Dental Articles
Complementary and alternative medicine
Because nutrition plays a major role in oral health, many complementary and alternative therapies focus on supplying your body with certain nutrients. Some of these include:
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): This substance, which occurs naturally in your body and in a wide variety of foods, plays a key role in the production of cellular energy. It's also a powerful anti-oxidant, many times more potent than vitamin C. Researchers have studied the potential effect of CoQ10 on a number of conditions, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease. Among other findings, CoQ10 applied to pockets of diseased gum tissue appears to significantly reduce infection, but no studies have measured the effectiveness of oral CoQ10. If you want to try oral CoQ10, you can purchase supplements at natural foods stores and some pharmacies. Look for oil-based capsules, which are far better absorbed and utilized than dry capsules are.
- Grapefruit seed extract: This natural extract has proven antibiotic qualities. Some people suggest adding a drop to your regular toothpaste every time you brush. Look for grapefruit seed extract in natural foods stores or online.
- Cranberries: Long known as a treatment for urinary tract infections, cranberries and cranberry juice work by preventing bacteria from adhering to cells that line the bladder. Cranberries may also keep bacteria from adhering to the teeth and gums. Unfortunately, most cranberry products have sugar added, which can undo the beneficial effects. Choose products sweetened with fruit juices instead of sugar.