Gum Disease and Heart
Disease: An association between gum disease and heart disease has been proposed for many years, but this has not
been confirmed by research. The
relationship was formally acknowledged by the American Heart Association in an April 2012 report, which was supported by the American Dental Association.

The results of a survey on the dental health of nearly
15,000 individuals with coronary artery
disease was published this month (Vedin
O, Hagström E, Gallup D, et al. Periodontal disease in patients with chronic
coronary heart disease: Prevalence and association with cardiovascular risk
factors. Eur J Prev Cardiol 201). The researchers found a very high incidence
of tooth loss and gum bleeding in the study individuals. The lead author concluded, "The seemingly
high prevalence in this population for tooth loss in particular illustrates a
major oral health issue that may in part be due to the influence of risk
factors common to both periodontal disease and coronary heart disease, such as
age and smoking.”

What I believe to be the most significant common denominator
in gum and heart disease, however, continues to be overlooked. Both conditions are characterized by low
levels of coenzyme Q10. It is
interesting to note that the study individuals were taking statin drugs, which
block the body's ability to manufacture coenzyme Q10.

For over two decades I have seen people with periodontal (gum)
disease respond to coenzyme Q10 supplementation. Several who had disease so severe that they
were scheduled to have all of their teeth extracted were able to cancel the
procedure and keep their teeth after starting supplementation.

Individuals with coronary heart disease also benefit greatly
by coenzyme Q10 supplementation. People
with congestive heart failure consistently improve when given coenzyme
Q10.

It is tragic that the American Heart Association and the
American Dental Association admit that the association between gum and heart
disease exists yet fail to point out the relationship to coenzyme Q10
deficiency. A few physicians have
started to recommend coenzyme Q10 supplementation when they prescribe a statin
drug, but most do not.

Good teeth and a sound heart are valuable assets and should
be protected. Loose teeth and bleeding
gums strongly suggest that the body is deficient in coenzyme Q10. Supplementation is not only capable of restoring
gum health, but may prevent a heart attack or heart failure as well.