When it comes to oral health, most people think of brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups. There is however a natural ally for oral health in the form of curcumin, one of the active compounds found in turmeric.

What is curcumin?

Curcumin is one of the active compounds found in turmeric root. It has been extensively studied for its ability to quench inflammation, combat oxidative stress, and encourage healing processes, all of which are important for gum health, and studies are ongoing.

Why is gum health important?

Healthy gums are the foundation for a good smile. Gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, affect millions of people worldwide and can lead to the loss of teeth if left untreated. Bleeding gums, swollen gums, and bad breath should never be ignored. Numerous studies have shown that people with poor oral health, such as gum disease, have higher rates of cardiovascular problems.¹

Professional dental care with important and natural compounds, such as curcumin, may complement conventional treatments.

Curcumin’s benefits for gum health

Researchers from medical colleges in India illustrated that curcumin displays potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Published in GMS Hygiene and Infection Control (Vol 20) these studies indicate that curcumin significantly decreases markers of inflammation, enhances the healing processes and provides pain relief. It is therefore suggested that curcumin should be considered as an adjunctive treatment for oral  inflammatory conditions.²

Their studies indicate that:

Curcumin inhibits inflammatory pathways that contribute to gum swelling and tenderness. It calms inflamed and irritated tissues.

This research suggests that curcumin has antimicrobial properties that may reduce harmful oral bacteria linked to plaque build-up and gum disease.

Curcumin can enhance tissue repair, supporting the regeneration of healthy tissue after irritation or injury to the gums.

By neutralising free radicals, curcumin helps protect gums from oxidative stress which plays a major role in gum disease.                                    

Whilst turmeric-based mouthwashes and curcumin toothpastes and gels are available, there is no substitute for a good curcumin supplement. Taking a curcumin supplement will provide systemic anti-inflammatory benefits not just for gum tissue but for the whole body.

Curcumin is just one of the 20+ anti-inflammatory compounds in turmeric root. The researchers in the studies, referenced above, found varying outcomes with different products suggesting that the quality of the supplement used was also important.

DoSe Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex is in my opinion one of the best curcumin supplements on the market. It contains not one but three of the most potent anti-inflammatory and protective compounds found in turmeric, notably Curcumin, Demethoxycurcumin, and Bisdemthoxycurcumin. Although these compounds are absorbed efficiently, the formulation also contains a patented extract from Black Pepper, BioPerine®, which further increases absorption and bioavailability.

I believe that adding DoSe Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex will be of benefit for almost everyone, especially those with periodontal or gum disease. It is a natural partner in oral health alongside regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.

References:

1. Harvard Health
2. GMS Hygiene and Infection Control – Role of Curcumin in oral infection and inflammation. Karthik Shunmugavelu et al.