Periodontal diseases are conditions that affect the gums, jawbone, connective tissues and ligaments in the mouth.  These conditions affect many people.  About 90% of the population suffers from gingivitis or inflammation of the gums.

Gingivitis can turn into periodontitis.  It is a chronic inflammatory disease that may lead to destruction of the teeth and supporting tissues.  While poor oral hygiene, smoking, age, genetics and other health conditions may also increase the risk of developing periodontal disease.

While dental health professionals use several approaches to treat it including scaling and root planning, medication and surgery… some studies have shown that certain supplements reduce the risk of periodontal disease or treat it in those who have the condition.

Here are FIVE supplements you could consider taking to improve your gum health and treat periodontal disease.

  1. Vitamin C – It’s essential to produce a structural protein called collagen.  Collagen is an important part of the gums.  A vitamin c deficiency can result in inflamed, bleeding and painful gums.
  2. Omega-3s – These fatty acids have powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.  A 2020 reviews of six studies showed that people who took omega-3 supplements had significant improvements in measures of periodontal disease.
  3. Melatonin – It’s a hormone the body makes naturally. You can also purchase it in supplement form.  It plays important roles in the body and is involved in your sleep-wake rhythm, immune system function, blood pressure regulation, and more. It’s also known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-swelling properties.  Some studies suggest that lower melatonin levels in the saliva are associated with more severe periodontal disease. 
  4. Vitamin D – It’s a nutrient your body needs for several critical processes, including the functioning of the immune and musculoskeletal systems.  Vitamin D plays an important role in oral health as well, including the health of the gums. It may help boost gum health by increasing the body’s antibacterial defense systems, maintaining healthy gum tissue, and reducing inflammation in the gums.
  5. Green Tea – Sipping green tea, taking green tea extract, or applying products that contain green tea to the gums may have a beneficial effect on oral health.  Green tea may help reduce inflammation and inhibit bacterial growth, thereby benefiting those with gum disease.  Using green tea chewing gum, green tea gel, green tea toothpaste and green tea mouthwash may help reduce plaque, inflammation, and bleeding of the gums in people with periodontal disease.

If you want to improve the health of your gums or have periodontal disease, make sure to get regular dental cleanings and follow your dentist’s recommendations to maintain the health of your gums.  If you have a periodontal/dental implant condition, it’s important to receive treatment before it becomes a dental emergency. At the Havrilla Center for Periodontics & Dental Implants located in Broomall, PA, attending to your comfort and concerns is our first priority.  Our mission is to provide you with the highest quality of periodontal and dental implant care in a warm and friendly environment.

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