Gingivitis is a usually painless dental condition involving microorganism (typically bacterially) caused inflammation of the gums (gingivae). Typical symptoms include red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Some sufferers manifest a bad taste in their mouth or persistent bad breath (Halitosis). In advanced gingivitis, the gums recede and thus expose the nerve roots, and the teeth may actually become loose.

Another insidious gum disease is periodontitis, which is a more serious inflammation of both the gums and tissue that surrounds and provides support to the teeth.

These conditions are often progressive and can, if left untreated, eventually cause loss of bone that supports the teeth. For adults past age 30, periodontal disease causes more tooth loss than cavities. And advanced or severe periodontitis can in some instances necessitate surgical intervention to repair damaged tissue.

Many dentists (DDS, DMD) prescribe powerful antibacterial mouthwashes such as chlorhexidine (Peridex®, PerioGard®). These mouthwashes are typically part of a program of oral health care that includes proper tooth brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. In some instances antibiotics are prescribed. In severe cases gum surgery is mandated.

In various double-blind studies, it was shown that a 0.1% solution of folate in the form of an oral mouth rinse (5 ml twice a day for 30 to 60 days) reduced gingivitis-related gum inflammation and bleeding. In addition, folic acid was also found to be of benefit when taken in capsule or tablet form (4 mg per day.

For readers considering an oral form of folic acid, a time-release would likely be best for reasons outlined in this article: Is Use of (water soluble) supplement Vitamins a waste of money?

One premier time-released folate-containing product worth considering is NUTRACENE

People who do not get enough vitamin C in their diets may be at increased risk of developing periodontal disease. In one study, folks with periodontitis who took in only 20–35 mg of vitamin C daily experienced significant turnaround in their condition after 6 weeks of taking an additional 70 mgs of C daily.  For people who do not ordinarily consume lots of vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables, supplementation with vitamin C may be in order as a preventative.

There is also evidence that indicates that gingivitis is due (in part) to a deficiency of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). This makes sense, because CoQ10 is so integrally involved in tissue maintenance and repair. Not surprisingly, at least one double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that 50 mg per day of CoQ10 taken for three weeks was significantly more effective than a placebo at reducing gingivitis symptoms.

Readers interested in acquiring a CoQ10 product need to get a form that is maximally assimilated and utilized in the body such as CARDIUM

Some studies indicate that people with periodontal disease benefit from supplemental calcium (500 mgs twice daily).

There are also toothpastes and mouth rinses that contain sanguinarine, a compound found in the herb Bloodroot that kills bacteria. In one six-month, double-blind placebo-controlled study it was shown that a bloodroot and zinc toothpaste reduced gingivitis significantly better than a placebo. This said, it should be noted that sanguinarine may cause tissue damage if used for protracted periods of time. Given this, readers who elect to use a sanguinarine-based toothpaste or mouth rinse should respect manufacturer’s recommendations and restrictions.

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