Polyphenols fight periodontal disease

March 14, 2006

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In this issue
	Life Extension Update Exclusive
		Polyphenols fight periodontal disease
	Protocol
		Periodontitis
	Featured Products
		Grapeseed Extract with Resveratrol
		MistOral III™ CoQ10

Life Extension Update Exclusive

Polyphenols fight periodontal disease

The 35th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental Research held in Orlando, Florida this year was the site of a presentation on March 10 by researchers from Laval University in Quebec on the finding that polyphenols, which are antioxidant compounds found in red wine, grape seeds, cranberries and other plant foods, can help prevent and treat periodontitis. Periodontitis is an infectious, inflammatory disease of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth that can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss. Approximately 65 percent of adults over the age of 50 are affected by the disease.

Laval researchers V. Houde, D. Grenier and S. Chandad investigated the effect of polyphenols, including some from red wine, on scavenging free radicals generated by immune cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharides from the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. These free radicals, along with nitric oxide, may be involved in tissue and bone destruction.

They found that macrophages treated with bacterial lipopolysaccharides generated a significant amount of nitric oxide and free radicals compared to untreated cells. Pretreatment with polyphenols from grape seed extract reduced nitric oxide by 60 percent and free radicals by 40 percent. Treatment with the polyphenol epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG, which is abundant in green tea) inhibited nitric oxide by 37% and free radicals by 44%.

Doctors Grenier and Chandad collaborated with C. Bodet on another study published in the March, 2006 issue of the Journal of Dental Research which found that cranberry constituents helped inhibit the inflammatory response induced by periodontal disease bacteria.

In their abstract summarizing the current study, the authors conclude, “ Our findings demonstrate that red wine polyphenols have potent antioxidant properties, supporting the hypothesis of beneficial effects of red wine in oxidative stress mediated by periodontogenic bacteria.”

Protocol

Periodontitis and cavities

Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are inflammatory diseases that affect the supporting structures that anchor the teeth in place (periodontium). Gingivitis and periodontitis are related conditions: if left untreated, gingivitis, or inflammation of the gingival tissue (gums), can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition. Gingivitis is a treatable and reversible condition, while periodontitis is an irreversible condition that can lead to tooth loss.

Avoid behaviors that contribute to gum disease and tooth decay, especially tobacco use and consumption of refined sugar. Instead, focus on consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables that provide important phytochemicals and nutrients. In addition, patients with gum disease and existing heart disease should monitor their levels of inflammation. C-reactive protein and homocysteine are both indicators of inflammation, which can be determined by blood tests. For more information on comprehensive blood testing, call 1-800-544-4440.

A mouthwash containing tea tree oil, peppermint, eucalyptus, and other soothing nutrients may also be helpful. A mouth spray called MistOral III ™ contains CoQ10, vitamin E, camu-camu, peelu, vitamin K1, gotu kola extract, propolis extract, and other herbal ingredients. The recommended daily usage is to spray this along the gum lines and swish it through the mouth and teeth several times.

In addition, a number of nutrients have been shown to improve oral health, including:

Coenzyme Q10 —100 milligrams (mg) daily
Folic acid —400 micrograms (mcg) to 800 mcg daily
Green tea extract —725 mg daily (93 percent polyphenols)
Vitamin C —2 to 4 grams (g) a day (taken as 500 mg every few hours)
Calcium —1200 mg to 1500 mg daily
Vitamin D —800 mg to 1000 mg daily
Omega-3 fatty acids —Up to 3000 mg daily of EPA/DHA
Omega-6 fatty acids —Up to 3000 mg daily of GLA

https://www.lifeextension.com/protocols/dental/periodontitis_cavities_01.htm

Featured Products

Grapeseed Extract with Resveratrol

Life Extension's Grapeseed Extract with Resveratrol formula provides a concentrated blend of standardized proanthocyanidins found in grape seed and skins. The proanthocyanidins and flavonoids in this new formula are rapidly absorbed and distributed throughout the body, helping to eliminate free radicals while promoting healthy collagen formation.

Unlike other products that contain only proanthocyanidins, this new blend also provides standardized resveratrol, the polyphenol in red wine that has shown so many health benefits.

https://www.lifeextension.com/newshop/items/item00816.html

MistOral III™ with CoQ10

MistOral III will keep the breath fresh all day long and add whitening power to your dental routine. MistOral III uses 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide that is both safe and effective. Another key ingredient, green tea, is cardio- and neuroprotective.

https://www.lifeextension.com/newshop/items/item00803.html

If you have questions or comments concerning this issue or past issues of Life Extension Update, send them to ddye@lifeextension.com or call 1-800-678-8989.

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