Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) Benefits in Oral Health

CoQ10 is a naturally-occuring compound found in every cell in the body and it is is necessary for the basic functioning of cells. CoQ10 plays a key role in producing energy in the mitochondria, the part of a cell responsible for the production of energy. It is most concentrated in the energy–demanding heart, brain and muscle systems. Unfortunately, CoQ10 levels decrease with age. Reduced CoQ10 levels, due either to aging or certain disease conditions, may be overcome by supplementation. Older animals receiving CoQ10 show increased levels in their blood and brain, and CoQ10 supplements may help humans in the same way.

CoQ10 is a very powerful antioxidant. Published research has suggested that Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is beneficial for certain types of heart disease. What is less widely known is it's role in the support of gum health. Oxidative damage occurs with periodontitis. A gingival deficiency of CoQ10 can predispose individuals to gingivitis and periodontitis, and periodontitis can even augment CoQ10 deficiency. One clinical study demonstrated that topically applied of CoQ10 around deep pocket area was extremely effective in reducing periodontal pocket depths, and that healing was so excellent after 5-7 days of treatment even when diseased gingival sites were difficult to locate. Another different clinical study demonstrated that individuals with periodontitis frequently have significant gingival and white blood cell CoQ10 deficiencies. This white blood cell CoQ10 deficiency indicated a systemic nutritional imbalance, and not caused by neglected oral hygiene!


Therefore, CoQ10 supplementation is important not only for improvement of periodontal diseases, but also increased body resistance to infections. CoQ10 has antioxidant properties and controls oxygen flow within cells, assists with absorption of other nutrients, and boosts immune properties. Individuals with periodontal disease have been shown to be deficient in CoQ10, both locally and systemically. CoQ10 also has a protective and strengthening action in all tissues.


- Cloverdale Dentist