In the gums and supporting tissues around the teeth, low CoQ10 levels have been linked to worse periodontal inflammation and deeper pocketing, likely because CoQ10 is essential for local mitochondrial energy production and antioxidant defense. Small human studies have found that people with periodontitis often have reduced CoQ10 in gingival tissue or crevicular fluid, and that topical or oral CoQ10 used alongside standard scaling and root planing can modestly improve measures such as bleeding on probing and pocket depth. The practical implication is that maintaining adequate CoQ10 status may help support healthier periodontal tissues and could be a useful adjunctive strategy, particularly in individuals with chronic gum disease or high oxidative stress in the oral cavity. This medication is commonly used for High Cholesterol.
Prakash S, Sunitha J, Hans M. Role of coenzyme Q(10) as an antioxidant and bioenergizer in periodontal diseases. Indian J Pharmacol. 2010 Dec;42(6):334-7. R. Nakamura, G.P. Littarru, K. Folkers, & E.G. Wilkinson. Study of CoQ10-Enzymes in Gingiva from Patients with Periodontal Disease and Evidence for a Deficiency of Coenzyme Q10*, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 71 (4) 1456-1460. Ali K. Barakat et.al. Clinical Evaluation of Co-enzyme Q10 in Management of Chronic Periodontitis Patients: Mouth Split Study. International Journal of Health Sciences & Research. Vol.9; Issue: 1; January 2019.
Some side effects may be linked to nutrient depletion caused by this medication.
Studies have shown that HMG CoA Reductase Inhibitors (also called statins) not only lower LDL-C and apoB plasma levels but also platelet levels of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). This powerful antioxidant is mostly concentrated in the mitochondria with multiple metabolic functions and a deficiency can negatively affect many parts of the body including the brain, muscles, kidneys and heart. Supplementation with CoQ10 may be beneficial to help protect against a deficiency when on a statin therapy.