Tim Talks: Teeth

Poet and presenter, Pam Ayres, had the right idea back in 1975 when she wrote ‘Oh, I wish I’d looked after me teeth’, and The British Dental Association wholeheartedly agree. Today, 83% of all British adults have periodontal disease and that, when combined with the equally negative statistics attached to the gum and dental health of our children, is why it is now regarded as our silent epidemic. Gum inflammation and infection affects around 60% of our 12 year olds and, even more concerning, evidence now shows that gum disease and tooth decay can be directly linked to rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

It is estimated that 10 million of us suffer with arthritic pain in Great Britain, 1 million of those children. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are particularly devastating and include a severe impairment in dexterity and mobility together with constant pain. Taking into consideration the steady increase in cases of heart disease, diabetes and dementia, it seems clear that something must be done. So what can we do about it? Can treating gum disease really have such a positive impact on whole body health?

‘Using a gum to fight to fight gum disease, now that’s clever.’

Well, the answer is yes, and the solution may be as simple as taking a daily probiotic. I am hugely interested in the essential part probiotics play in everyday life and have been involved in the development of a variety of probiotic products. However, two brand new studies have caught my eye. Varying combinations of probiotic strains are being added to a chewing gum and a lozenge in order to treat gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums linked to tooth decay and tooth loss. Using these specific methods as delivery vehicles is effective because they have the added benefit of enhancing saliva production, so important in providing the correct ecosystem for good oral health. They also target the unwanted bacteria present in the mouth at source. Taking a probiotic capsule is one thing but, come on, using a gum to fight gum disease. Now that’s clever.

The mouth provides an inviting environment for bacteria. Any infection there can travel rapidly into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune condition caused by an over-reaction of the immune system to infection. You can clearly see the link.

My grandmother, a celebrated dress designer, suffered from rheumatoid arthritis in her later years, preventing her from continuing her life-long love affair with fashion. By comparison, my grandfather, not necessarily known for his services to the fashion industry, often joked as he grew older about his steadily increasing ability to match his teeth to his hair. His abundant brown, curly hair was a source of great pride. His brown, curly teeth, not so much.

The regular dental checks of today were simply not available to my grandparents and it is clear that a lack of good dental care may well have impacted upon my grandmother’s rheumatoid arthritis and can be held responsible for the state of my grandfather’s teeth. You can’t help but wonder if taking a daily probiotic would have improved my grandparents’ oral health to the extent that the chances of developing an inflammatory disease, like rheumatoid arthritis, may have been lessened. Having said that, adequate dental care is still not available to all, a century on. Not only do we have to work quickly to address this but we must also accept that, as a consequence, we remain vulnerable to the onset of any disease in which inflammation and infection play a role.

Nobel Teeth Prize

Another area of interest is Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or Ubiquinone as it is also known. Diseased gum tissue has been shown to contain very low levels of CoQ10 and trials have shown that CoQ10 supplementation slows the rate of progression of gum disease whilst increasing the rate of gum healing. It was discovered in 1957 and pioneering research into its far-reaching benefits, undertaken by Peter Mitchell, earned him the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1978.

It was around this time that my father underwent an intensive programme of radio and chemotherapy and was advised that, after treatment, he should make an appointment with his dentist and have all of his teeth removed. The damage the treatment would cause was, at the time, considered irreparable. My father’s dentist was unwilling to remove teeth as a matter of course and he agreed to do whatever was necessary to help my father keep his teeth for as long as possible.

After chemotherapy, dad’s teeth were extremely loose. However, after supplementing with CoQ10, his teeth became more rooted within his gums and the fight was on. Happily, my father, now in his eighties, still has all of his own teeth and his dental team believe this can be solely attributed to his daily supplementation with CoQ10.

‘CoQ10 is as essential as spark plugs in a car engine.’

CoQ10 operates in a similar way to the spark plugs in your car engine. Your car just won’t start without them. If our spark plugs need replacing then that’s what we do. The same applies when our levels of CoQ10 decline. It is essential in supporting heart and liver function, for providing energy when fighting infection, for boosting healthy immune function and for increasing the production and motility of sperm. Many of the trials involving CoQ10 have focused on cardiovascular support, showing reductions in symptom severity and in the number of hospitalisations. It is linked to lowering high blood pressure and enhances the antioxidant activities of Vitamin E, aiding the maintenance of healthy arteries. Patients prescribed cholesterol-reducing statin medication are now also advised to take a daily CoQ10 supplement in order to maintain optimal levels.

Harnessing your inner Superman ...

If we’re talking optimal, wow-factor CoQ10, then meet Ubiquinol. If Ubquinone is, say, Clark Kent (great human being with hidden depths) then Ubiquinol is all-round superhero, Superman. Until recently, the only way to increase levels of Ubiquinol in the body was to convert it from Ubiquinone in the liver. However, a scientific breakthrough by Kaneka ( Kaneka Nutrients Europe , KANEKA CORPORATION ) the leading CoQ10 manufacturer, has allowed them to stabilize Ubiquinol for use in supplements. Kaneka QH™ would be my recommendation to all seeking to release their inner Superman.

To round-up, CoQ10 supplementation has also been linked to an improvement in mental function in patients suffering with Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s, and has been used successfully in supporting the treatment of male infertility and diabetes, as well as looking after those pearly whites. I hope I’ve given you something to chew over. However, I don’t know about you but I’m off to clean my teeth!

Tim Gaunt

About the Author

Tim Gaunt is a biochemist and nutritionist and an advocate for the promotion of better health and wellbeing. His expert opinion has been sought on a wide and diverse range of subjects over a period spanning four decades. Please read and share in his expertise as he freely debates health issues via his LinkedIn page.

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