also been studied and shown to be effective. Herbs such as neem, chamomile, echinacea, and myrrh, in various toothpastes, gels, and mouth rinses, for instance, can be safe and effective treatments for gingivitis.
